Print

Easy and Delicious Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

Easy and Delicious Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 21 reviews

These easy and delicious homemade soft pretzels are a perfect snack or appetizer. Soft on the inside and golden brown on the outside, they are boiled in baking soda water to achieve that classic pretzel texture and topped with coarse salt for a savory finish. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this recipe allows you to enjoy warm, fresh pretzels right from your oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Boiling Solution

  • ¾ cup baking soda
  • Water (enough to fill a large pot for boiling)

Topping

  • Coarse salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Make the dough: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt into the yeast mixture until a dough forms. Stir until combined well.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Let dough rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  5. Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
  6. Shape pretzels: Once risen, divide the dough into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 24-inch long rope and twist into classic pretzel shapes.
  7. Prepare boiling solution: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the baking soda. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds; this helps develop the chewy crust.
  8. Place on baking sheets: Remove the pretzels using a slotted spoon and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
  9. Bake the pretzels: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the pretzels turn golden brown.
  10. Cool and serve: Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use warm water (around 110°F/43°C) for activating yeast; too hot water can kill it.
  • Boiling pretzels in baking soda water is essential for the authentic chewy crust and deep brown color.
  • You can customize toppings by adding cinnamon sugar, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds instead of coarse salt.
  • For a crispier crust, place a pan with water in the oven to create steam while baking.
  • Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, easy pretzel recipe, baking soda pretzels, snack recipe

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/easy-and-delicious-homemade-soft-pretzels-recipe/