INTRODUCTION
Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels are a simple, warm snack you can make at home. This recipe gives you soft, golden pretzels with a shiny crust and a soft center. They are great for a snack, a lunch side, or party food. You can also make a healthy version by choosing whole grain flour or using low-fat toppings for a lighter option. If you like to plan meals, these pretzels are great for meal prep because you can freeze them uncooked or baked and warm them later.
If you enjoy coffee with your snack, try pairing a pretzel with a sweet drink like the easy homemade peppermint mocha recipe for a cozy treat.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these pretzels because they are fast to mix, fun to shape, and they bake in minutes. This recipe is a lighter option to take-out soft pretzels. It also fits into meal prep plans: make a batch on the weekend, then reheat for quick snacks or lunches. If you swap in whole grain flour or add seeds, you get more fiber and a more filling snack. This can make them a healthy choice for people who want portion control or a simple food for weight loss plans when eaten in small portions.
HOW TO MAKE Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels
This method is easy to follow. It uses a quick yeast rise, a baking soda bath for the crust, and a short bake time to give you that classic pretzel look and taste.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large mixer with dough hook or a large bowl and a wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large 5-6 quart pot for boiling
- Slotted spatula or skimmer
- Baking sheets (two) with silicone mats or parchment paper
- Pastry brush for egg wash and butter
- Knife or dough cutter
- Cooling rack
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 cup very warm water, 2-1/4 tsp yeast, 1 Tbsp sugar ((I like brown, but either works)), 1 Tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp salt, 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 cups AP flour, 8 cups water, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 egg whisked together with 1 Tbsp water, Everything bagel seasoning or coarse sea salt, 3 Tbsp melted butter
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
For the dough, in your large mixer bowl combine the water, yeast and sugar and let the yeast activate, (3-5 minutes.), Add the melted butter, salt and 2 cups of the flour., Using your dough hook, mix the dough on low speed for about 2 minutes, then start adding the remaining 1/2 to 3/4 cup of flour by spoonful’s until the dough pulls away from the edges of the mixer and is soft but not overly sticky to the touch. (You don’t have to use all of it.), Let the mixer continue to knead for 2-3 minutes, then cover and let rise in a warm place for 10-15 minutes., Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line two sheet pans with silicone mats or parchment paper – if you use parchment paper be sure to spray with a little non-stick spray., In a large 5-6 qt pasta pot, bring the 8 cups of water to a boil., While the water is coming to a boil dump out the dough on to your surface, form in to a ball, and divide in to 8 equal parts, (cut dough in half, then half again, then half again.), Roll each piece of dough in to a rope, about 24 inches long., Make a “U” shape with the rope, cross the ends over twice, then pull down and press in to the bottom of the U to make a pretzel shape. (See pics below if it helps.), Repeat with all pieces., Add 1/2 cup baking soda to the boiling water. (It will foam up, then settle down.), One at a time, lower each pretzel to the boiling water using a large, slotted spatula and let it boil just 30 seconds in the water, gently pushing it under the water as it boils. Remove from the boiling water bath using the spatula, letting any additional water drip off and place back on the sheet pan, 4 on each pan., Brush the top of the pretzels with the egg wash, then *sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning or coarse sea salt., Bake at 400 for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown., Remove from the oven, use a brush to dab each pretzel with the melted butter immediately then transfer to a cooling rack for a minimum of 5 minutes., Serve with dipping sauce if desired!
HOW TO SERVE Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels
Serve one or two small pretzels with a healthy dip or side. For a balanced snack, try plain Greek yogurt mixed with herbs as a dip. A small cup of marinara or a light mustard dip also works. For portion control, keep to one regular sized pretzel per person and pair it with a salad or a cup of vegetable soup. This helps keep the meal lower calorie and more balanced, which is good for weight loss plans.
You can also make a high protein meal by adding a small cup of cottage cheese or a boiled egg on the side. That adds protein and helps you feel full longer.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels
Store: Let pretzels cool fully, then place in an airtight container or bag. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. For a heart-healthy option, store with a paper towel to soak any extra butter and reheat lightly.
