Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

If you’re craving that perfect soft, buttery, and slightly salty treat that hits all the warm and cozy notes, I’m so excited to share this Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe with you. It’s super approachable but turns out like you pulled it from a fancy bakery, meaning you get all the deliciousness without needing to be a dough expert. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how easy it is, yet how incredible the pretzels taste—soft in the middle, golden-crisp outside, buttery and just begging to be dunked in mustard or cheese dip.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here work together beautifully for that signature soft pretzel texture and flavor. And don’t worry, I’ve got some tips to help you shop smart and get the best results.

• All-purpose flour: Make sure it’s fresh for a tender crumb and that perfect chew.
• Instant yeast: This is a great time-saver and more forgiving than active-dry yeast, but I’ll share alternatives below.
• Salt: Kosher salt is classic here for that crunchy sprinkle, but fine sea salt works if you prefer a more delicate touch.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that helps with browning and balances the salt.
• Warm water: Temperature is key here—too hot can kill your yeast, too cold and it won’t activate properly. I like it comfortably warm to the touch.
• Neutral or olive oil: Helps keep the dough soft and adds a hint of richness.
• Baking soda: This is your secret weapon for that iconic pretzel crust without the long boil.
• Hot water: For dissolving the baking soda, ensures the pretzel surface crisps just right.
• Kosher salt (for topping): Gives that irresistible salty crunch each bite needs.
• Melted butter: Brushed on warm pretzels to make them buttery and extra cozy—your guests will thank you.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe is that it’s like a blank canvas. I like to tweak it to suit the mood or occasion, and you’ll find it’s versatile enough to handle almost anything.

• Everything Bagel Style: Once you’ve brushed your pretzels with butter, sprinkle them with everything bagel seasoning for an addictive twist—I made these for a brunch once, and they disappeared in minutes.
• Cheesy Pretzels: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan over the pretzels right before baking, or brush with garlic butter afterward for an ultra-flavorful snack.
• Gluten-Free Mod: I haven’t tested this exact recipe GF, but swapping to a trusty gluten-free flour blend and using xanthan gum can get you close to that soft, chewy texture.
• Sweet Cinnamon Sugar: If you want a dessert pretzel, toss the warm ones in melted butter and cinnamon sugar immediately after baking—trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch.

How to Make Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

Step 1: Whisk, Knead, and Rise

Start by mixing the dry ingredients—flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar—in a large bowl. Then add your warm water and oil and stir until the dough just comes together in a shaggy ball. Now here’s my little trick: I love using a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead for about 3 minutes. It makes the dough smooth and springy without me having to manhandle sticky dough. But if you want to do it by hand, no worries—a quick knead on the counter for about a minute until the dough is tacky and cohesive is perfect. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. Don’t stress if it doesn’t double—that’s totally normal with this recipe.

Step 2: Portion and Roll the Dough

Once your dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 pieces. If you want perfectly even pretzels, weighing the dough and dividing by 12 helps—each one should be about 75 grams. Roll each piece into a short log, about 12 inches, then let them rest for a few minutes. This rest helps the dough relax, making it way easier to roll the final length later. After resting, roll each portion out to about 22 to 24 inches, and twist into that classic pretzel shape. If this is your first time, take a peek at some videos or photos—the folding is easier than it looks once you get the hang of it. I place the shaped pretzels on a lightly oiled sheet pan to keep them happy while I prep the baking soda bath.

Step 3: Baking Soda Bath Magic

This is the step that gives these pretzels their golden, chewy crust without a boil in plain water. Stir half a cup of baking soda into 4 cups of hot water—your faucet’s hot water or an electric kettle works well here. Working one pretzel at a time, gently drop it (top side down) into the baking soda bath, then lift it out with a slotted spoon or spider and lay it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, flipping it top side up. This bath preps the surface for that perfect browning during baking. Sprinkle each pretzel with kosher salt before baking.

Step 4: Bake, Butter, and Enjoy!

Pop the pretzels into a 425ºF oven—one pan at a time if your oven can’t handle both simultaneously—and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they’re beautifully golden. The smell is going to drive you wild. Straight from the oven, brush each pretzel with melted butter—this adds an extra layer of rich softness and flavor my family just can’t resist. Let them cool just a bit on a rack, then dig in warm for the best experience. They also reheat like a dream if you have leftovers (not that you’ll have many!).

How to Serve Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is classic kosher salt for that great crunch and salty pop, but I also love brushing them with garlic herb butter right after baking for a savory upgrade. For a little flair, sprinkling some sesame or poppy seeds can make these pretzels look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

Soft pretzels pair beautifully with mustard—spicy brown or honey mustard are my favorites—as well as beer cheese dip for game day vibes. For a heartier bite, I like serving them alongside a bowl of chili or creamy tomato soup. I’ve even enjoyed them with a fresh green salad for a perfect contrast of textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve arranged pretzels on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces scattered around—looks gorgeous and invites everyone to dig in. Sometimes I tie ribbons around individual pretzels for parties or pack them in cute paper bags with dipping sauces included for on-the-go snacking. These touches always get compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Soft pretzels are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (or want to make ahead), store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to two days. I like to rewarm them gently in the oven to refresh that soft-yet-crisp texture.

Freezing

These pretzels freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap each pretzel tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When I want one, I let it thaw at room temp and then pop it in the oven to warm—it’s almost like fresh-baked all over again.

Reheating

For leftover or frozen pretzels, I preheat the oven to 350ºF and warm them for about 5 to 7 minutes until soft and heated through. If you love that fresh-buttery touch like me, brushing with melted butter right after reheating takes them back to bakery-level goodness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe brings the joy of fresh-baked goodness right to your kitchen without complicated steps. It’s a recipe I always keep in my back pocket because it’s so versatile, satisfying, and downright delicious. Whether you’re baking for a casual snack, a cozy movie night, or a party everyone will rave about, this recipe will deliver. Give it a try—I promise you’ll be hooked just like me and my family!

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