Easy Soft Pretzels
Learn how to make soft pretzels at home with this easy recipe. Chewy, salty, and delicious homemade pretzels in just over an hour.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup warm water, approximately 110°F
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 4 cups water for boiling
- 2 tablespoons coarse pretzel salt or sea salt for topping
- 1 large egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
- 2 tablespoons honey for finishing drizzle
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for optional seasoning
Instructions
- 1
Combine the flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl, whisking together until evenly distributed.
- 2
Pour the warm water and melted butter into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- 3
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for approximately 8 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic with a slight resistance.
- 4
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, covering with a damp kitchen towel and allowing it to rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- 5
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 6
Divide the risen dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope approximately 24 inches in length, working gently to avoid deflating the dough.
- 7
Form each rope into a pretzel shape by creating a loop, then twisting the ends and pressing them firmly onto the base of the loop.
- 8
Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot, then whisk in the baking soda until fully dissolved and the mixture becomes amber-colored.
- 9
Working in batches, carefully lower each pretzel into the baking soda bath for 20-30 seconds per side using a slotted spatula, ensuring even coverage.
- 10
Remove each pretzel from the bath using a slotted spatula and transfer it to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- 11
Brush the top surface of each pretzel generously with the egg yolk mixture and sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt or sea salt.
- 12
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the pretzels develop a rich mahogany-brown color and feel firm to the touch.
- 13
Remove the pretzels from the oven and brush lightly with the honey drizzle while they're still warm, allowing it to soak in slightly.
- 14
Cool the pretzels on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to rest for an additional 5-10 minutes before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| all-purpose flour | whole wheat flour (use 1.5 cups whole wheat + 1.5 cups all-purpose) | Increases fiber content and provides more sustained energy release, reducing blood sugar spikes |
| granulated sugar | honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon) | Natural sweeteners contain trace minerals and provide a lower glycemic response compared to refined white sugar |
| unsalted butter | refined coconut oil (2 tablespoons) | Offers anti-inflammatory medium-chain triglycerides while maintaining the tender crumb structure |
| coarse pretzel salt topping | reduced-sodium sea salt or everything bagel seasoning (1 tablespoon total) | Dramatically lowers sodium intake without sacrificing the beloved salty crust characteristic |
| honey finishing drizzle | unsweetened applesauce (1 tablespoon) or skip entirely | Eliminates added sugar while still providing moisture and slight natural sweetness if desired |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 8)
| Calories | 245 |
| Total Fat | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 28mg |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Carbohydrates | 46g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 9g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
