Homemade Soft Pretzels

Homemade soft pretzels are a delicious snack that everyone will love. They’re warm, chewy, and have a great flavor that pairs well with mustard or cheese dip. Making pretzels at home is easier than you think, and the results are so rewarding!

Why Make This Recipe

Making soft pretzels at home allows you to enjoy a fresh and tasty treat right from your kitchen. You can customize the flavors and toppings to your liking. Plus, there’s something special about making snacks from scratch. It’s a great activity for family or friends and makes for a fun weekend project.

How to Make Homemade Soft Pretzels

Ingredients

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup baking soda (for boiling)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Coarse salt, for topping

Directions

Activate Yeast: Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Make Dough: Add salt, melted butter, and flour into the mixture. Mix everything together and knead for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth. Allow it to rise for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
Shape: Punch down the dough. Divide it into smaller pieces and shape them into ropes. Twist each rope into a pretzel shape.
Boil: Boil the pretzels in baking soda water for 30 seconds. Then, drain them and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake: Brush the pretzels with the beaten egg wash, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes until they turn golden brown.
Serve: Enjoy your homemade pretzels warm with mustard or cheese dip.

How to Serve Homemade Soft Pretzels

Serve your homemade soft pretzels warm for the best taste. They are perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a cozy snack at home. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like mustard, cheese dip, or even a sweet chocolate sauce for a fun twist.

How to Store Homemade Soft Pretzels

To keep your pretzels fresh, allow them to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap each pretzel tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Tips to Make Homemade Soft Pretzels

Make sure your water is at the right temperature to activate the yeast (about 110°F).
Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic for the best texture.
Don’t skip the boiling step! This gives pretzels their unique chewy texture and flavor.
You can experiment with toppings, like everything bagel seasoning or garlic salt, to add more flavor.

Variation

For a fun variation, try adding different toppings like cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat or sesame seeds for a nutty flavor. You can also shape the dough into bites for pretzel bites instead of full pretzels.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just mix it directly with the flour without the water activation step.

2. Can I make pretzel dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.

3. What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure your yeast is still active. If the water was too hot or too cold, it might not activate properly. Try again with water at the right temperature (around 110°F).

Enjoy making and eating your homemade soft pretzels!