If you’ve never made soft pretzels at home, I’m here to tell you it’s not as intimidating as it may sound. After trying my hand at the Pretzel Twists Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe, I couldn’t believe how delicious and satisfying the results were!
There’s something magical about pulling warm, golden-brown pretzels fresh out of the oven, their rich buttery aroma filling the house. They’re soft on the inside, perfectly golden and chewy on the outside, and just the right amount of salty when sprinkled with coarse sea salt.
Cooking Time
Here’s how your time will look when making these soft pretzels:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour and 40 minutes (including dough rising time)
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1½ cups warm water (110–115°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Baking Soda Bath:
- 4 cups water
- ⅓ cup baking soda
For Topping:
- Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing after baking)
Variations
Looking to make this recipe suit your specific needs or preferences? Here are a few ideas to add your own twist:
- Dairy-Free: Use olive or avocado oil instead of butter for both the dough and brushing.
- Sugar-Free: Skip the sugar in the dough for a savory-only flavor profile.
- Sweet Pretzels: Sprinkle the warm pretzels with cinnamon sugar instead of salt for a dessert option.
- Cheese Lovers: Before baking, sprinkle shredded cheese onto the pretzels for a cheesy upgrade.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl (to combine and knead the dough)
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap (to cover the dough while it rises)
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper (to bake the pretzels evenly)
- Large pot (for the baking soda bath)
- Slotted spatula (to safely remove pretzels from the bath)
How to Make Pretzel Twists Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe?
Nothing beats the warm, golden perfection of homemade soft pretzel twists! Follow these easy steps to make them from scratch.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm water, yeast, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Give it a gentle stir, then wait for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. That frothy layer? It means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture, then start adding your flour one cup at a time. Mix as you go. Once the dough comes together, move it to a floured surface and knead it until it feels smooth and elastic. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size. This is where patience pays off!
Step 4: Prepare the Pretzel Bath
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Then in a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the baking soda carefully (it will fizz!).
Step 5: Shape the Pretzels
Divide your risen dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope about 20 inches long, and shape them into classic pretzel twists. Place them on your baking sheets.
Step 6: Give Them a Bath
Lower each pretzel gently into the simmering baking soda bath using a slotted spatula. Allow them to soak for about 30 seconds, flipping them halfway. This is a key step for achieving that beautiful golden crust.
Step 7: Salt and Bake
Transfer the pretzels back to your baking sheets, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake for 12-15 minutes until perfectly golden. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
Step 8: Finish with Butter
Brush the hot pretzels generously with melted butter as soon as they’re out of the oven. This not only makes them shine but also boosts their flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is a big hit for so many reasons. Whether you’re new to baking or looking to impress your family and friends, here’s why you’ll fall in love with it.
It’s Surprisingly Easy to Make
Homemade soft pretzels may seem complicated, but they’re truly simple to put together. With a little yeast magic and just a handful of ingredients, the dough comes together beautifully. No fancy techniques or specialty equipment required, and the results are worth every minute!
Versatile and Customizable
What I love about these pretzel twists is how flexible they are. Want a sweeter bite? Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar instead of salt. Feeling cheesy? A little shredded cheddar on top does the trick. There’s endless room to play with flavors and toppings, so they cater to just about anyone’s preference.
Ideal for Snacks, Parties, or Gatherings
From a casual snack to serving at a party, this recipe works for any occasion! Pair them with cheese sauce for game night, mustard for a grown-up touch, or even a chocolate dip for a dessert twist. Their crowd-pleasing appeal makes them a perfect addition to any menu.
Family-Friendly Fun
This is a great recipe to get the whole family involved. Kids love rolling out the “ropes” and shaping them into twists or classic pretzel shapes. Baking together is always a win, and the end result is a delicious snack everyone will enjoy.
They’re Fresher, Cheaper, and Better Than Store-Bought
Nothing beats a warm, homemade pretzel that’s fresh out of the oven. They cost a fraction of what you’d pay at a pretzel stand, and you get to enjoy them hot and fresh in the comfort of your own home.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Keep your water between 110°F and 115°F; too hot will kill the yeast.
- If the dough is sticky while kneading, add flour a tablespoon at a time until it’s manageable.
- For extra golden pretzels, give them an egg wash instead of butter before baking.
- Don’t skip the baking soda bath! That’s what gives the pretzels their iconic chewy crust.
How to Serve Pretzel Twists Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe?
Serve your pretzels warm for the ultimate experience. Pair them with dips like cheese sauce, honey mustard, or even peanut butter for a sweet twist. For presentation, stack them on a wooden board with little bowls of dips on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley or sesame seeds if serving for guests.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutrition in each pretzel twist:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 5g
Make Ahead and Storage
Want to prep ahead? These pretzels are freezer-friendly! After baking, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them into the oven at 350°F until warm and crisp again.
Enjoy making and devouring these delicious homemade soft pretzel twists! Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll have a snack that’s miles ahead of anything you could buy. Bon appétit!
For a step-by-step guide, check out this YouTube video:
Pretzel Twists Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1½ cups warm water 110–115°F
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
For the Baking Soda Bath
- 4 cups water
- ⅓ cup baking soda
For the Topping
- Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt to taste
- 2 tbsp melted butter for brushing after baking
Instructions
- Start by combining warm water, yeast, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Give it a gentle stir, then wait for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. That frothy layer? It means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
- Add melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture, then start adding your flour one cup at a time. Mix as you go. Once the dough comes together, move it to a floured surface and knead it until it feels smooth and elastic. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size. This is where patience pays off!
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Then in a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the baking soda carefully (it will fizz!).
- Divide your risen dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope about 20 inches long, and shape them into classic pretzel twists. Place them on your baking sheets.
- Lower each pretzel gently into the simmering baking soda bath using a slotted spatula. Allow them to soak for about 30 seconds, flipping them halfway. This is a key step for achieving that beautiful golden crust.
- Transfer the pretzels back to your baking sheets, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake for 12-15 minutes until perfectly golden. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
- Brush the hot pretzels generously with melted butter as soon as they’re out of the oven. This not only makes them shine but also boosts their flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Dough Too Sticky? Add flour 1 tbsp at a time while kneading.
- Want a Richer Finish? Use an egg wash before baking instead of butter.
- Skip the Salt? Dust with cinnamon sugar for sweet pretzels instead.
- Storage Tip: Store cooled pretzels in an airtight container. They’ll last 3 days in the fridge or up to 2 months frozen. Reheat at 350°F for best texture.
- Make it a Party: Serve with mustard, cheese sauce, or chocolate dip for variety!
