Homemade pretzels that are soft and fluffy on the inside with a chewy and salted exterior. Easy to make and absolutely no rising time needed!
Table of Contents
Buttery Soft Pretzels
Many of you have enjoyed my mini pretzel bites recipe, so I thought I’d make a post for the regular-sized version as well. If you’re new to working with yeast, these homemade pretzels are great for beginners because unlike my bagel recipe there is not rise time. Just shape, boil and bake them!
In my opinion, there is nothing quite like a hot, buttery and salted pretzel. It’s pure comfort food, especially paired with a creamy cheese sauce. And instead of ordering one while you’re out, try making them fresh at home!
These homemade pretzels are soft, fluffy and chewy all at the same time. The recipe comes together super quickly and you don’t need to allow time for rising. They’re made in under an hour!
We love making these for game day or a Sunday evening snack. You can freeze any leftovers to pull out the next time you need a quick and easy snack or appetizer.
How to Make Soft Pretzels
All in you need is 5 simple ingredients to make these delicious soft pretzels. I bet you already have everything in your pantry. Scroll down for the printable recipe with exact measurements.
Ingredients
- Yeast
- Salt
- Sugar
- Flour
- Baking Soda
How to Shape
These pretzels are easier than you think to shape. First you’ll want to separate dough into 12 sections. Using your hands roll the dough into ropes about 15-20 inches long and 1 inch thick. Then form the rope into a circle and twist the top ends together.
Next bring the twisted ends down the center of the circle and pinch together with the bottom to form the pretzels.
Baking Soda Boil
You may wonder if you really need to do the boil with baking soda, but it is an important step. This is what will help give the dough that classic pretzel texture, flavor and color. All you’re going to do is boil about 8 cups of water. Then once it has started boiling, add in the baking soda.
Place the pretzel dough into the water for about 20 seconds, then remove it with a slotted spoon and place on a lined baking sheet. Sprinkle salt on top.
Bake in Oven
Once you’ve given all of the pretzels the baking soda boil, it’s time to bake them. Let them bake until they’re golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Sometimes I’ll broil them during the last minute of cooking to help brown the tops even more.
Dipping Ideas
It’s no secret that soft pretzels taste amazing with cheese sauce. Our favorite pretzel cheese sauce is below, but I also listed a few other options that would taste delicious as well.
Freezing + Reheating
To freeze: Once pretzels have cooled completely, transfer to a freezer bag or container and store in freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheat in oven: Preheat oven to 300°F and bake until warm throughout, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Reheat in microwave: Let thaw, then cook in microwave for about 30 seconds.
Ready to make more bread recipes? These easy breadsticks or homemade bagel recipe will become other new favorites!
More Homemade Bread Recipes
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Homemade Pretzel Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 packet active yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 1/2-4 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup baking soda (for boiling water)
Optional: Melted Butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with a baking mat or parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl, add warm water and yeast. Allow to sit for 3-5 minutes or until it foams up. Add salt and sugar and stir.
- In a large bowl, add flour and then pour yeast mixture over top. Knead with bread hook in your mixer or by hand for about 3-5 minutes.
- Separate dough into 12 sections. Roll dough into ropes about 15-20 inches long and 1 inch thick. Then form rope into a circle and twist the top ends together. Then bring the twisted ends down the center of the circle and pinch together with the bottom to form the pretzels.
- In a large pan, bring about 8 cups water + 1/3 cup baking soda to a boil. Once water is boiling, place a piece of dough into the water for about 20 seconds. Remove immediately with slotted spoon and place onto baking sheet. Sprinkle salt on top. Repeat until all pretzels have been boiled.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. You can turn the oven to broil for the last minute to brown the tops if desired. Remove pretzels to a cooling rack and brush tops with melted butter if desired.
- Enjoy homemade pretzels with your favorite cheese sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Appetizers, Bread, Freezer-Friendly, Mini appetizers, Yeast Bread
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
Seriously delicious, came out perfectly. Whole family was raving! Adding this recipe to our family cookbook.
It makes me so happy that your family enjoyed the pretzels Lauren! Thanks for the review :)
Made these on a whim, and they’re perfection. Thank you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed them :)
I love “MALL PRETZELS” this looks similar. I’m excited to make them.
Hope you enjoy :D
My 10 yr old son made these and two younger siblings helped to roll them out! All five kids and my husband gobbled them up as soon as they were gone, they wanted to make more!
I love that your kids are spending time in the kitchen together! So glad everyone enjoyed the pretzels :)
I did not make yet, but will tomorrow.
I hope you enjoy! :)
Made this with my kiddos as a special Monday treat for the last week of school. They said they were way better than the ones in “the mall!” Thanks for making our quarantine days a little brighter and a lot yummier.
I’m so glad they were a hit! Thanks for your comment and review Kestin! :)
These were amazing!! Made them with my kids….so easy to make and everyone loved them!! Thanks for the great recipes!
I’m so glad everyone loved them! Thanks for leaving a comment Lauren! :)
oh my god!! yummmm
Stay safe!
Beijinhos Jessy
We love soft pretzels! This is a great recipe! Thanks for sharing!
I’m a sucker for soft pretzels! I loved this homemade recipe and I’m so excited to make these all the time!