![['Close-up view of a golden-brown soft pretzel, emphasizing its glossy surface and twisted shape.', 'Side view of a freshly baked soft pretzel, showcasing its rich color and inviting texture.', 'Detailed shot of a soft pretzel, highlighting its unique knot shape and coarse salt topping.', 'Zoomed-in image of a warm soft pretzel, illustrating its fluffy interior and crispy exterior.']](https://timetocooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/soft-pretzels_1_U1-300x300.webp)
Soft Pretzels
Enjoy homemade soft pretzels with a golden crust and chewy interior, perfect for snacking or sharing.
Ingredients
Yeast and Water
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water 105°F (40°C)
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Baking Soda Bath
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
Topping and Filling
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
Instructions
- Activate yeast by mixing with warm water and sugar; let sit 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Mix in flour and salt; knead for 3-5 minutes until smooth. Let dough rise for 1 hour or in Instant Pot for 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough, cut into strips, twist into pretzels, and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Boil water with baking soda, then dip pretzels briefly in the solution.
- Place pretzels on parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
For a softer crust, brush with butter immediately after baking.