Soft Pretzels

These Best Soft Pretzels are the ultimate handheld snack that both kids and adults crave. Soft, chewy, and golden brown, they’re perfect for game day, lunchboxes, or anytime snacking. Serve them with spicy mustard, whole grain mustard, or a creamy cheese sauce for the perfect dipping experience. Easy to make at home and fun to eat, these homemade pretzels will be your new go-to snack recipe!

Best Soft Pretzels Recipe – Easy Homemade Snack Kids Love

When you have a house full of teenage boys, snacking becomes a whole new game. They can devour a full plate before dinner even hits the table! These big, homemade soft pretzels are one of those go-to snacks that always draw a crowd. Whether served plain, with mustard, or dipped in warm cheese sauce, they’re a guaranteed hit with hungry teens and their friends. While it does take several steps to make homemade pretzels, don’t be intimidated. The basic ingredients are simple and can be found already stocked in most pantries.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make the best Soft Pretzels: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Flour – All purpose flour forms the base of the simple dough.
• Liquid – Lukewarm water for moisture.
• Yeast – Active dry yeast gives lift to the dough and adds a sourdough-like flavor.
• Butter – Salted or unsalted butter for richness.
• Seasonings – Kosher salt and sugar balance the flavor. You’ll also need sea salt or pretzel salt to season the exterior.
• Water – Tap water for boiling the pretzels prior to baking.
• Oil – You’ll need vegetable oil for oiling the mixing bowl and brushing the parchment paper.
• Baking Soda – Boiling pretzels in boiling water seasoned with baking soda lowers the ph of the water and gives pretzels their signature chewy texture and taste.
• Egg Wash -Beaten egg yolk gives pretzels their golden brown color.

How to Make the Best Soft Pretzels Recipe

• Bloom the Yeast – Combine water, sugar and kosher salt with yeast. Let sit until foamy.
• Add Flour and Butter – Add flour and butter.
• Knead the Dough – On medium speed, knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl.
• Cover and Let Rise – Transfer dough to an oiled bowl and let dough rise until the dough has doubled in size.
• Heat Oven and Prepare Baking Pans – Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line 2 large sheet pans with parchment paper and lightly brush with vegetable oil. Set aside.
• Boil Water with Baking Soda – In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a rolling boil.
• Divide Dough – Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Form pretzels per the recipe then place onto parchment-lined sheet pan.
• Boil Pretzel Dough – Boil, then return to the sheet pan, brush the tops with beaten egg yolk and water mixture. Sprinkle with salt.
• Oven – Bake per the recipe until dark golden brown in color.
• Transfer to a cooling rack then serve with mustard or cheese sauce for dipping,

Kitchen Equipment to Make Homemade Soft Pretzels

• Stand mixer and two large bowls.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Large pot for boiling the pretzel dough.
• 2 large sheet pans lined with parchment paper.
• Pastry brush and small bowl for the egg wash.
• Wire rack for cooling.

Recipe Variations, Tips or Substitutions

• Check the Date of the Yeast – When making pretzels from scratch, it’s imperative that you start with fresh yeast. Check the packaging for the expiration date and be patient, giving it ample time to bloom. If, after waiting 10 minutes there’s no action, throw it out and start again.
• Flour – All purpose flour will give you the best texture. You could use bread flour in a pinch for an even chewier texture. Just as when you’re baking homemade bread, it’s important to use fresh flour.
• Salt – You can use sea salt, flaky salt or pretzel salt to sprinkle on top of the finished pretzels. Pretzel salt is usually found with the other salt and seasonings at most grocery stores.
• Smaller Pretzels – This recipe demonstrates how to make large pretzels. You can make these pretzels smaller by dividing the dough into more portions.
• Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels – How do you make cinnamon sugar pretzels? The technique for making the pretzel dough is the same. In place of salt, sprinkle them on all sides with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet version, after baking. You will need to brush the pretzels with melted butter so it will stick.
• Garlic Butter Pretzels – You can brush the pretzels with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for a savory twist.
• Cheese Stuffed Soft Pretzel Bites – Checkout my recipe for Cheese Pretzel Bites for a bite-size treat.
• How to Serve Soft Pretzels – While homemade pretzels are most often served with classic mustard and Cheese Sauce for dipping, you can use any sauce, you like. We’ve even dipped pretzels into homemade Pimento Cheese. You could also serve soft pretzels with my Reuben Dip, 

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Once the pretzels are baked and cooled you can store soft pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezer – You can also freeze the pretzels before baking. If you’d like to freeze prior to boiling and baking, place formed pretzels on a baking pan and into the freezer. Once solid, package in freezer safe bags until using. Pretzel dough will keep frozen for up to 3 months, possibly even longer.
• Freezing Leftover Pretzels – You can also freeze fully prepared soft pretzels. Bake per the recipe and cool completely. Package them in freezer safe bags or containers for up to 1 month. Thaw on the counter or in the refrigerator then gently reheat in the microwave to eat.

More Bread Recipes to Make

• Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Biscuits is the official house bread of the South.
• Turn a fluffy inexpensive loaf of bread from the bakery into this Cheese Bread.
• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is always a treat.
• Southern Spoon Bread is a cross between cornbread and a casserole.
• This rich Praline Pecan Monkey Bread is addictive.
• Sweet Cinnamon Roll Bread is perfection with a cup of coffee or hot tea.
• Sausage Bread can be enjoyed for breakfast, as an appetizer or a main dish with a salad.
• My recipe for Praline Apple Bread is a fan favorite.
• Sourdough English Muffins from King Arthur Flour.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Sheet Pan
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Set
• Large Pot