Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels

There’s something irresistibly charming about the warm, chewy texture of soft pretzels. Easy homemade soft pretzels are not only a delightful snack but also a fun and engaging activity for family and friends. With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy this iconic treat right from your kitchen.

Why Make This Recipe

Soft pretzels are perfect for any occasion. They’re great for parties, movie nights, or as a unique snack for your kids. The wonderful taste of freshly baked pretzels, coupled with the satisfaction of making them from scratch, makes this recipe a must-try. Plus, these soft pretzels are customizable! You can sprinkle them with coarse salt or try your favorite toppings, making them a versatile treat.

How to Make Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels

Making soft pretzels is surprisingly simple. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own batch at home:

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• ¾ cup baking soda (for boiling)
• Coarse salt (for topping)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
2. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a dough begins to form.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
4. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (approximately 1 hour).
5. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
6. Once risen, divide the dough into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 24 inches long, and twist it into a pretzel shape.
7. In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil. Carefully drop each shaped pretzel into the boiling water and let them cook for about 30 seconds before removing.
8. Place the boiled pretzels on parchment-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels

Soft pretzels are best enjoyed warm. Serve them with a variety of dips, such as mustard, cheese sauce, or even chocolate for a sweet twist. Arrange them on a platter for easy snacking, or place them in a basket lined with a cloth for a cozy presentation.

How to Store Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels

To keep your homemade soft pretzels fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, bake in an oven until warm.

Tips to Make Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels

• Knead Well: Ensure the dough is well-kneaded for a soft, chewy texture.
• Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding garlic powder, paprika, or cheese to the dough for added flavor.
• Perfect Your Twist: Take your time twisting the pretzel to get a uniform shape.

Variations

• Cheese Pretzels: Fold shredded cheese into the dough before shaping or top with cheese after boiling.
• Sweet Pretzels: Add cinnamon and sugar to the dough for a sweeter version, perfect for dessert.
• Herbed Pretzels: Mix dried herbs or spices into the dough for an aromatic twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the pretzels may be denser. You might want to mix it with all-purpose flour for better texture.

2. What can I use if I don’t have baking soda?
You can use baking powder, but it will alter the flavor and texture slightly. Baking soda is key for that unique pretzel taste.

3. How can I make the pretzels crispier?
For crispier pretzels, you can brush them with melted butter before baking or increase the baking time by a few minutes while keeping an eye to avoid burning.

Enjoy making these easy homemade soft pretzels and turn any day into a special occasion!

Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels

Enjoy warm, chewy, and customizable soft pretzels made easily at home with basic ingredients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8 pretzels

Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients

  

Dough Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1.5 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)

Boiling and Topping Ingredients

• ¾ cup baking soda for boiling
• Coarse salt for topping

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
• Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a dough begins to form.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
• Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (approximately 1 hour).

Cooking

• Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
• Once risen, divide the dough into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 24 inches long, and twist it into a pretzel shape.
• In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil. Carefully drop each shaped pretzel into the boiling water and let them cook for about 30 seconds before removing.
• Place the boiled pretzels on parchment-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

To keep your homemade soft pretzels fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, bake in an oven until warm.

Keyword Baking, easy pretzels, Homemade Pretzels, Snack Recipe, Soft Pretzels