How to Make Soft Pretzels at Home

Prepare the Dough

Mix yeast, sugar, and warm water, then combine with flour, salt, and butter.

Knead and Rise

Knead until smooth, then let the dough rise until doubled in size.

Shape the Pretzels

Roll dough into ropes and twist into pretzel shapes.

Boil in Baking Soda Water

Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds for the perfect chewy crust.

Bake Until Golden

Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with salt, and bake until golden brown.

Baking Tips

Make sure the water for yeast activation is not too hot, or it will kill the yeast.

Boiling the pretzels in a baking soda bath gives them their signature chewy crust.

For extra flavor, brush the pretzels with melted butter after baking.

If you prefer sweet pretzels, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar instead of salt.

Serve with mustard, cheese sauce, or a honey butter dip.

To store, keep pretzels in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer freshness.

Homemade Soft Pretzels

Name: Homemade Soft Pretzels
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 pretzels
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast; 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 1/2 cup baking soda (for boiling water bath); 10 cups water (for boiling the pretzels); 1 egg yolk (beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash); Coarse sea salt (for topping); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing the bowl); 🔹 Optional Flavor Variations:; 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for garlic-flavored pretzels); 1 teaspoon onion powder (for a savory depth); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor); 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for spicy pretzels); 🔹 Sweet Pretzel Toppings:; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar topping); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar topping); 2 tablespoons melted butter (to brush on for cinnamon pretzels); 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting after baking); 1/4 cup chocolate chips (for chocolate-drizzled pretzels); 🔹 Cheese Variations:; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (mixed into the dough or sprinkled on top); 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (for a sharp, salty crust); 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (pairs well with cheese pretzels); 🔹 Herb & Savory Toppings:; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (for a fragrant herb pretzel); 1 teaspoon dried thyme (for extra flavor); 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper (for a bolder taste)

Chewy, golden-brown soft pretzels with a classic salty crust—perfect for snacking or dipping into cheese sauce.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Total Time

35 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

1/2 cup baking soda (for boiling water bath)

10 cups water (for boiling the pretzels)

1 egg yolk (beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash)

Coarse sea salt (for topping)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing the bowl)

🔹 Optional Flavor Variations:

1 teaspoon garlic powder (for garlic-flavored pretzels)

1 teaspoon onion powder (for a savory depth)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for spicy pretzels)

🔹 Sweet Pretzel Toppings:

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar topping)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar topping)

2 tablespoons melted butter (to brush on for cinnamon pretzels)

1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting after baking)

1/4 cup chocolate chips (for chocolate-drizzled pretzels)

🔹 Cheese Variations:

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (mixed into the dough or sprinkled on top)

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (for a sharp, salty crust)

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (pairs well with cheese pretzels)

🔹 Herb & Savory Toppings:

1 teaspoon dried rosemary (for a fragrant herb pretzel)

1 teaspoon dried thyme (for extra flavor)

1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper (for a bolder taste)

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for extra crunch)

1 tablespoon poppy seeds (for a nutty flavor)

🔹 Dipping Sauces (Optional):

1/2 cup yellow mustard (classic pairing)

1/2 cup cheese sauce (for extra indulgence)

1/4 cup honey mustard (for a sweet touch)

1/4 cup ranch dressing (for a creamy dip)

1/4 cup caramel sauce (for sweet pretzels)

1/4 cup chocolate ganache (for dessert pretzels)

Instructions

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the melted butter and yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda.

Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch rope and shape into a pretzel.

Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

Brush each pretzel with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt (or other toppings).

Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Homemade Soft Pretzels

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Make Soft Pretzels at Home

Homemade Soft Pretzels

Ingredients

Instructions