Description

These easy homemade soft pretzels are golden, chewy, and buttery, delivering that classic pretzel-shop taste with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect as a snack, party food, or cozy weekend bake.

Ingredients

1 and ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)

1 packet active dry or instant yeast (2 and ¼ tsp)

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

4 cups all-purpose flour

⅔ cup baking soda (for water bath)

1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Coarse sea salt, for topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir and let sit for 1 minute.
Add the salt and sugar, then gradually mix in the flour—about a cup at a time—until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for around 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and slowly add the baking soda.
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a rope about 20–24 inches long and shape into pretzels.
Dip each pretzel into the baking soda bath for 20–30 seconds, then transfer to the baking sheets.
Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until deep golden brown. Serve warm with mustard or cheese sauce if desired.

Notes

For a sweet version, skip the salt and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after baking.

Add shredded cheese before baking for cheesy pretzels.

Cut dough ropes into 1-inch pieces to make pretzel bites.

Mix garlic powder or dried herbs into the dough for added flavor.

Store at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pretzel
Calories: 190
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 570mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg