The Best Soft Pretzel Recipe Ever

Few things rival the joy of biting into a warm, golden-brown soft pretzel, with its shiny, crackly crust and pillowy, chewy interior. Whether you're craving a nostalgic treat from a fairground or looking to impress guests with homemade perfection, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients:

- 1 ½ cups warm water (100–110°F / 38–43°C)

- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

- 1 tsp granulated sugar

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 tsp fine sea salt

- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

- 10 cups water

- ⅔ cup baking soda

- 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp water

- Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt

- Optional: melted butter, cinnamon sugar, shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. Add flour, melted butter, and salt. Mix and knead with dough hook for 5–6 minutes until smooth.

3. p id=”instruction-step-3″>3. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.

4. p id=”instruction-step-4″>4. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.

5. id=”instruction-step-5″>5. Divide dough into 8 portions, roll each into 20-inch ropes, and shape into pretzels.

6. id=”instruction-step-6″>6. Bring 10 cups water and ⅔ cup baking soda to a boil. Boil each pretzel for 20–30 seconds.

7. instruction-step-7″>7. Place pretzels on baking sheets, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with salt.

8. instruction-step-8″>8. Bake 12–14 minutes until golden. Optional: brush with melted butter when done.

Servings: 8, 8 pretzels

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keywords: soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, easy pretzel recipe

Nutrition Facts: Calories: 220 calories, Carbs: 42g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1.5g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 490mg, Fiber: 1.5g, Sugar: 1g