These quick and easy salted soft pretzels are buttery, salty, and irresistibly delicious. Golden brown and chewy on the outside, they are soft and warm on the inside. In just 20 minutes of prep work, you can make these pretzels at home, tasting so much better than any pretzel from the mall or ballpark. Whether for a game day snack or a special treat, they’re sure to be a hit!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 4 grams active dry yeast

• 300 ml water

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 450 grams all-purpose flour

• 15 grams melted butter

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• ¼ cup salt flakes (for sprinkling)

• For the water bath:

  • 10 cups water

  • ½ cup baking soda

  • ¼ cup brown sugar

Directions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, water, salt, and brown sugar. Stir to dissolve and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. Add flour and melted butter. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a clean surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Alternatively, knead in a stand mixer for 3-5 minutes.

4. Cover the dough with cling wrap and let it rest for up to 1 hour at room temperature until it doubles in size.

5. Shape the pretzels: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Divide dough into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch rope and form pretzels by twisting the ends and pressing them into place.

6. Prepare the water bath: Bring water, baking soda, and brown sugar to a boil in a large pot. Drop pretzels in 3-4 at a time, boiling for 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side.

7. Transfer pretzels to a parchment-lined baking sheet, let dry for 5 minutes, and brush with egg wash. Sprinkle with salt flakes.

8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until golden brown.

9. Let the pretzels cool on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrients (per serving, based on 1 pretzel)

• Calories: 180 kcal

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 6g

  • Saturated Fat: 3g

• Carbohydrates: 28g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugars: 3g

• Cholesterol: 35mg

• Sodium: 550mg

• Potassium: 80mg

• Calcium: 2% of the Daily Value (DV)

• Iron: 6% of the DV

The Secret to Soft and Chewy Pretzels: The Water Bath

One of the key steps in making soft pretzels at home is the water bath. This technique is what gives these pretzels their signature chewy texture and golden-brown crust. The water bath involves briefly boiling the pretzels in a solution of water, baking soda, and brown sugar before baking. This step is crucial because the alkaline solution helps create that distinct pretzel flavor and promotes the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for the pretzels’ beautiful, deep golden color.

The baking soda bath also plays a vital role in achieving the soft and chewy interior of the pretzel. When the pretzel dough is immersed in the water bath, the surface of the dough hardens slightly, locking in moisture and creating the ideal contrast between a crispy, browned exterior and a soft, pillowy inside. This is what makes these pretzels so irresistible—the perfect balance of texture in every bite.

Why Homemade Pretzels Are Better Than Store-Bought

While store-bought pretzels from the mall or a ballpark can be convenient, they often fall short in terms of flavor and texture. Homemade soft pretzels, on the other hand, are guaranteed to be fresher and more flavorful. You have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring that your pretzels are made with high-quality, fresh components. Additionally, homemade pretzels allow for customization, whether you prefer a touch more salt or want to experiment with different seasonings or dips.

Another advantage of making pretzels at home is that you can enjoy them straight out of the oven. There’s something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked pretzels filling the kitchen. The process of baking them yourself also allows you to get creative with shapes, sizes, and toppings, ensuring that each batch of pretzels is unique.

Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. All you need are a few common ingredients—active dry yeast, water, brown sugar, flour, butter, and salt—many of which are likely already in your pantry. The yeast is responsible for helping the dough rise, giving the pretzels their light and airy texture. The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors, and the butter enriches the dough, contributing to the deliciously tender bite.

What truly makes these pretzels stand out, however, is the salt that’s sprinkled on top after baking. The salt flakes add the perfect amount of savory flavor, giving each bite a satisfying contrast to the soft, warm dough. You can always adjust the amount of salt based on personal preference, making these pretzels customizable to your taste.

The Art of Shaping Pretzels

Shaping the dough into the iconic pretzel form is one of the most fun parts of making these treats. After the dough has risen and been kneaded, it is divided into smaller pieces and rolled out into long ropes. These ropes are then twisted into a traditional pretzel shape by looping the ends around and pressing them together. While the classic pretzel shape is always a favorite, feel free to get creative with how you shape your dough—whether that’s forming smaller pretzel bites or creating large, twisted loops.

For those who prefer a more uniform shape, you can also shape the dough into simple oval or round forms, and they will still bake up beautifully. Regardless of the shape you choose, these pretzels will have the same golden color and delicious flavor.

A Quick and Fun Activity for the Family

Making soft pretzels at home is a fun activity that the whole family can get involved in. Kneading the dough, shaping the pretzels, and dunking them in the water bath are tasks that children can easily participate in. It’s a great way to spend quality time together in the kitchen, and the reward is a batch of homemade pretzels that everyone can enjoy.

Children will especially love the hands-on nature of the recipe. The process of rolling out dough and shaping it into pretzels is an opportunity for kids to practice their motor skills, and they’ll feel a sense of accomplishment when they see their pretzels come out of the oven. Plus, it’s a perfect way to teach them about baking and the science behind yeast and dough rising.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These salted soft pretzels are incredibly versatile and can be served for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re preparing them as a snack for a movie night, as a savory appetizer for a party, or as a fun treat for game day, these pretzels are sure to be a hit. Their warm, buttery flavor makes them a comfort food that can be enjoyed at any time, and their simple yet satisfying taste appeals to people of all ages.

These pretzels are also great for dipping. Whether you prefer a rich, cheesy dip, tangy mustard, or a sweet dip like chocolate or caramel, there’s a dip for every palate. The chewiness of the pretzels pairs perfectly with creamy dips, and they’re substantial enough to hold up to the thickest of sauces.

A Budget-Friendly Snack

Making your own pretzels at home is also a budget-friendly option compared to purchasing them from a store or bakery. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make a large batch of soft pretzels for a fraction of the cost. This makes them a great choice for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a special snack for your family, or simply craving a homemade treat, these pretzels offer a cost-effective solution.

The Aroma of Freshly Baked Pretzels

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked soft pretzels wafting through your home. The smell alone is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, and the anticipation of biting into a warm, chewy pretzel only adds to the excitement. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing them with others, the scent of pretzels baking in the oven creates an irresistible atmosphere.

Conclusion

Quick and easy salted soft pretzels are a perfect homemade snack that combines the comforting flavors of buttery, salty dough with a chewy texture that’s impossible to resist. The simplicity of the recipe, along with the use of a baking soda water bath, gives these pretzels their signature golden-brown crust and soft interior, making them just as good as any pretzel you’d buy from a store. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or treat for a special occasion, these homemade pretzels are sure to be a hit with family and friends. The ease of preparation, customizable flavor options, and fun, interactive process make these soft pretzels a must-try for anyone looking to create a delicious snack at home. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible taste of freshly baked soft pretzels.