Description
Discover how to make homemade soft pretzels with this easy and delicious recipe. Perfect for snacks, parties, or a cozy treat, these bakery-quality pretzels are soft on the inside with a crispy, golden crust. Learn step-by-step techniques for perfect results every time, from activating yeast to baking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¾ cup warm water (around 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 large egg (for brushing)
- Coarse sea salt (for topping)
Optional: melted butter for brushing and additional toppings like cinnamon or cheese for extra flavor.
Instructions
- Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly and frothy to activate the yeast.
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and stir to form a sticky dough. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, divide into 8 portions, and roll each into a 20-inch rope. Shape into twists or pretzel forms.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add baking soda. Dip each pretzel in boiling water for 30 seconds to create a shiny crust.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with coarse sea salt, and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Make sure water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast effectively.
- Use good quality coarse sea salt for topping to add flavor and texture.
- For softer crusts, brush pretzels with melted butter immediately after baking.
- Feel free to add toppings like shredded cheese, sesame seeds, or garlic powder for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 180 Kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg