Easy Soft Pretzel

Sharing is caring!

Few things are more satisfying than biting into a freshly baked soft pretzel. That perfect combination of a chewy interior and a golden, slightly crisp exterior is pure comfort food. With this Easy Soft Pretzel Recipe, you can create bakery-quality pretzels right in your own kitchen — no special equipment required!

Soft pretzels are a beloved treat across America, often found at ballparks, fairs, and shopping malls. Their roots trace back to European monasteries centuries ago, and they’ve since evolved into a favorite snack enjoyed by people of all ages.

There’s something deeply nostalgic about the smell of freshly baked pretzels filling your kitchen. It’s a smell that promises warmth, flavor, and a bit of indulgence, perfect for any time of day.

This recipe uses basic pantry staples — flour, yeast, sugar, and salt — making it easy and accessible for everyone, without needing any exotic ingredients.

No pork, no bacon, and no alcohol are needed in this recipe, ensuring it fits a variety of dietary needs while still delivering maximum flavor and authenticity.

The secret to achieving that iconic pretzel flavor lies in a quick dip in a baking soda bath before baking, giving them that signature deep brown color and chewy bite.

Twisting the pretzel shapes might look tricky, but it’s surprisingly simple and adds a fun hands-on element to baking — especially great if you’re involving kids in the kitchen.

These pretzels are incredibly versatile: enjoy them plain with coarse salt, or jazz them up with toppings like sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or even a cinnamon-sugar coating.

They pair perfectly with a variety of dips — from classic yellow mustard to warm, gooey cheese sauce, or even a sweet honey butter.

Fresh from the oven, these soft pretzels are best enjoyed slightly warm, when the texture and flavor are at their absolute peak.

Making soft pretzels from scratch feels a little magical — transforming a simple dough into glossy, twisted beauties that taste every bit as good as they look.

Even better, you can prepare a big batch, freeze some, and reheat for an instant fresh-out-of-the-oven experience whenever the craving strikes.

Once you try making your own soft pretzels, you’ll be amazed at how easy (and delicious) it is, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along.

This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned home chefs alike, offering consistent, impressive results every time.

Get ready to wow your family and friends with homemade soft pretzels that taste better than anything you can buy — warm, chewy, and simply irresistible!

Servings: Makes about 8 pretzels

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup baking soda (for boiling water bath)
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
7. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide into 8 equal pieces.
8. Roll each piece into a 20–24 inch rope, then twist into a pretzel shape.
9. One at a time, carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 20–30 seconds. Use a slotted spatula to remove and place on the prepared baking sheets.
10. Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
11. Bake for 12–15 minutes until deeply golden brown.
12. Cool slightly before serving warm with your favorite dip.

Tips:

• Make sure your water is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Knead the dough until it becomes elastic to achieve a chewy texture.
• Don’t skip the baking soda bath — it’s key to the pretzel’s signature color and chewiness.
• For a sweeter version, skip the salt topping and brush with butter after baking, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
• Freeze extras and reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes.

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

• Perfect chewy, golden texture.
• Simple, everyday ingredients.
• Fun and easy to make at home.
• Customizable with sweet or savory toppings.
• Delicious warm from the oven or reheated.

Summary:

This Easy Soft Pretzel Recipe delivers all the chewy, golden goodness of classic pretzels right from your own oven. With simple steps and familiar ingredients, it’s the perfect recipe for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.