Homemade Soft Chewy Pretzels

Featured in: Warm Rustic Bake & Tray Recipes

These soft pretzels boast a warm, golden crust with a satisfyingly chewy interior. The dough is carefully kneaded and allowed to rise before shaping into classic pretzel forms. A brief dip in a baking soda bath creates that characteristic crust, while a brush of egg wash and sprinkling of coarse salt finish the treats. Baking results in a perfect balance of softness and crispness, ideal for enjoying plain or with your favorite dips. Simple steps and common pantry ingredients make these a delightful snack.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:42:00 GMT
Golden-brown Homemade Soft Pretzels with a crispy exterior and soft, warm interior await. Pin It
Golden-brown Homemade Soft Pretzels with a crispy exterior and soft, warm interior await. | honeyravel.com

Warm, golden-brown pretzels with a soft, chewy interior and classic salty crust—perfect for snacking or sharing.

Making these pretzels brought back fond memories of family baking sessions and sharing warm treats fresh from the oven.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C), 2 ¼ tsp (7 g 1 packet) active dry yeast, 1 tbsp (12 g) granulated sugar, 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp (6 g) fine sea salt, 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter melted
  • Boiling & Topping: 10 cups (2.4 L) water, ⅔ cup (90 g) baking soda, 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp water, Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

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Step 1:
In a large bowl combine warm water yeast and sugar Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy
Step 2:
Add flour salt and melted butter Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms
Step 3:
Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 57 minutes until smooth and elastic
Step 4:
Place dough in a greased bowl cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size
Step 5:
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) Line two baking sheets with parchment paper
Step 6:
In a large pot bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a boil
Step 7:
Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces Roll each into a 20-inch (50 cm) rope
Step 8:
Shape each rope into a pretzel form a U twist the ends twice then press onto the bottom of the U
Step 9:
Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda solution for 30 seconds use a slotted spatula to transfer to prepared baking sheets
Step 10:
Brush pretzels with egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse salt
Step 11:
Bake for 1215 minutes until deep golden-brown
Step 12:
Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving
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Crisp vegetables, roast meats, bake snacks, and reheat leftovers quickly for easy, flavorful home cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Crisp vegetables, roast meats, bake snacks, and reheat leftovers quickly for easy, flavorful home cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Perfectly salted Homemade Soft Pretzels, ready to eat, offer a delightful, chewy texture. Pin It
Perfectly salted Homemade Soft Pretzels, ready to eat, offer a delightful, chewy texture. | honeyravel.com

Baking soft pretzels has become a cherished family moment where everyone gathers to shape and enjoy the warm treats.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl Measuring cups and spoons Wooden spoon Stand mixer with dough hook (optional) Large pot Slotted spatula Baking sheets Parchment paper Pastry brush

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) Eggs Milk (butter) May contain traces of nuts or soy if ingredients are processed in shared facilities Always double-check labels for allergens

Nutritional Information

Per pretzel Calories 220 Total Fat 3 g Carbohydrates 42 g Protein 6 g

Freshly baked soft Homemade Pretzels, brushed with egg wash, look invitingly delicious and golden. Pin It
Freshly baked soft Homemade Pretzels, brushed with egg wash, look invitingly delicious and golden. | honeyravel.com
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Enjoy your homemade soft pretzels fresh and warm for the best experience.

Recipe FAQs

How do I achieve the soft interior?

Proper kneading and adequate rising time ensure a tender, chewy texture inside the pretzels.

Why is a baking soda bath necessary?

Dipping the shaped dough in baking soda solution before baking produces the classic golden crust and distinctive flavor.

Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?

Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook can simplify mixing and kneading but doing it by hand works equally well.

What are some serving suggestions?

Pretzels pair beautifully with mustard, cheese dip, or can be enjoyed plain for a simple snack.

How do I store leftover pretzels?

Store leftovers in an airtight container or freeze them; reheat in an oven at 350°F for best results.

Homemade Soft Chewy Pretzels

Soft pretzels with a chewy texture and golden crust, ideal for snacking or sharing.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Author Tyler Morris


Level Medium

Cuisine German-American

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

What You Need

Dough

01 1 ½ cups (12 fl oz) warm water (about 110°F)
02 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (7 g, 1 packet)
03 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (12 g)
04 4 cups all-purpose flour (17.6 oz)
05 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (6 g)
06 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (1 oz)

Boiling & Topping

01 10 cups water (80 fl oz)
02 ⅔ cup baking soda (90 g)
03 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
04 Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Steps

Step 01

Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Let rest for 5 minutes until mixture is foamy.

Step 02

Form Dough: Add all-purpose flour, fine sea salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 03

Knead Dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 04

First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise in a warm location for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Step 05

Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 450°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 06

Boil Baking Soda Solution: Bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot.

Step 07

Shape Pretzels: Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a 20-inch rope, then shape into pretzels by forming a U, twisting ends twice, and pressing ends onto the bottom of the U.

Step 08

Dip Pretzels: Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda solution for 30 seconds, then transfer using a slotted spatula onto prepared baking sheets.

Step 09

Apply Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each pretzel with the egg yolk mixture and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.

Step 10

Bake: Bake pretzels for 12 to 15 minutes until deep golden brown.

Step 11

Cool and Serve: Allow pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

What You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
  • Large pot
  • Slotted spatula
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Details

Always check each item for allergens, and reach out to your healthcare provider with any concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (butter). May contain traces of nuts or soy due to shared processing facilities.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Nutrition info serves as a guide only—consult your doctor for specific needs.
  • Total Calories: 220
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Proteins: 6 g