Homemade Soft Pretzels – Golden, Soft, and Irresistible

Ever since I started experimenting in the kitchen, I’ve loved transforming simple ingredients into comforting homemade treats. Homemade soft pretzels are one of my favorite recipes because they bring the warm, cozy feeling of a bakery right into your home. From golden, chewy pretzels fresh from the oven to dipping them in gooey cheese sauce or cinnamon sugar, this recipe is perfect for family nights, weekend treats, or any time you want a soft pretzel fix.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade soft pretzels are more than just a snack—they’re a warm, comforting treat that’s quick, easy, and family-friendly. This soft pretzel recipe delivers bakery-quality results at home, perfect for kids to help shape or for customizing with toppings like coarse salt, cinnamon sugar, or melted cheese. Whether you’re preparing pretzel sticks for a party or classic knots for a cozy night in, this easy soft pretzel recipe is adaptable, fun, and always a hit with everyone.

Using this pretzel recipe, you can skip expensive store-bought options while enjoying fresh, golden-brown pretzels. The combination of yeast or no-yeast variations makes it suitable for beginners and busy cooks. Soft, chewy pretzels paired with cheese sauce or mustard bring the ultimate comfort food experience. Homemade pretzels stick to the heart of German tradition while offering a simple, approachable method anyone can master.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This homemade soft pretzel recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create soft, golden pretzels that are perfect for any occasion. Each ingredient contributes to the chewy texture, golden crust, and rich flavor. Yeast makes them fluffy, baking soda gives that signature pretzel crust, and toppings like coarse salt or cinnamon sugar elevate each bite. You’ll find these ingredients are easy to find and perfect for family-friendly baking adventures.

🛒 Ingredients (makes 8 large pretzels):

For the Dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For Boiling:
10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda

For Topping:
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Optional Serving Ideas:
Cheese sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Mustard
Cinnamon sugar

How to Make This Recipe

Making homemade soft pretzels is simple and rewarding. Start with a soft, elastic dough that rises beautifully, then shape it into classic pretzel knots or fun sticks. Boiling each pretzel in a baking soda solution gives that signature chewy crust, while brushing with egg wash and sprinkling coarse salt ensures golden perfection. This easy soft pretzel recipe is quick, family-friendly, and versatile for toppings and dipping sauces.

🛒 Steps:

1. Dissolve sugar in warm water and add yeast. Let foam 5–10 minutes.
2. Mix flour and salt, then add yeast mixture and melted butter to form dough.
3. Knead 5–7 minutes until smooth, place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 450°F. Divide dough into 8 pieces, roll into ropes, and shape.
5. Boil 30 seconds in baking soda water, then place on baking sheet.
6. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle coarse salt, and bake 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
7. Serve with cheese sauce, mustard, or cinnamon sugar.

Expert Cooking Tips

Perfecting homemade soft pretzels is easier with a few expert tips. Using warm water activates the yeast for a soft dough, while kneading develops the chewy texture. Boiling in baking soda water creates that signature golden-brown crust, and brushing with egg wash adds shine. Experiment with toppings like coarse salt, cinnamon sugar, or shredded cheese for unique flavors. Soft pretzel sticks or classic knots can be frozen before baking for later enjoyment, making this recipe both convenient and versatile.

💡 Expert Tips:

• Use warm water to activate yeast properly.
• Knead dough thoroughly for chewy texture.
• Boil in baking soda water for authentic pretzel crust.
• Brush with egg wash for glossy finish.
• Add coarse salt, cinnamon sugar, or cheese before baking.
• Freeze shaped pretzels for future baking convenience.

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Homemade soft pretzels are the perfect combination of comfort and creativity. Quick, easy, and family-friendly, this soft pretzel recipe can be adapted with a variety of toppings and dips for every occasion. From cozy weeknight snacks to festive party treats, these golden, chewy pretzels bring the bakery experience into your kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can master this recipe and enjoy warm, homemade soft pretzels any time.

Homemade Soft Pretzels

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 large pretzels 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

Soft, chewy, golden-brown pretzels that you can make at home with simple ingredients. Perfect as a snack, party appetizer, or to serve with cheese sauce, mustard, or cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist. Easy enough for beginners and customizable for fun shapes like sticks or classic knots.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (makes 8 large pretzels):

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For Boiling:

• 10 cups water

• 2/3 cup baking soda

For Topping:

• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Optional Serving Ideas:

• Cheese sauce (homemade or store-bought)

• Mustard

• Cinnamon sugar

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

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

3. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Pretzels

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch rope, then twist into a pretzel shape or leave as sticks.

Step 3: Boil the Pretzels

1. In a large pot, bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a boil.

2. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds per side, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake

1. Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.

2. Bake 12–15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• No-Yeast Option: Substitute 1 tablespoon baking powder for yeast for a quicker version.
• Cheese Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan on top before baking.
• Sweet Version: Brush with butter after baking and toss in cinnamon sugar.A

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Snack / Appetizer / Bread
• Method: Baked / Boiled
• Cuisine: German / American