Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Soft Pretzels are golden, chewy, and buttery with that signature salty bite and soft interior. Perfect as a snack, party appetizer, or fun weekend baking project, these pretzels taste just like the ones from the mall—only fresher, warmer, and more delicious straight from your oven.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
warm water
active dry yeast
granulated sugar
salt
unsalted butter (melted)
baking soda (for boiling)
coarse salt (for topping)
optional: egg wash (for extra golden color)

directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add baking soda carefully (it will bubble up).

Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a rope and twist into pretzel shapes.

One at a time, dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 20–30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on baking sheet.

Brush pretzels with egg wash (if using) and sprinkle with coarse salt.

Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8 soft pretzels.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Top with cinnamon sugar instead of salt for a sweet twist.
Add shredded cheese before baking for cheesy pretzels.
Serve with mustard, cheese dip, or chocolate sauce.
Make pretzel bites instead of full shapes for easy snacking.
Stuff with cheese or sausage for a filled version.

storage/reheating

Store cooled pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 300°F (150°C) until warm.
Freeze baked pretzels for up to 2 months—thaw and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Do I have to boil the pretzels?
Yes, the baking soda bath is key for their classic chewy crust.

Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, skip the proofing step and mix directly into the flour.

Why are my pretzels dense?
Be sure the yeast is active and the dough has enough time to rise.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough after rising and shape/bake the next day.

Can I skip the egg wash?
Yes, but egg wash helps give them a shiny, golden finish.

Conclusion

Homemade Soft Pretzels are a fun and delicious baking project that yields warm, chewy perfection with minimal ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying them salty or sweet, these pretzels are a crowd-pleasing treat you’ll want to make again and again.