soft pretzel recipe

 

🥨 Homemade Soft Pretzel Recipe – Buttery, Chewy & Perfectly Salted

Easy Soft Pretzel Recipe – Homemade, Buttery & Chewy

Learn how to make the best homemade soft pretzels—chewy outside, fluffy inside, and sprinkled with coarse salt. Perfect for snacks, parties, or game days!

📝 Introduction

There’s nothing like the irresistible smell and taste of a warm, soft pretzel—golden on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and brushed with butter for that perfect finish. Whether you love them dipped in cheese sauce or mustard, this homemade soft pretzel recipe will become your new go-to snack for game nights, parties, or cozy weekends.

This recipe uses simple ingredients and includes a step-by-step guide for beginners.

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Baking Soda Bath:

• ½ cup baking soda
• 9 cups water

Topping:

• Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
• 2 tbsp melted butter, for brushing

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🍽️ Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in salt and melted butter. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time.
3. Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled.

Step 2: Shape the Pretzels

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
3. Roll each piece into a rope (about 20 inches) and twist into pretzel shapes.

Step 3: Baking Soda Bath

1. In a large pot, bring 9 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
2. Carefully dip each pretzel into the bath for 20–30 seconds, one at a time.
3. Place them on the lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake

1. Sprinkle pretzels with coarse salt.
2. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Brush immediately with melted butter for extra flavor and shine.

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💡 Tips for Perfect Soft Pretzels

• Don't skip the baking soda bath—it gives pretzels their classic chewy crust and flavor.
• For sweet pretzels, skip the salt and brush with butter + cinnamon sugar after baking.
• Make-ahead tip: Freeze shaped dough before boiling and baking.

📚 Soft Pretzels Around the World

Soft pretzels are believed to have originated in Europe, possibly by monks in Germany. Today, they’re a beloved snack across the United States, especially in malls, ballparks, and festivals. This homemade version brings that delicious tradition into your kitchen with ease.

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📌 Quick Recipe Summary

Homemade Soft Pretzels

Soft, chewy pretzels made with simple ingredients, finished with a buttery glaze.

🕒 Prep Time: 20 mins | ⏳ Rise Time: 1 hour | 🔥 Bake Time: 12 mins
🍽 Servings: 8 large pretzels

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🔗 More European Recipes To Try.

• Soft Cinnamon Rolls – Fluffy & Sweet
• Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar)
• Bavarian Cheese Dip (Obatzda) – Perfect for Pretzels

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