Name: Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant or active dry yeast (1 standard packet); 1 tablespoon brown sugar or granulated sugar; 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (around 100°F/38°C); 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 3/4–4 cups (469–500g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed; Coarse salt, for topping; 1/2 cup (120g) baking soda; 9 cups (2.13L) water

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 80 reviews

If you’ve ever craved that perfectly chewy, golden-brown snack from the mall or your favorite street vendor, then you absolutely must try this Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe. It’s a total game changer—simple enough for beginners but packed with the authentic flavor and that unmistakable soft, chewy texture you love. This recipe comes from a cherished family tradition and includes a quick baking soda bath that’s key to achieving that classic pretzel flavor and crust. Whether you’re making them as an afternoon treat or impressing guests at your next gathering, these soft pretzels are guaranteed to delight every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two close-up views inside a clear glass mixing bowl on a white marbled surface. On the left side, the bowl contains a light creamy liquid with bubbles on top, filling about a quarter of the bowl's bottom. On the right side, the same bowl holds a rough, pale beige dough ball with a slightly cracked texture being mixed by a white dough hook from a stand mixer, set against the blurred background of the stand mixer’s teal base. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

One of the joys of this Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each component plays an essential role in creating the tender dough, beautiful color, and that rich, slightly salty finish that makes soft pretzels so addictive.

Instant or active dry yeast (2 and 1/4 teaspoons): This magical ingredient helps your dough rise and become wonderfully airy.
Brown sugar or granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch of sweetness and feeds the yeast for a perfect rise.
Warm water (1 and 1/2 cups): Warm but not hot—is crucial to activate your yeast without killing it.
Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon, melted): Brings richness and tenderness to the dough.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness perfectly.
All-purpose flour (3 and 3/4 to 4 cups): The backbone of your dough; enough to achieve that ideal soft but firm texture.
Coarse salt for topping: Adds that signature crunchy, salty finish on top of your pretzels.
Baking soda bath (1/2 cup baking soda in 9 cups water): The secret to that iconic golden crust and traditional pretzel flavor.

How to Make Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast

Start by whisking your yeast and sugar into the warm water, then cover it and let it sit for just 1 minute. This quick activation wakes up the yeast, setting the stage for a beautifully risen dough. It’s exciting to watch how such a simple step creates the foundation for your soft pretzels.

Step 2: Mix Dough Ingredients

Add the melted butter and salt to your yeast mixture, then gradually stir in 3 cups of flour. This forms a sticky dough that begins to take shape with just a wooden spoon or mixer. Don’t worry if the dough feels tacky—that’s exactly what we want. Keep adding more flour little by little until it just pulls away from the sides. This careful balance makes sure your pretzels remain soft but hold their shape well.

Step 3: Knead for Perfection

This is where the magic happens: kneading. You can use your mixer’s dough hook or your hands on a lightly floured surface. Knead for 3 to 5 minutes until your dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. A quick finger poke test will tell you the dough’s ready if it slowly bounces back, and for extra confidence, try the windowpane test to confirm gluten development. Kneading well ensures that wonderful chewy texture you’ll adore.

Step 4: Rest and Rise

Shape your dough into a ball, cover it lightly with a towel, and let it rest for 10 to 30 minutes. During this time, the dough relaxes and gets easier to shape into those classic pretzel forms. This pause also gives you a perfect moment to prep your baking soda bath and preheat the oven.

Step 5: Shape Into Pretzels

Divide the dough into roughly 75-gram sections and roll each into a 20 to 22-inch rope. Form a circle, twist the ends together, and press them down into that iconic pretzel shape. It’s so satisfying—like sculpting your own little edible masterpiece!

Step 6: The Crucial Baking Soda Bath

Bring your baking soda and water to a boil, then drop your pretzels in for 20 to 30 seconds. This step is non-negotiable if you want that distinct pretzel flavor and texture—any longer and the taste can turn a little metallic. Use a slotted spatula to carefully lift them out and let excess water drip off before baking. It’s a fun, almost meditative part of the process that really pays off in flavor.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

After draining, place your pretzels on parchment or silicone mats, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch as they transform into beautifully dark golden brown treats with the signature shine and crust. The aroma filling your kitchen will have you counting down the minutes.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

The image shows a close-up of three soft pretzels on a light brown baking mat, set against a white marbled surface. Each pretzel has a golden brown outer crust with a slightly darker toasted texture on the twisted sections and is sprinkled with coarse salt crystals. The dough looks smooth and fluffy, with visible folds and slight crispness on top. The pretzels have a classic knot shape with two loops and a thick center twist. The photo focuses sharply on the closest pretzel in the lower part of the frame, with the others softly blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The classic coarse salt on top is essential—it gives each bite that perfect salty crunch. But don’t stop there! Try sprinkling on everything bagel seasoning, a dusting of garlic powder, or even some cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist. These garnishes let your pretzels shine in so many delicious ways.

Side Dishes

Serve these pretzels alongside a creamy beer cheese dip, a spicy nacho cheese sauce, or classic mustard for dipping. They also pair beautifully with hearty soups or as a fun appetizer with your favorite craft beer. The versatility means you can tailor the experience for any occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange pretzels in a big basket lined with a cozy tea towel. Or try slicing them into pretzel bites and serving with an array of dipping sauces for a fun party platter. You could also brush them lightly with melted butter and sprinkle with herbs for an irresistible herb-infused twist that elevates their charm even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, no worries! Keep them covered at room temperature in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 days. Their soft texture and flavor hold up wonderfully, making snacking just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked, boiled pretzels for up to 24 hours by covering them lightly with oiled plastic wrap and placing them in the freezer. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time. This trick is perfect for making pretzels ahead of time for a party or busy day.

Reheating

To enjoy your pretzels warm again, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes or microwave for a few seconds. This revives that fresh-baked softness and warmth, making leftovers taste just like they came out of the oven moments ago.

FAQs

Can I use regular dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Absolutely! Both work well in this Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe. Just remember to activate dry yeast with warm water first, while instant yeast can be mixed directly with dry ingredients for convenience.

Why do I have to boil the pretzels in baking soda water?

That step is essential for creating the classic pretzel crust and flavor. The alkaline baking soda reacts with the dough surface, giving pretzels their deep brown color and that unique, slightly tangy taste you expect.

My dough is too sticky. What should I do?

Add flour a tablespoon at a time while kneading, but be careful not to add too much—you want the dough to stay soft and slightly tacky for the best texture. Too much flour will make dry, tough pretzels.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.

Is it okay to use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can! Bread flour gives a chewier, more elastic dough because of its higher protein content. It’s a great option if you want extra chewiness, but all-purpose flour works beautifully for this recipe too.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe truly is one of those joyful kitchen projects that rewards you with warm, delicious results every time. Whether it’s your first time making pretzels or you’re a seasoned baker looking for that perfect recipe, these soft pretzels are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So roll up your sleeves, bring on the baking soda bath, and get ready to fall in love with homemade pretzels all over again!