Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

Homemade Soft Pretzels

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 72 reviews

These homemade soft pretzels are wonderfully chewy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a classic malt flavor and a signature pretzel shape. Made with simple ingredients and finished with a baking soda bath for the perfect golden crust, these pretzels are perfect for snacking, game-day appetizers, or a fun family baking project.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 pretzels

Ingredients

Pretzel Dough

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 package dry active yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 egg white, optional
  • Sea salt, optional

Baking Soda Bath

  • 4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup baking soda

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Allow to sit for 5 minutes until bubbly. If the yeast does not activate and become bubbly, repeat this step with new yeast.
  2. Make the Dough: Add melted butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Using the mixer on low, knead the dough for 10 minutes until it’s soft and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  3. Let the Dough Rise: Cover and allow the dough to rise at room temperature until doubled in size (about 1 hour), or use an Instant Pot set to Yogurt NORMAL for 15 minutes after spraying the liner with nonstick spray.
  4. Divide and Shape: Punch down the risen dough and divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a 2-foot long rope, shape into a ‘U’, twist the ends, and fold them down to form the classic pretzel shape. Pinch the ends to seal.
  5. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot (or Instant Pot, set to Saute HIGH), bring 4 cups water and 1/4 cup baking soda to a boil.
  6. Boil the Pretzels: Gently place each shaped pretzel, one at a time, into the boiling soda water for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spatula and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Add Toppings: Brush each pretzel with egg white (if using) and sprinkle with sea salt for extra flavor and shine.
  8. Bake: Bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown.
  9. Cool and Serve: Let the pretzels cool for 5 minutes before eating. Enjoy warm for the best texture!

Notes

  • If the yeast doesn’t bubble in the first step, you’ll need new yeast for successful pretzels.
  • For extra shine and color, brush with egg white before baking.
  • Best enjoyed fresh, within an hour of baking.
  • To store for later, freeze cooled pretzels and reheat in the oven at 425°F for 8-10 minutes.
  • Experiment with toppings like cinnamon sugar or everything bagel seasoning for fun flavor variations.
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pretzel
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 570mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Find it online: https://sophiasplate.com/homemade-soft-pretzels/