Homemade soft pretzels recipe
Soft pretzels are a timeless treat, loved for their tender, slightly chewy texture and beautifully golden crust. This oven-baked soft pretzel recipe creates bakery-quality pretzels perfect for snacking or sharing.
With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, these homemade pretzels deliver unbeatable flavor. Their rich aroma and savory taste are complemented perfectly with a sprinkling of coarse salt or your favorite toppings.
Essential Ingredients for Oven-Baked Soft Pretzel Magic
- All-purpose flour – The backbone of the dough, providing the structure for that soft, chewy texture.
- Warm water – Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough, ensuring a perfect rise.
- Active dry yeast – The secret to a light and airy texture; makes the dough rise beautifully.
- Butter – Adds richness and a hint of indulgent flavor.
- Granulated sugar – Feeds the yeast for optimal fermentation, adding a subtle sweetness.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Baking soda – Essential for the water bath, creating the iconic pretzel crust.
- Egg yolk – Provides a glossy finish and helps the salt stick to the surface.
- Kosher salt – The classic topping for that signature pretzel flavor.
How to Craft the Perfect Pretzels: Step by Step
- Activate the yeast by combining warm water, sugar, and salt. Let it froth for a few minutes.
- Gradually mix melted butter and flour into the yeast mixture, kneading until the dough is smooth.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size.
- Divide and shape the dough into classic pretzel forms, boiling each briefly in a baking soda bath.
- Brush with an egg wash, sprinkle with salt, and bake until golden perfection.
Tips for the Best Pretzels Every Time
For perfectly soft pretzels, ensure your water is warm but not hot when activating the yeast. A brief boil in the baking soda bath is essential for that characteristic crust, so don’t skip this step! Customize your toppings with sesame seeds, cinnamon sugar, or shredded cheese for unique twists.
Storing and Reheating Your Pretzels
If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat pretzels in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore their soft texture and warm, toasty flavor.
Enjoy the magic of homemade oven-baked soft pretzels fresh from your kitchen. Perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or an afternoon treat, these pretzels are a true delight!
Soft Pretzels Recipe
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- 2 oz butter melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Water Bath
- 10 cups water
- ⅔ cup baking soda
Topping
- 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
- Kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine warm water, sugar, salt, and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Allow the mixture to rest for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the melted butter and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Use the dough hook attachment on low speed to combine the ingredients, gradually incorporating the remaining flour until the dough forms.
- Knead the dough with the dough hook for approximately 5 minutes, or knead by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until the dough achieves a smooth texture.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, covering it securely. Let it rise in a warm environment for 1 hour, or until its volume doubles.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring the water and baking soda to a boil.
- Divide the risen dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope, then form each rope into a pretzel shape by creating a “U,” crossing the ends over one another, and folding them down to the base of the “U.”
- Using a large spatula, carefully immerse each pretzel into the boiling water bath for 10–15 seconds. Remove from the water, allowing excess liquid to drip off, and arrange the pretzels on the prepared baking sheets with at least 2 inches of space between them.
- Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk mixture and sprinkle with kosher salt, or any toppings of choice.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes until the pretzels turn a deep golden brown.
- Enjoy these warm, soft pretzels fresh from the oven!