Description
Homemade Soft Pretzels are golden, chewy on the outside and soft on the inside, finished with coarse salt and perfect for dipping. This classic snack is easy to make at home and delivers bakery-style results with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- Coarse sea salt, for topping
- 1 egg yolk, beaten with a splash of water
- Mustard, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until dough forms. Knead for 8 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Divide dough into 8 pieces. Roll each into a rope and twist into a pretzel shape.
- Bring a large pot of water to a simmer and add baking soda.
- Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on baking sheet.
- Brush pretzels with egg yolk and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes until deep golden brown. Serve warm with mustard.
Notes
- Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it’s essential for the classic pretzel crust.
- Use a scale for even-sized pretzels.
- Try cinnamon sugar or cheese toppings for variety.