Homemade pretzels are fun to make and incredibly satisfying — soft, chewy, and golden brown with a bit of crunch. Here’s a classic soft pretzel recipe to try at home:
🥨 Homemade Soft Pretzels
Ingredients:
For the dough:
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1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
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2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
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1 tsp salt
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1 tbsp granulated sugar
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the baking soda bath:
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½ cup baking soda
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9 cups water
For topping:
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1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
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Coarse sea salt
🔧 Instructions:
1. Make the Dough
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In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
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Add salt, sugar, and melted butter. Stir.
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Slowly mix in the flour, 1 cup at a time, until dough forms.
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Knead the dough (by hand or mixer with dough hook) for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour (until doubled in size).
2. Preheat & Prep
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Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
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Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large pot, bring 9 cups water and ½ cup baking soda to a boil. This is your baking soda bath.
3. Shape the Pretzels
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Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces.
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Roll each piece into a 20–24 inch rope.
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Shape into a “U”, twist the ends, and press them onto the bottom of the U to make the pretzel shape.
4. Baking Soda Bath
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Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds.
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Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Egg Wash & Topping
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Brush each pretzel with egg wash.
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Sprinkle with coarse salt (or cinnamon sugar for a sweet version).
6. Bake
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Bake for 12–14 minutes or until deep golden brown.
7. Cool & Enjoy
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Let cool for a few minutes and enjoy warm!
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Optional: Serve with mustard, cheese sauce, or dip in cinnamon sugar.
