Delicious Homemade Soft Pretzels Ready in Just 35 Minutes

When you think of a classic snack that wraps comfort and nostalgia in its warm, buttery folds, homemade soft pretzels are surely the stars of the show. Imagine biting into a golden-brown, chewy exterior that gives way to a soft, pillowy center. The tantalizing aroma of freshly baked pretzels wafts through your kitchen, transporting you to your favorite carnival or sports game—an experience you can recreate right in your own home.

There’s something magical about whipping up a batch of homemade soft pretzels that delight both young and old. This recipe is not only fun and interactive, but it also brings people together, whether for game nights, movie marathons, or just because. Get ready to embark on this delicious adventure that will have your friends and family begging for more.

Ingredients for homemade soft pretzels

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious homemade soft pretzels:

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast – This is the magical ingredient that helps your pretzels puff up beautifully.

1 cup warm water – Make sure the water is warm, not too hot; it should feel cozy to the touch, just like a hug for the yeast.

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted – This adds a rich flavor to your dough.

1 teaspoon sugar – A little pinch of sweetness helps activate the yeast and enhances the overall taste.

1 teaspoon salt – Essential for flavor; because what is a pretzel without a touch of saltiness?

3 cups all-purpose flour – This is the main part of your dough, giving the pretzels structure and chewiness.

2 cups water (for baking soda bath) – This bath enhances the pretzel’s color and gives it that authentic chewy texture.

2 tablespoons baking soda – This is the secret to that lovely browning effect, creating the classic pretzel flavor.

1 tablespoon coarse salt (for sprinkling on top) – The finishing touch; it’s what makes your homemade soft pretzels irresistible.

6 tablespoons salted butter, melted – This will be brushed on after baking to give your pretzels that shiny, mouth-watering finish.

How to Make homemade soft pretzels

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious homemade soft pretzels:

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast
In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the active dry yeast with warm water and sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This bubbling action is the yeast waking up and getting ready to work, transforming your dough from good to extraordinary.

Step 2: Mix the Dough
Once the yeast is frothy, stir in the salt and 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, while kneading the dough on the lowest setting of your mixer. Continue kneading for about 5 minutes or until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky, which will allow it to stretch like a dream.

Step 3: Let it Rest
Form the dough into a ball by hand, then lightly grease the bowl. Place the dough back into the bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rest for 15 minutes. This is like nap time for your pretzel dough—don’t rush it!

Step 4: Create the Pretzel Shapes
While the dough is resting, prepare a baking soda bath by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized pot. Stir in 2 tablespoons of baking soda and let it dissolve. After 15 minutes, flatten the dough slightly, then cut it into 8 equal sections. Roll each section into a long rope, about 19-20 inches long, and twist the ropes into pretzel shapes.

Step 5: Dip in the Baking Soda Bath
Carefully place each shaped pretzel into the baking soda bath for about 2 minutes to ensure they are fully submerged. This bath is key for that characteristic pretzel flavor and texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the wet pretzels with coarse salt before placing them on lined baking sheets. Bake in a preheated oven at 475°F for 8-9 minutes or until they turn golden brown. As soon as they come out of the oven, brush them with melted salted butter for that glossy finish. Voilà!

Serve your homemade soft pretzels warm, perhaps with a side of mustard or cheese sauce for dipping. Prepare to be the life of the party as your guests taste their first bites—fluffy, soft, salty, and utterly delightful.

So, there you have it! These homemade soft pretzels are not just a simple snack to satisfy your cravings, they’re a joy-filled culinary project that brings together aromas, flavors, and friends. Enjoy the process of making them and savor the joy they bring to your next gathering or cozy night at home.

Perfecting homemade soft pretzels Cooking Process

To get the most out of your homemade soft pretzels, start by prepping your baking soda bath while the dough is resting. This way, you’re ready to dunk immediately after shaping, ensuring a delightful, chewy texture.

