Homemade Soft Pretzels
Homemade Soft Pretzels are chewy, golden, and lightly salted.They’re made from simple yeast dough and baked to perfection.A quick baking-soda bath gives them their classic crust.Perfect for snacks, parties, or dipping.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp melted butter or oil
For the Baking Soda Bath
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- 8 cups water
For Topping
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Coarse salt or pretzel salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix and knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
- Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a long rope and shape into pretzels.
- Bring water and baking soda to a gentle boil. Dip each pretzel for 20–30 seconds, then remove.
- Place on baking tray, sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until deep golden brown.
Notes
- Dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Don’t skip the baking-soda bath—it’s key for flavour and color.
- Coarse salt works best for authentic texture.
- Pretzels brown quickly, so watch closely.
- Best eaten fresh and warm.