Super Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with baking at home thanks to these Super Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels. Perfectly golden on the outside, just the right touch of chew, and buttery with each bite, these pretzels promise bakery quality in your own kitchen. Using simple pantry staples, you’ll transform a handful of humble ingredients into a treat that’s genuinely addictive and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into homemade bread, this recipe will convince you that pretzels belong in your regular baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a few kitchen basics form the backbone of these extraordinary pretzels. Every ingredient plays a crucial role: from yeast for the perfect lift, to baking soda for that signature deep brown crust, right through to a generous swoosh of butter for mouthwatering flavor and shine.

• 5 cups (640 grams) all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation, providing structure and that classic soft-yet-substantial bite.
• 2 teaspoons (8 grams) instant yeast: This brings all the puff and lift, giving your pretzels their signature pillowy interior.
• 1.5 teaspoons (9 grams) salt: Essential for bringing out every bready, buttery note and balancing the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup (110 grams) sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps boost that golden color during baking.
• 1.5 cups (350 grams) warm water: Activates the yeast and brings all the dough elements together in perfect harmony.
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) neutral oil or olive oil: A splash of richness keeps the dough moist and tender.
• 1/2 cup (115 g) baking soda: The magical browning agent—this is what gives pretzels their signature chewy crust!
• 4 cups hot water: Dissolves the baking soda for the pretzel dip, ensuring maximum color and flavor.
• Kosher salt: The proper finishing sprinkle; classic pretzel flavor would be incomplete without a generous flurry.
• 4 tablespoons melted butter: Brushed on hot, it seeps into every craggy curve for an undeniably craveable finish.

How to Make Super Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by whisking together your flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Add warm water and a splash of oil, then stir until you see a shaggy dough form. Knead briefly right in the bowl, then turn out and knead just until the dough is tacky and smooth. If you’ve got a stand mixer, let it do the work—it’s efficient and yields beautifully even results every time.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough back to your mixing bowl, cover it with a towel or reusable cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. Don’t stress if it doesn’t double in volume—what matters most is a slightly puffed, soft, relaxed dough that’s ready to be shaped.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Crank your oven up to 425ºF. Having a hot, fully preheated oven is key to creating that deep color and irresistible chew that defines Super Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels.

Step 4: Divide and Shape the Dough

Tip the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Cut it into 12 even pieces—use a scale if you want bakery-perfect pretzels every time! Each chunk should weigh about 75 grams. Remember, use just enough flour so nothing sticks; too much, and it’s tougher to roll your pretzels thin and long.

Step 5: Roll and Rest

Roll each piece into a rough 12-inch log. Let them rest briefly—the gluten relaxes, making it a breeze to roll them out even longer in a minute. This is a simple trick that delivers those oversized pretzel loops you know and love.

Step 6: Shape Your Pretzels

Now, roll each log out to 22–24 inches and shape them into that iconic pretzel knot. If you’re nervous, peek at a quick video or photo for guidance—once you twist the first one, you’ll be hooked by how fun it is. Oil a baking sheet so your pretty shapes don’t stick.

Step 7: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath

Dissolve 1/2 cup of baking soda in 4 cups of hot water. You can use water straight from the tap or zap some in your kettle—just make sure the baking soda is dissolved completely. This step gives Super Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels their signature golden sheen and flavor.

Step 8: Prep the Sheet Pans

Line two sheet pans with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze—and to guarantee that none of that beautiful pretzel crust is left behind.

Step 9: Dip the Pretzels

One by one, dunk your shaped pretzels into the baking soda bath. I like to submerge them top-side down and use a spider or slotted spoon to lift and flip them onto the baking sheet. This ensures every twist and bump gets coated, yielding a perfectly browned result.

Step 10: Add Salt and Bake

Generously sprinkle Kosher salt over each pretzel, then bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until your kitchen smells amazing and the pretzels are gloriously golden. I find it best to bake one tray at a time for the most even results.

Step 11: Brush with Butter

As soon as those pretzels emerge, brush them with melted butter while they’re still piping hot. The sizzle as the butter hits the crust is pure kitchen magic. Transfer to a rack so they stay crisp on the outside while they cool slightly.

Step 12: Enjoy Warm

Let the pretzels cool just enough to handle, then dive in! There’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh Super Easy Homemade Soft Pretzel while it’s still warm and plush inside.

How to Serve Super Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels

Garnishes

You can stick to the flaky Kosher salt for classic appeal, but the fun doesn’t stop there! Try a dusting of everything bagel seasoning, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or even a pinch of cinnamon sugar after buttering for a sweet-and-salty treat. Whichever you choose, your Super Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels will still be the real star.

Side Dishes

Pair your pretzels with creamy cheese sauce, tangy mustard, or a bowl of homemade soup for the ultimate comfort food experience. They’re a hearty side for chili, the perfect vehicle for a party dip, or simply fabulous with a mug of cold beer or hot cider.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack pretzels on a tall platter for a rustic, bakery-inspired centerpiece, or weave them onto skewers for a fun pretzel tower. For parties, serve with an array of dips in small bowls around the tray, letting guests mix and match. The possibilities for showing off your Super Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels are truly endless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Super Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and delicious, especially if you pop them in the toaster to warm them up just before serving. Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry them out faster.

Freezing

If you want to save some pretzels for later, let them cool fully, then pack them into a zip-top bag or airtight container. They freeze wonderfully for up to three months. To enjoy later, just take out what you need and let them thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring your pretzels back to life, place them in a 325ºF oven for about 5–10 minutes, or split and toast in a toaster oven. If you’re craving that just-baked, buttery finish, brush with a little fresh melted butter after reheating. They’ll taste like you made them fresh that morning!

FAQs

Do I have to use instant yeast, or can I swap with active dry?

Instant yeast is the quickest, but active dry works great! Just dissolve it in the warm water with a pinch of sugar and let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy, then proceed as directed.

Can I make smaller or larger pretzels, or even pretzel bites?

Absolutely! Divide the dough into however many pieces you want for mini pretzels or go big for giant ones. For bites, cut the ropes into 1–2 inch sections before dipping and baking.

What’s the purpose of the baking soda bath?

This classic step gives Super Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels their signature glossy, deep brown crust and chewy bite. Skipping it just isn’t the same!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes—you can mix and refrigerate the dough overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the recipe. This makes it easy to enjoy freshly baked pretzels any time the craving strikes.

What if my pretzels lose their softness?

If they seem a little chewy or firm after sitting out, just reheat them briefly in the oven or toaster and brush with more melted butter. They’ll return to their soft, irresistible selves in no time.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give these Super Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels a try—once you see how straightforward and satisfying homemade pretzels can be, you’ll want to make them again and again. Share them warm with family and friends, and watch every last twist disappear!

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