Add Your Touch to homemade soft pretzels

Feel free to customize your homemade soft pretzels by adding spices like garlic powder or herbs to the dough. You can even experiment with toppings ranging from cheese to cinnamon sugar, making each batch uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating homemade soft pretzels

Store leftover homemade soft pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness.

One of my friends took one bite of the homemade soft pretzels and declared them “life-changing,” immediately leading to her hosting a game night just to show them off to everyone. That’s when I knew I had a hit on my hands!

FAQs About homemade soft pretzels

What is homemade soft pretzels?

Homemade soft pretzels are a delicious snack made from a simple dough that combines flour, water, yeast, sugar, and salt. Unlike hard pretzels, these are soft and chewy with a golden brown crust. They’re often enjoyed with a sprinkle of coarse salt, and you can easily customize them with different toppings or dips like cheese sauce or mustard. Perfectly baked, they make an excellent snack for movie nights or game events, proving that homemade snacks can elevate any gathering.

How do you make homemade soft pretzels from scratch?

Making homemade soft pretzels is simple and requires just a few ingredients. Start by activating your yeast in warm water. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, knead the dough until smooth, and let it rest. Then, shape the dough into pretzel forms and dip them in a baking soda bath before baking. This extra step gives them the signature chewy texture. In just around 35 minutes, you can enjoy warm pretzels right from your oven, impressing everyone with your baking skills!

Can homemade soft pretzels be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze homemade soft pretzels! Once they have cooled completely after baking, place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in an oven at 350°F for about five minutes to restore their warm, soft goodness. This makes them a convenient snack option, as you can prepare a batch ahead of time and have them ready whenever you crave a tasty treat.

What are some variations for homemade soft pretzels?

There are countless ways to spice up your homemade soft pretzels! You can add flavors to the dough, such as garlic powder, cheese, or herbs for an extra kick. Topping options are also abundant—try brushing them with melted butter and sprinkling cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat, or using everything bagel seasoning for a savory twist. These variations allow you to create pretzels that suit your taste, making them fun and exciting each time!

Conclusion for homemade soft pretzels

In conclusion, homemade soft pretzels are a delightful snack that anyone can whip up in a short time. With a simple list of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create warm, chewy pretzels that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them straight out of the oven or get creative with toppings and flavors, these homemade soft pretzels will never disappoint. Give them a try, and prepare to be amazed by your baking prowess!

Homemade Soft Pretzels

Delicious homemade soft pretzels you can whip up in just 35 minutes, perfect for snacks and gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Resting Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 pretzels

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 263

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Dough Ingredients

• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour plus up to ¾ cup more if needed

Baking Soda Bath

• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons baking soda

Topping

• 1 tablespoon coarse salt for sprinkling on top
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted for brushing

Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking sheet
• shallow dish
• medium pot

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 475°F and line a large baking sheet or two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine yeast with warm water and sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with hook attachment. Let the mixture become frothy.
3. Stir in salt and 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
4. Add flour, 1 cup at a time, and knead on lowest setting until a dough forms and is no longer very sticky. Knead dough for 5 minutes or until smooth and pliable.
5. Form dough into a ball by hand. Lightly grease the bowl and place the dough back in to rest for 15 minutes. Cover with a damp towel.

Cooking

1. In a medium-sized pot, boil 2 cups of water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Once dissolved, remove from heat and pour into a shallow dish.
2. After 15 minutes, flatten the dough slightly. Cut into 8 sections. Roll each section into a long rope, about 19-20 inches long, and shape into pretzel shapes.
3. Place pretzels in the baking soda bath for 2 minutes, ensuring they are fully covered.
4. Sprinkle pretzels with coarse salt while still wet. Repeat until all pretzels are prepared and placed on baking sheets.
5. Bake pretzels for 8-9 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with 6 tablespoons of melted butter immediately after removing from the oven.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pretzelCalories: 263kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 2057mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g

Notes

Feel free to customize your pretzels with different toppings or flavors. Great for parties or movie nights!

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