Freeze: You can freeze baked pretzels or raw shaped pretzels. For baked pretzels, cool fully, wrap each in foil, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. For raw pretzels, freeze the shaped dough on a tray until firm, then move to a bag and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then boil and bake as normal.
If you follow a diabetic-friendly plan, freeze single portions so you can control servings and keep carbs in check over days.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Healthy side: mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette.
- Balanced plate: one pretzel, a cup of tomato soup, and a small green salad.
- High protein meal: add grilled chicken slices or a cup of Greek yogurt dip for a filling, higher protein plate.
- Low calorie pick: skip the extra melted butter and use whole grain flour for more fiber.
VARIATIONS
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Healthier version: Use half whole wheat flour and half AP flour to add fiber. Lower the butter on top and skip the egg wash if you want fewer calories. This is a healthy version that keeps flavor but adds fiber for fullness.
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High-protein or low-carb version: For a high protein meal, serve pretzels with a bean dip or Greek yogurt-based dip. For a low-carb take, try making “pretzel” shapes from a high-protein dough made with whey or almond flour — note these will not be traditional but can be lower carb. You can also top with seeds for extra protein and healthy fats.
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Air fryer or oven-baked version: These are baked in the oven at 400°F as the main recipe states. For an air fryer option, boil the shaped dough as directed, then place each pretzel in the air fryer at 350°F for 6-8 minutes or until golden, flipping halfway. The air fryer option cooks fast and gives a nice crust while using less oil — a lighter option for a crisp finish.
FAQs
FAQs
Q: Are these pretzels healthy?
A: They can be. Use whole grain flour and less butter to make them more heart healthy and higher in fiber. Portion control also makes them a smart snack for weight loss.
Q: Can I make these diabetic-friendly?
A: Yes. Keep portion size small, pair with protein and fiber, and avoid sweet dips. Use whole grain flour to slow sugar rise. Speak with your health provider for personal advice.
Q: How long do these keep at room temperature?
A: They keep up to 2 days at room temperature in an airtight bag. For longer storage, freeze.
Q: Can I freeze the dough after shaping?
A: Yes. Freeze shaped dough on a tray, then move to a bag. Boil and bake from thawed for best results.
Q: Will using whole wheat flour change the texture?
A: Yes. Whole wheat adds a denser crumb. Use half whole wheat and half AP to keep a softer texture while adding fiber for a healthier version.
Q: Can I make them in an air fryer?
A: Yes. After boiling, cook at 350°F for 6-8 minutes in the air fryer for a quick, crispy result.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels
- Make the dough ahead: You can make dough the night before and refrigerate it. Bring it to room temp, shape, boil, and bake the next day. This is great for meal prep and saves time in the morning.
- Freeze for quick meals: Freeze shaped or baked pretzels in single portions. Reheat in the oven or air fryer. This is a great way to have a snack ready at any time.
- Prep toppings: Mix your dip and portion it in small containers. This keeps meals balanced and helps with portion control, which is good for weight loss goals.
For more snack and drink pairings to enjoy with your pretzels, try this delicious easy raspberry mocha recipe for a fruity coffee cup, or check another simple brew idea like a deliciously easy 7-brew coffee recipe for easy mornings.
Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixer bowl, combine the very warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let the yeast activate for 3-5 minutes.
- Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour.
- Using a dough hook, mix on low speed for about 2 minutes, then gradually add remaining 1/2 to 3/4 cups of flour until dough pulls away from the edges and is soft but not sticky.
- Let the mixer continue kneading for 2-3 minutes, then cover and let rise in a warm place for 10-15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
- In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil.
- Dump the dough onto a lightly floured surface, form it into a ball, and divide into 8 equal parts.
- Roll each piece into a rope about 24 inches long. Make a ‘U’ shape with the rope, cross the ends over twice, then press them into the bottom of the U to form the pretzel shape.
- One at a time, lower each pretzel into the boiling water (with baking soda added) using a large slotted spatula, letting it boil for 30 seconds. Remove and place back on the sheet.
- Brush the tops of the pretzels with egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning or sea salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter immediately. Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes.