These Perfect Soft Pretzels are so chewy and delicious! Made with just a handful of basic ingredients, you’ll want to make homemade soft pretzels all the time!
How to make Homemade Soft Pretzels
I don’t know about you, but we LOVE pretzels! And while we have nothing against crunchy pretzels… they just don’t compare to chewy and delicious soft pretzels. So today I’m teaching you exactly how to make them with this easy recipe! It uses basic ingredients and a foolproof method! I just know you’re going to love them!
More Soft Pretzel Recipes:
- Bacon and Cheddar Stuffed Jalapeno Soft Pretzels
- Heart Shaped Chocolate Dipped Soft Pretzels
- Ham, Swiss, and Jalapeno Stuffed Pretzels
- Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary and Parmesan Soft Pretzels
- Soft Pretzel Garlic Knots
Perfect Soft Pretzels
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups very warm water (115 degrees fahrenheit)
- (1) Package Rapid Rise Yeast
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 1/4 cups bread flour
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, very soft
Cooking Liquid:
- 8 cups water
- Scant 1 cup baking soda
Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
For the Dough:
- In a medium bowl combine the water, yeast, sugar, and salt; let sit for 5-8 minutes, or until foamy.
- In the body of a stand mixer using the hook attachment add the flour, butter, and foam mixture and beat on medium speed for 12 minutes, allowing the hook to knead the dough.
- Cover the dough with a warm, moist towel, and let rise for one hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees (F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
- In a large, wide pot combine water and baking soda and bring to a boil.
- While the water is coming to a boil, roll out your pretzels!
- Divide the dough into 8 pieces, trying to make them as equal as possible. Roll each piece out into a long rope (about 16 inches) and then shape into a U. Fold each end of the U over each other to achieve the perfect pretzel shape. Press the ends together, pinching the dough together well.
- One at a time, place pretzels into boiling water and cook for 25 seconds before removing with a slotted spatula and transferring to the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops and sides of each pretzel with the egg wash. Add salt here if you like.
- Place pan in the oven to bake for 13-15 minutes.
- Transfer pretzels to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Ariana says
Great soft pretzels! I used 1 cup white flour and 3 1/2 cups white whole wheat. I kneaded the dough by hand and it was not hard at all.
bakerbynature says
So glad they were a hit, Ariana! And thanks for letting us know you made them by hand!
AMORE says
How much baking soda are you using? 1 cup is too much. Someone Please?
bakerbynature says
1 cup is the correct amount and what I use.
Jess says
These are amazing. I used a bread machine for the dough and they turned out great. I made one into a test bun and am now eating my lunch on it! Delicious.
Kim Euna says
Hi. The recipe is amazing. I’ve tried it once but the ones that i made tasted bitter at some parts of the pretzels. Do you know where i might do wrong?
Scott says
Can you clarify how much baking Soda to use. I cup?
Liz says
A hand mixer even with the dough hooks doesn’t work, on my 3rd try, kneaded by hand this time, I really wanted to make these, dough is rising…
Abby E. says
I do not have one of those expensive mixers. Just a hand mixer. How can I do step 3? I went and got ingredients for this recipe, but should have read the steps more thoroughly.
bakerbynature says
Hi Abby. Although a hand mixer will not be able to knead the dough, you can do it by hand. That said, it will take about 15 minutes, so have your elbow grease ready 🙂
Alannah McLean says
Just a note, you never put in the directions to mix the egg and water for the egg wash. Some people might not know to do that. (: Mine are cooling right now can’t wait to eat them with my cheese dip!
bakerbynature says
Hi Alannah. Thanks for pointing that out! I’m going to fix that now. Enjoy your pretzels 🙂
Quinn says
I don’t have a standing mixer (and, therefore, no dough hook). Can this be achieved using normal hand kneading?
bakerbynature says
Hi Quinn. I’ve honestly never tried, but my guess is yes. That said, you will need to have your muscles ready – the dough needs a LOT of kneading. About 15 minutes by hand.
Aline Spear says
I just made these as a surprise for my boyfriend, pretzels are his favorite food! And this is by far the best recipe I have come across! It’s tasty and I used my food processor for 45 seconds and the dough came out just right. I’m looking forward to trying your other recipes.
bakerbynature says
Hi Aline. I’m so happy these were a hit! Thank you for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed this recipe. And what a nice girlfriend you are 🙂 xo
Ed S says
When I make soft pretzels I find that it is good to let them rise again after you form the dough into the pretzel shape, for about 15-20 minutes. Your recipe has a couple of things I want to try next time. Thanks for the ideas.
bakerbynature says
Hi Ed. I’ll have to try letting my pretzel dough rise next time and see how it turns out 🙂 Thanks for the tip!