There’s something incredibly satisfying about making Homemade Soft Pretzels from scratch. With just a few steps and basic ingredients, you can create fluffy, golden-brown pretzels that are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfectly salted. This recipe is ideal for a cozy day at home or a crowd-pleasing snack that’s bound to impress family and friends!

Soft, Warm, and Delicious Pretzels

Whether you’re looking to recreate the magic of a fairground snack or want to elevate your next movie night, these homemade soft pretzels are just the answer. They’re lightly crispy on the outside, deliciously chewy on the inside, and have that signature salty bite that keeps you coming back for more. No need to buy them pre-made when these easy-to-follow steps yield perfect results every time.

From the dough preparation to the traditional baking soda bath, this recipe covers all you need to create authentic soft pretzels. It’s easier than you might think—and the results are well worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s nothing like fresh-baked, warm pretzels to enjoy with your favorite dip. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with making these homemade soft pretzels:

Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples like flour, yeast, and sugar.
Great Texture: Soft and chewy inside, with a slight crunch outside.
Customizable Toppings: Keep it classic with salt, or try cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.
Easy to Make: With step-by-step guidance, you’ll have perfect pretzels in no time.

Get ready to make the best soft pretzels that are deliciously soft and chewy, with that unmistakable buttery flavor. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a fun activity to enjoy with friends and family!

Ingredients for Homemade Soft Pretzels

The ingredients for these soft pretzels are simple and straightforward, yet each one plays an important role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough, helping balance the salt and enhancing the yeast’s activity for better rising.
Kosher Salt – Adds flavor to the dough itself, and a bit extra is sprinkled on top for that classic pretzel saltiness.
Instant Yeast – Essential for giving the pretzels their rise and airy texture. Instant yeast speeds up the rising process, making this recipe quicker than traditional yeast-based recipes.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure and chewiness we love in pretzels. Make sure to measure carefully for the perfect dough consistency.
Warm Water – Activates the yeast and combines all ingredients to form the dough. Aim for water around 110°F to ensure the yeast works effectively.
Salted Butter – Adds rich flavor and softness to the dough, making each bite tender and delicious.
Baking Soda – The key to that signature pretzel flavor and golden-brown crust. A quick baking soda bath helps develop that slight crispiness and color.
Egg Yolk and Water – Creates a simple egg wash that gives the pretzels a shiny, golden finish once baked.
Pretzel Salt – A coarse salt that’s sprinkled on top before baking, adding texture and enhancing the flavor of each bite.

How to Make Homemade Soft Pretzels

Making soft pretzels from scratch is easy and fun! With a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious, golden pretzels ready to enjoy. Here’s how to make them:

Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the sugar, salt, yeast, and flour. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution of the yeast and seasoning.
Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the warm water and melted butter. Using a dough hook attachment, mix the ingredients on low speed until they’re well combined. Then, increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and starts pulling away from the bowl.
Let the Dough Rise
Remove the dough from the mixing bowl, wiping the bowl clean and coating it with oil or nonstick spray. Return the dough to the bowl, cover it with a tea towel or plastic wrap, and place it in a warm spot to rise for 50-55 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. (A slightly warmed oven works well for this!)
Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets
Set your oven to 450°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats, coat with cooking spray, and set aside.
Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Carefully stir in the baking soda until dissolved. This bath will give the pretzels their characteristic flavor and brown crust.
Shape the Pretzels
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly oiled work surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a rope about 16-18 inches long. To shape, create a “U” shape, twist the ends over each other, and press them down onto the bottom of the “U” to form a pretzel.
Dip and Arrange on Baking Sheets
Carefully place each pretzel into the baking soda bath for 30 seconds, then transfer it to the prepared baking sheets. This quick dip gives the pretzels their distinct flavor and texture.
Add Egg Wash and Salt
Brush the tops of the pretzels with the beaten egg yolk mixture and sprinkle generously with pretzel salt for that classic finish.
Bake
Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Transfer them to a cooling rack and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

With these steps, you’ll achieve soft, delicious pretzels every time. Enjoy warm or cooled with your favorite dips!

Baking and Serving Homemade Soft Pretzels

Soft pretzels bake quickly, and watching them turn golden brown in the oven is a treat on its own! Follow these tips for perfectly baked pretzels, along with suggestions for storage and reheating.

How Long to Bake Soft Pretzels

The baking time for homemade pretzels is fairly quick, but here’s how to ensure they’re perfectly done:

Bake Time: Bake your pretzels in a preheated 450°F oven for approximately 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake—when they reach a beautiful golden-brown color, they’re ready!
Visual Check: They should be golden brown on the outside and feel firm to the touch. The baking soda bath will have given them a slight crust, while keeping the insides soft and chewy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your soft pretzels warm with any of these tasty options:

Classic Mustard: A little Dijon or spicy brown mustard adds the perfect tangy complement.
Cheese Sauce: Gooey, melty cheese sauce makes a delicious dip for these soft pretzels.
Honey Mustard: For a sweet and tangy option, try honey mustard.
Cinnamon Sugar: For a sweet variation, skip the pretzel salt and brush with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after baking.

How to Store and Reheat Pretzels

Soft pretzels are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:

At Room Temperature: Place any remaining pretzels in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the pretzels in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
In the Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the pretzels. Wrap each one in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips

For the best texture when reheating, follow these steps:

In the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the pretzels on a baking sheet. Warm them for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
In the Microwave: Wrap a pretzel in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 15-20 seconds, though this method may soften the outer crust.

Helpful Baking Tips

Use Warm Water for the Dough: Water around 110°F is ideal for activating the yeast. Too hot, and it might kill the yeast; too cold, and it may not rise properly.
Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: This step gives the pretzels their signature color, flavor, and slight crunch on the outside.
Rest After Baking: Allow the pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving. This brief rest lets the texture settle, making each bite even better.

These tips ensure that every pretzel is soft, flavorful, and perfectly textured, whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated as a tasty snack!

The Best Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

Author: Sally Thompson
Total Time: 9 minute
Yield: 12 pretzels 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Soft, chewy, and irresistibly golden-brown, these Homemade Soft Pretzels are the perfect snack! With a few simple steps, you’ll enjoy fresh, buttery pretzels right from your own kitchen.

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, kosher salt, yeast, and flour.
Add the warm water and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until combined, then increase to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the bowl, about 5 minutes.
Remove the dough, wipe out the bowl, and coat with oil or cooking spray. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for 50-55 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 450˚F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and coat with cooking spray.
In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil, then carefully add the baking soda.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled work surface and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 16-18 inch rope. Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a “U,” twisting the ends, and pressing them down to the bottom.
One by one, place each pretzel into the baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Using a large spatula, remove each pretzel and place on the prepared baking sheets.
Brush each pretzel with the egg yolk mixture and sprinkle with pretzel salt.
Bake for 12-14 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer pretzels to a cooling rack for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Rising Tip: To help dough rise faster, preheat your oven to 200˚F, turn it off, then place the covered bowl inside.
Make-Ahead Option: Freeze shaped pretzels before the baking soda bath for easy future baking. When ready, thaw, dip in the baking soda bath, and bake.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes