why make this recipe
Soft pretzels are warm, chewy, and fun to make at home. They are a great snack for kids and adults. If you like easy baked treats, try these soft pretzels after you make easy homemade blueberry muffins for a full snack day.
introduction
This homemade soft pretzel recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and a short rise time. The dough is soft and the outside gets a nice brown crust after a quick baking soda bath. If you want a few more easy baking ideas, try a simple banana muffin recipe like homemade soft banana muffins.
why make this recipe
You should make this recipe because it is easy and rewarding. The steps are clear and you can change toppings to fit your taste. Making pretzels at home saves money and tastes better than store-bought. For other cozy baking choices, consider a pumpkin muffin treat like best homemade pumpkin muffins.
how to make Homemade Soft Pretzels
Follow the steps below in order and work with a clean surface. This recipe shows how to mix, rise, shape, and bake soft pretzels.
Ingredients :
2 and a 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 and a 1/2 cups warm water, 4 and a 1/2 cups flour, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tsp salt, 6 cups water, 2 tbsp baking soda, 1 egg, coarse salt (for topping), everything but the bagel seasoning (for topping)
Directions :
Start by combining the warm water, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer. Whisk well and then let sit for 5-10 minutes or until foamy and bubbly.
Next add the flour, olive oil, and salt to the same bowl. Put the kneading attachment on and knead for about five minutes on low or until the dough comes together into a ball. The dough should spring back when you push it with your finger. (You can also knead by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer).
Take the dough out of the bowl and add a drizzle of olive oil. Place the dough back in the bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Then put dough in a warm place to rise for an hour or until doubled in size.
After dough has risen punch it down. Section the dough into 12 even pieces with a bench scraper or a sharp knife on a floured surface.
Roll each piece into a rope (about 18-24 inches) and fold into a pretzel shape. I find it easiest to watch my video below on how to do this!
Preheat oven to 450F.
Meanwhile start boiling a pot with the water and baking soda in it. Once boiling, dip each pretzel in it for 15-30 seconds before removing onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
Immediately brush each pretzel with egg wash and top with salt and everything but the bagel seasoning.
Bake pretzels in the oven for 10-11 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove onto a wire rack to finish cooling.
Serve with your favourite dip (I did cheese) and enjoy!
how to serve Homemade Soft Pretzels
Serve warm with cheese sauce, mustard, or a sweet dip. Cut a pretzel and share with friends. You can also serve with soup for a hearty meal. For a sweet option, try pairing with a fruit dessert like classic apple pie after the pretzels.
how to store Homemade Soft Pretzels
Cool completely before storing. Keep pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep longer, freeze pretzels in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a warm oven to restore texture.
tips to make Homemade Soft Pretzels
Use warm water (not hot) to proof the yeast. Do not skip the baking soda bath — it helps the crust turn brown and shiny. Shape the ropes evenly so pretzels bake the same. For more tips on soft and moist baked goods, read about chocolate chip muffins techniques that also help with texture.
Serving Ideas (if any)
- Cheese dip or nacho cheese
- Spicy mustard or honey mustard
- Garlic butter or herbed olive oil
- Sweet cinnamon sugar coating for a dessert twist
- Serve with a salad or soup for a simple meal
Final Thoughts
Homemade soft pretzels are a fun and easy bake. You can change toppings and dips to match your mood. The dough is forgiving, and the baking soda bath gives the classic crust and color. Try different toppings and enjoy making them with family.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough by hand?
A: Yes. You can knead by hand until the dough is smooth and springs back.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: You can swap part of the flour for whole wheat, but texture will be denser.
Q: How do I get a shinier crust?
A: The baking soda bath plus an egg wash will give a nice shiny brown crust.
Q: Can I freeze the shaped pretzels before baking?
A: Yes. Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Q: Can I skip the baking soda in the water bath?
A: Skipping it changes the crust and color. It still bakes but will not have the classic pretzel look.
Conclusion
If you want another step-by-step soft pretzel guide, see this detailed recipe for Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels – Sally’s Baking for more tips and photos. For a different take on buttery soft pretzels, check this recipe on How to Make Easy Homemade Buttery Soft Pretzels and Pretzel ….
Homemade Soft Pretzels
Ingredients
Method
- Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Whisk well and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead for about 5 minutes or until dough forms a ball.
- Coat the dough with olive oil, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 even pieces.
- Roll each piece into a rope (18-24 inches long) and shape it into a pretzel.
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Boil water and baking soda in a pot. Dip each pretzel in the boiling solution for 15-30 seconds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the pretzels with egg wash, sprinkle with salt and seasoning, and bake for 10-11 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.