Why do you boil soft pretzels in baking soda before baking?

Boiling pretzel dough in a baking soda bath helps create that signature chewy crust and deep golden color. The alkaline water reacts with the dough, giving it that classic pretzel flavor you can’t get from baking alone.

Can I make soft pretzels ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking. You can also freeze baked pretzels and reheat them later for a quick snack.

What flour works best for homemade soft pretzels?

All-purpose flour works perfectly for Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels, but if you prefer a chewier texture, bread flour adds more gluten strength and structure.

Can I skip the egg wash?

You can, but the egg wash gives pretzels their shiny finish and helps the salt stick. For a vegan version, use plant-based milk for a similar effect.

How do I reheat leftover soft pretzels?

Reheat pretzels in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore their crisp outside and soft center. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them tough or chewy.

Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels – 5-Step Foolproof Recipe You’ll Love

Description

These Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels are golden, buttery, and chewy, bringing warm bakery flavor to your kitchen in just a few simple steps. They’re soft inside, crisp on the outside, and topped with coarse salt for that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons melted butter
10 cups water
⅔ cup baking soda
1 large egg, beaten
Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt

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Instructions

Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl; let sit until foamy.
Stir in salt, melted butter, and flour one cup at a time; mix until dough forms.
Knead dough 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic; cover and let rise 1 hour.
Divide dough into 8 pieces; roll into ropes and twist into pretzel shapes.
Boil each pretzel 30 seconds in water with baking soda; place on parchment paper.
Brush with egg wash, sprinkle salt, and bake at 450°F for 12–14 minutes until golden.
Cool slightly before brushing with melted butter and serving warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, add garlic powder or everything bagel seasoning before baking.

You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate overnight.

Freeze baked pretzels (unsalted) and reheat before serving.

Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pretzel
Calories: 230
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg