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Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe – Easy Bakery-Style Pretzels

Learn how to make soft pretzels from scratch with this easy homemade recipe. Perfectly golden, buttery, chewy, and delicious with cheese sauce or mustard.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: German
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pretzel Dough
  • 1 cup milk warmed to about 110°F
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for kneading
For the Baking Soda Bath
  • 1 cup nearly boiling water
  • 1½ tablespoons baking soda
For Topping
  • Pretzel salt coarse salt, or kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted

Method
 

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
  1. Pour the warm milk into a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the top.
  2. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
  1. Add the softened butter and salt to the yeast mixture.
  2. Stir in about half of the flour until a batter-like consistency forms.
  3. Add the remaining flour and continue mixing until the dough starts coming together.
  4. Using your hands, gather the dough and incorporate any remaining flour from the bowl.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
  1. Lightly flour your work surface and transfer the dough onto it.
  2. Knead for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is combined. The dough does not need to be perfectly smooth.
  3. If the dough sticks slightly, use a small amount of additional flour, but avoid adding too much to keep the pretzels soft and tender.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
  1. Place about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil into a large bowl.
  2. Roll the dough around in the oil to coat it lightly.
  3. Cover with a damp towel and allow the dough to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Soda Solution
  1. While the dough rises, combine the nearly boiling water and baking soda in a bowl.
  2. Whisk until the baking soda completely dissolves.
  3. Set aside until ready to use.
Step 6: Shape the Pretzels
  1. Transfer the risen dough to your work surface.
  2. Divide it into 6 equal portions.
  3. Working with one piece at a time, roll the dough into a rope approximately 30 inches long.
  4. Form a horseshoe shape, cross the ends over each other twice, then fold them down and press them onto the bottom section of the dough to create the classic pretzel shape.
Step 7: Dip in the Baking Soda Bath
  1. Gently place each shaped pretzel into the baking soda solution.
  2. Make sure it is fully submerged and allow it to soak for 5 to 10 seconds.
  3. Carefully lift it out and place it onto a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or a heavily greased baking sheet.
Step 8: Add Salt
  1. While the pretzels are still wet, sprinkle generously with pretzel salt or coarse salt.
Step 9: Bake
  1. Bake in a preheated 450°F oven for 9 to 10 minutes.
  2. The pretzels should be beautifully golden brown when finished.
Step 10: Brush with Butter
  1. Remove the pretzels from the oven.
  2. Immediately brush them with melted butter to keep them soft and flavorful.
  3. Serve warm.

Notes

Making homemade soft pretzels from scratch may sound intimidating, but this recipe proves just how simple the process can be. With a handful of everyday ingredients and a few easy steps, you'll have warm, golden, buttery pretzels that rival those from your favorite bakery. Whether served with cheese sauce, mustard, or enjoyed on their own, these soft pretzels are always a crowd-pleasing treat worth making again and again.