Homemade Pretzels Recipe – Soft, Chewy & Delicious
Soft, golden-brown, and perfectly chewy, homemade pretzels are a delightful treat that never fails to impress. Whether enjoyed as a snack, party appetizer, or alongside a comforting bowl of soup, pretzels offer a unique combination of flavor, texture, and nostalgia. Their iconic twisted shape isn’t just for show—it helps create the perfect balance between a crisp outer crust and a soft, chewy interior.
Baking pretzels at home is simpler than it may seem. The process of shaping, boiling briefly in a baking soda solution, and baking gives these snacks their signature flavor and texture. Freshly baked pretzels fill the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that makes them irresistible. Beyond the classic salted variety, pretzels are versatile, allowing for sweet, savory, and flavored variations that can suit any occasion. Homemade pretzels bring an element of creativity, fun, and satisfaction to your baking routine, giving you a snack that rivals any store-bought option.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a straightforward ingredient list for homemade pretzels along with approximate calorie counts:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 4 cups | 1,640 |
| Warm water (110°F/45°C) | 1 ½ cups | 0 |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tbsp | 49 |
| Salt | 2 tsp | 0 |
| Active dry yeast | 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) | 21 |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 2 tbsp | 204 |
| Baking soda | ½ cup (for boiling) | 0 |
| Coarse salt (for sprinkling) | 2 tbsp | 0 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. - Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until a dough forms. - Knead the Dough
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. - Let Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size. - Shape the Pretzels
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8–10 portions. Roll each piece into a long rope and twist into the classic pretzel shape. - Boil the Pretzels
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Bring a large pot of water and baking soda to a boil. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon. - Bake the Pretzels
Place the boiled pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt and bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown. - Serve and Enjoy
Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving warm.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Sweet Pretzels: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with chocolate for a dessert twist.
- Cheese Lovers: Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top before baking.
- Herb Infusion: Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Mini Pretzels: Make bite-sized versions for parties or snack platters.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix, adjusting liquid as needed.
Nutritional Information (Per Pretzel – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250–280 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with mustard, cheese dip, or hummus.
- Pair with a cold beverage like beer, soda, or iced tea.
- Sweet pretzels make a great dessert snack with chocolate or caramel dip.
- Include on a snack board with cheeses, cured meats, and fruits.
- Perfect for movie nights, parties, or brunch spreads.
Pretzels Recipe
8 pretzels
servings20
minutes12
minutes300
kcalIngredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tsp salt
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
½ cup baking soda (for boiling)
2 tbsp coarse salt (for sprinkling)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise:
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Pretzels:
- Punch down the dough and divide into 8 portions. Roll each piece into a long rope and twist into classic pretzel shapes.
- Boil the Pretzels:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Bring a large pot of water and baking soda to a boil. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds and remove with a slotted spoon.
- Bake the Pretzels:
- Place boiled pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt and bake 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use fresh or active dry yeast and ensure water is warm (not hot) to activate properly.
Boiling pretzels in a baking soda solution before baking gives them the signature chewy texture and golden-brown crust.
FAQs
1. Can I make pretzels ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Shape and bake the pretzels the next day for fresh, warm snacks.
2. Why do pretzels need to be boiled in baking soda?
Boiling in a baking soda solution gives pretzels their classic chewy texture and deep golden-brown crust. It also adds the distinctive pretzel flavor.
3. Can I make soft pretzels gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend, but you may need to adjust the liquid and baking time slightly. Gluten-free pretzels may be slightly less chewy.
4. Can I make sweet pretzels instead of savory?
Yes! Swap coarse salt for cinnamon sugar or drizzle with chocolate or caramel after baking for a delicious dessert twist.
5. How long do homemade pretzels last?
Soft pretzels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Homemade pretzels are a delicious and versatile snack that’s fun to make and satisfying to eat. With a perfectly chewy interior and golden crust, these pretzels are customizable for both sweet and savory preferences. Baking pretzels at home allows for creativity while capturing the nostalgic flavors that everyone loves. From classic salted to cinnamon sugar or cheesy variations, pretzels are a timeless treat that brings warmth, comfort, and joy to any table.
