Homemade Soft Pretzels

Name: Homemade Soft Pretzels
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8.0
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cups warm water; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/2 cup baking soda; 2 cups water; Coarse sea salt; Butter for brushing

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Create delightful homemade soft pretzels that are perfect for snacking, festive gatherings, or cozy movie nights. This easy recipe guides you through making warm, buttery pretzels that are delightfully chewy on the outside and soft on the inside. Elevate your holiday treats with a sprinkle of coarse salt or your favorite seasonings for a delicious twist. Perfect for sharing and dipping, these pretzels are sure to become a family favorite!

Created by

Phoebe Turner

Last updated on 2025-11-16T10:57:39.105Z

Homemade soft pretzels have a special place in many hearts, often reminding us of fairgrounds, street vendors, and family gatherings. Now you can bring that joy into your own home!

The Perfect Snack for Any Occasion

Homemade soft pretzels are an irresistibly tasty treat that can elevate any event, from family gatherings to casual movie nights. Their chewy exterior and soft interior make them entirely addictive, ensuring that they’re always a crowd favorite. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or served with a side of mustard or cheese dip, these pretzels are bound to satisfy any snacking desire. Perfect for sharing, they also make an excellent addition to festive celebrations or game day feasts.

Additionally, the pretzel-making process allows for some creativity in flavoring. You can easily customize the toppings to suit your preferences—from classic coarse sea salt to garlic powder, cheddar cheese, or even cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist. This versatility means that your homemade pretzels can cater to everyone’s taste, making them a beloved family favorite.

A Fun Activity to Enjoy Together

Making soft pretzels can be a delightful activity to do with family and friends. Gather your loved ones in the kitchen and let everyone take part in kneading the dough or shaping the pretzels, creating lasting memories while sharing the joy of baking. Children will especially love the chance to twist the dough and make their own unique pretzel shapes, adding to the fun and excitement of the experience.

Not only is this recipe simple and straightforward, but the process of creating your own snacks at home fosters a sense of accomplishment. Plus, the aroma of fresh pretzels baking in the oven is sure to draw everyone to the kitchen, making it an excellent bonding experience.

Nutritional Value and Serving Suggestions

Homemade soft pretzels can be a healthier snack option compared to store-bought alternatives, especially since you control the ingredients used. By substituting whole wheat flour for some of the all-purpose flour, you can enhance the nutritional profile while still enjoying that wonderful soft pretzel texture. You can also reduce the amount of butter used or explore alternative toppings that pack in flavor without excessive calories.

When it comes to serving, these pretzels are incredibly versatile. Pair them with a variety of dips such as creamy cheese, tangy mustard, or even a sweet glaze. Serve them alongside hearty soups or salads, or simply enjoy them warm on their own. Whatever the occasion, soft pretzels provide a delicious and satisfying snack option.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Dough Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups warm water
2 tablespoons melted butter

Baking Solution

1/2 cup baking soda
2 cups water

Topping

Coarse sea salt
Butter for brushing

Make sure to have these ready before you start!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your pretzels:

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add melted butter and salt, then gradually mix in flour to form a dough.

Knead the Dough

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.

Shape the Pretzels

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). After rising, divide the dough into 8 pieces, roll each into a long rope, and twist into pretzel shapes.

Prepare the Baking Solution

In a saucepan, combine baking soda and water. Bring to a boil and then carefully add each pretzel for about 30 seconds before removing to a baking sheet.

Bake the Pretzels

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.

Let your pretzels cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover soft pretzels, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them by individually wrapping each pretzel in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Just make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw the pretzels at room temperature, then reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help restore their delicious, soft texture, and bring back that freshly-baked aroma.

Experimenting with Flavors

Feel free to experiment with various toppings to give your pretzels a unique twist. For a savory option, try sprinkling them with herbs like rosemary or thyme before baking. If a sweet treat is what you’re after, cinnamon and sugar provide a delectable alternative. You can also top them with everything seasoning for an added flavor explosion.

In addition, consider adding ingredients directly into the dough for even more creativity. Incorporating cheese or jalapeños will give your pretzels an exciting flavor profile that’s perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as an indulgent snack.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the pretzels?

Yes, homemade pretzels freeze well. Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

→ What can I season the pretzels with?

Feel free to get creative! Aside from coarse salt, try garlic powder, Parmesan, or cinnamon sugar.