Homemade Soft Pretzels (Print Version)

Warm, golden pretzels with a soft, chewy center and classic salty crust for perfect snacking.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
02 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
03 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
04 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Boiling & Topping

07 - 10 cups water
08 - 2/3 cup baking soda
09 - 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
10 - Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

# How To:

01 - Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl; let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add flour, salt, and melted butter; stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
03 - Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
05 - Preheat oven to 450°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
06 - Bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot.
07 - Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces; roll each piece into a 20-inch rope and shape into traditional pretzels.
08 - Submerge each pretzel in boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds, then transfer to prepared baking sheets using a slotted spatula.
09 - Brush each pretzel with egg wash and sprinkle liberally with coarse sea salt.
10 - Bake pretzels for 12 to 15 minutes until deep golden brown.
11 - Allow pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Soft chewy interior
  • Classic salty crust
02 -
  • For cinnamon-sugar pretzels skip the salt topping After baking brush with melted butter and coat in cinnamon sugar
  • You can freeze baked pretzels reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes
03 -
  • Use a slotted spatula for easy transfer of pretzels
  • Brush egg wash evenly for perfect crust
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