There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels baking in your kitchen—think pillowy centers, golden-bronzed outsides, and that nostalgic hint of chew you only get from a real deal pretzel. These classic German-inspired treats will charm your taste buds with a tender texture and just the right amount of saltiness, plus they come together with simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Whether you want a satisfying snack, a show-stopping party appetizer, or a base for sweet or savory toppings, these soft pretzels make every moment feel a little bit special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how such a short list of pantry staples comes together to create the magic of these Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels. Each ingredient truly matters, creating a soft, flavorful dough and that signature golden crust.
- Warm water (1 1/2 cups): The perfect temperature helps the yeast activate—aim for bath-warm, not hot.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Essential to give the pretzels their lift and pillowy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Feeds the yeast and adds just a touch of subtle sweetness to the dough.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): Your go-to flour creates the soft but chewy bite every great pretzel needs.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor throughout the dough—don’t skip it!
- Baking soda (2/3 cup): The secret to an authentic pretzel crust, giving that distinctive flavor and color in the water bath.
- Water (10 cups): For boiling the pretzels, which is key for the perfect crust.
- Large egg, beaten (1): Brushed on top, it delivers beautiful sheen and helps the salt stick.
- Coarse sea salt: That signature finishing touch—don’t be shy with it!
How to Make Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels
Step 1: Bring Your Dough to Life
Combine your warm water, active dry yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar in a large mixing bowl. Let it rest for about 5 minutes, until it’s nice and foamy on top. This is your moment of kitchen magic! If the mixture stays flat, start again with fresh yeast—it should look bubbly and lively before moving on.
Step 2: Mix and Knead
Stir in your flour and salt, then knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes. You’re looking for a dough that’s smooth and elastic—it’ll spring back slightly when poked. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead for 4 to 5 minutes. Don’t skimp on this step, since good kneading builds the dough’s signature chew!
Step 3: Let It Rise
Shape your dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This patient rest makes all the difference for soft, airy pretzels.
Step 4: Shape Your Pretzels
Once your dough is beautifully puffed, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin rope—about 24 inches is perfect. Twist each rope into that classic pretzel knot (cross the ends, twist, then tuck them onto the base), and set them aside while you prepare the water bath.
Step 5: Boil in Baking Soda Water
Preheat your oven to 450°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup baking soda to a rolling boil. One by one, lower each formed pretzel into the hot water for 30 seconds—no longer, or they’ll get mushy! This is what makes Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels taste like true soft pretzels, giving them their signature flavor and gorgeous color.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Salt
Carefully transfer each boiled pretzel onto the prepared baking sheets. Brush them generously with the beaten egg for that shiny finish, and then sprinkle on coarse sea salt (or cinnamon sugar, if you’re making them sweet—see the notes below for more tips).
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your trays in the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until your pretzels are puffed and deep golden brown. They’ll smell absolutely incredible! Let them cool for just a few minutes, then serve up your Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels warm with mustard or a creamy cheese sauce.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels
Garnishes
For savory pretzels, nothing beats a good sprinkle of extra coarse salt fresh from the oven. Or try a dusting of everything bagel seasoning for an herby, garlicky twist. If you’re treating yourself to sweet pretzels, brush the warm treats with melted butter and shower them with cinnamon sugar—kids and grown-ups both swoon for this combo!
Side Dishes
Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels are absolutely legendary when paired with classic yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard, or a bubbling hot cheese dip. For a fun party platter, offer up pickles, sliced bratwurst, or a chilled German potato salad on the side—they all play perfectly with the pretzels’ fluffy texture and salty punch.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your pretzels onto a big wooden board for family game night, or hang them on a “pretzel tree” stand for a festive wow factor. Serve mini versions as sliders with sliced cheese and ham, or let guests build their own with a spread of dips and toppings. However you share them, Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels are guaranteed to be the star of any spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have any pretzels left over (good luck!), let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for a day or so, perfect for snacking or quick lunches.
Freezing
Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels freeze beautifully! Once fully cooled, wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap and tuck them into a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to two months. This makes it a breeze to stash away a few for future cravings or quick lunches.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven experience, reheat pretzels in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave (10–20 seconds) will do the trick, but the oven gives you that perfect chewy-crispy finish.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels with whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can swap up to half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. The pretzels will be a little heartier, with a nuttier flavor and a slightly denser crumb—just as delicious with a touch of added nutrition!
Why do I have to boil the pretzels in baking soda water?
The baking soda bath is what sets Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels apart from regular bread. Boiling them briefly creates that signature chewy crust and deep brown color, thanks to a bit of kitchen chemistry—don’t skip this step!
Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake later?
Absolutely! You can make the dough and let it rise, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Bring the dough to room temperature before shaping and continue with the recipe as written.
How do I make sweet pretzels instead of salty?
Once your pretzels are baked, brush them with melted butter and dust generously with cinnamon sugar instead of coarse sea salt. You’ll have a dreamy treat that tastes just like the mall favorite!
What can I use instead of egg wash?
For an egg-free version, brush the shaped pretzels with a little plant-based milk or melted butter before baking—they’ll still develop a lovely sheen and help your topping stick.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels before, this is your sign to jump in—the process is delightful, and the results are genuinely swoon-worthy every single time. There’s nothing like sharing a homemade pretzel, warm from the oven, with the people you love. Give this recipe a try and discover just how fun and rewarding it is to bake up a batch of classic comfort at home!
Print
Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 34 minutes (including rise time)
- Yield: 8 pretzels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious soft pretzels at home with this easy recipe. These pretzels are chewy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for snacking or serving with your favorite dips.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Boiling Solution:
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water
Topping:
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in flour and salt, then knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 4–5 minutes).
- Rise Dough: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Boil Pretzels: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a boil. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces, roll each into a 24-inch rope, and twist into a pretzel shape. Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds, then place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Brush pretzels with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm with mustard or cheese sauce.
Notes
- For sweet pretzels, skip the salt and brush baked pretzels with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Snack, Bread
- Method: Baking, Boiling
- Cuisine: German-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
