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Homemade Soft Pretzels (Chewy, Golden & Bakery-Style)


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

Scale

For the dough:

  • 1½ cups (360ml) warm water (110°F / 45°C)
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 4½ cups (560g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the baking soda bath:

  • 8 cups water
  • ⅔ cup baking soda

Topping options:

  • Coarse sea salt
  • Cinnamon sugar (½ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon)
  • Grated Parmesan + garlic powder
  • Everything bagel seasoning

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast: In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make dough: In a stand mixer with dough hook, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix until smooth (~5 min).
    By hand: Stir in a large bowl, then knead on floured surface 8–10 min.
  3. Rise: Place dough in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place 1 hour or until doubled.
  4. Prep boil: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a gentle boil.
  5. Shape pretzels: Punch down dough. Divide into 12 pieces. Roll each into a 20″ rope. Form a U-shape, twist ends twice, then fold down to make a pretzel.
  6. Boil: Gently lower 2–3 pretzels at a time into boiling bath. Boil 30 seconds per side. Remove with slotted spoon; place on sheets.
  7. Top & bake: Sprinkle with salt or other toppings. Bake 12–14 minutes, until deep golden brown.
  8. Cool 5 minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tips:
– For cinnamon sugar pretzels, brush baked pretzels with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
– Freeze unbaked boiled pretzels; bake from frozen (+2–3 min).
– Serve with mustard, cheese sauce, or chocolate dip!

Prep Time & Nutrition (per pretzel, makes 12):

Prep Time: 20 min (+ 1 hr rise) | Cook Time: 14 min | Total Time: 1 hr 35 min
Servings: 12 | Calories: 190 | Net Carbs: 38g | Fats: 3g | Protein: 5g