Homemade Soft Pretzels (Print)

Soft pretzels with a golden crust and chewy interior, ideal for a satisfying snack.

# What you'll need:

→ Dough

01 - 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
02 - 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet, 7 g)
03 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar (12 g)
04 - 4 cups all-purpose flour (500 g)
05 - 1 tsp fine sea salt (6 g)
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (28 g)

→ Boiling & Topping

07 - 10 cups water (2.4 L)
08 - ⅔ cup baking soda (90 g)
09 - 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp water
10 - Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
03 - Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
05 - Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
06 - Bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot.
07 - Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch rope and shape into a classic pretzel form.
08 - Immerse each pretzel carefully into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds, then transfer with a slotted spatula to baking sheets.
09 - Brush each pretzel with egg yolk wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
10 - Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until deep golden brown.
11 - Allow pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Soft and chewy texture
  • Classic salty crust perfect for snacking
02 -
  • For cinnamon-sugar pretzels skip the salt topping after baking brush with melted butter and coat in cinnamon sugar
  • You can freeze baked pretzels reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes
03 -
  • Use warm water to activate yeast properly
  • Do not skip the baking soda bath for that classic pretzel crust
Return