Heavenly Golden Soft Pretzels Recipe: Bake Sunshine at Home

Warm, golden soft pretzels straight from the oven can turn any ordinary afternoon into a delightful culinary adventure.

These classic homemade golden soft pretzels are a perfect blend of crispy exterior and soft, chewy insides.

Salt-sprinkled and beautifully golden brown, they offer a comforting taste that transports you to a cozy bakery.

The simple ingredients come together with surprising ease, promising a rewarding baking experience.

Each pretzel emerges with a gorgeous shine and irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

These delectable treats are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite, making them a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer.

Grab your apron and get ready to create a batch of pretzels that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve With Mustard, Cheese Dip, or Cinnamon Sugar

• Deli-Style Dunking Delight: Pair these warm pretzels with classic German-style mustard or creamy cheese dips for an authentic restaurant experience.
• Cozy Snack Platter: Arrange pretzels on a wooden board with assorted cured meats, pickles, and different mustard varieties for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread.
• Sweet Breakfast Twist: Dust pretzels with cinnamon sugar and serve alongside fresh fruit and a hot cappuccino for a decadent morning treat that feels like a bakery experience.
• Movie Night Munchies: Break pretzels into bite-sized pieces, serve with multiple dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, and spicy cheese for an epic game day or movie marathon snack.

Store in a Bag to Keep That Softness Locked In

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooled pretzels in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, keeping them fresh for 23 days at room temperature.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual pretzels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, which maintains quality for up to 1 month without losing texture or flavor.
• Reheating Magic: Warm pretzels directly from refrigerator or freezer by placing in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, restoring their original soft and buttery texture.
• Ingredient Freshness Tip: Keep yeast in a cool, dark pantry and check expiration dates to ensure optimal rising and soft pretzel results every single time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 8

Buttery Soft Pretzels Ingredient List

• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps develop smooth dough texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for rising and creating airy pretzel structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast and promotes beautiful golden color.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates sturdy pretzel foundation with perfect elasticity.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances dough sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates tender, soft pretzel crumb.

• Coarse Salt: Provides classic pretzel exterior seasoning and crunchy texture.
• Baking Soda: Creates signature pretzel shine and distinctive chewy exterior.
• Additional Melted Butter: Gives glossy finish and extra buttery flavor.

• Cheese Sauce: Classic dipping option with creamy texture.
• Mustard: Tangy complement to pretzel's richness.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Sweet alternative topping for dessert-style pretzels.

Tools That Make Twisting and Baking Pretzels Fun

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients and letting dough rise.
• Stand mixer or dough hook: Makes kneading quick and easy.
• Baking sheet: Essential for baking pretzels to golden perfection.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Large pot: Used for boiling pretzels before baking.
• Whisk: Great for blending yeast mixture smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Kitchen towel: Helps dough rise by covering the bowl.
• Basting brush: Perfect for spreading melted butter after baking.

How to Make Buttery Soft Pretzels at Home

• Awaken the Yeast

Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let the mixture bubble and bloom for 5-10 minutes until it looks frothy and alive.

• Create the Dough

Add salt, melted butter, and flour to the yeast mixture. Blend until a soft, cohesive dough emerges. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and springy.

• Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rest for about an hour. Watch it double in size and become puffy.

• Shape the Pretzels

Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and twist into classic pretzel shapes.

• Boil and Prepare

Bring water and baking soda to a rolling boil. Quickly dunk each pretzel for 15 seconds to create that signature chewy exterior.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Place pretzels on a lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake at 450F for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown.

• Finish with Flair

Brush freshly baked pretzels with melted butter. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Toppings and Dips to Pair With These Pretzels

• Soft Pretzel Pro Tips: Learn how to make your pretzels perfect every time!
• Dough Texture Secret: Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which creates that signature chewy texture. Smooth, elastic dough means better pretzels.
• Baking Soda Bath Magic: The quick boil in baking soda water gives pretzels their traditional dark brown crust and distinctive tangy flavor. Don't skip this crucial step!
• Temperature Matters: Use warm (not hot) water when activating yeast to ensure proper rising. Water around 110°F works best for yeast activation.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make these pretzels suitable for those with wheat sensitivities. Add xanthan gum for better texture.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different toppings like everything bagel seasoning, ranch powder, or even jalapeño flakes to create unique pretzel variations that'll impress everyone at your gathering.

Golden Soft Pretzels Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade buttery soft pretzels from Germany combine classic bakery techniques with simple ingredients. Warm, golden twists offer comfort with each delicious bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
• 2 ¼ tsps (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• 8 cups water
• ½ cup baking soda
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
• Coarse salt or pretzel salt

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl, allowing the mixture to become frothy for 5-10 minutes.
2. Dough Formation: Integrate salt, melted butter, and flour into the yeast mixture, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough develops. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for efficient mixing.
3. First Rise: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in volume, roughly 1 hour.
4. Pretzel Shaping: Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope and form traditional pretzel shapes.
5. Alkaline Bath Preparation: Bring water to a boil and add baking soda. Quickly dip each pretzel in the solution for 15 seconds to achieve a golden crust.
6. Baking Process: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Arrange pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake until deep golden-brown, 12-15 minutes.
7. Finishing Touch: Immediately brush baked pretzels with melted butter and serve warm with preferred dipping sauces like cheese, mustard, or cinnamon sugar.

Notes

• Manage Yeast Activation: Use lukewarm water (110-115°F) to activate yeast effectively; water that’s too hot or cold can kill the yeast or prevent proper rising.
• Develop Perfect Dough Texture: Knead thoroughly until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten and ensures a soft, chewy pretzel structure.
• Control Rising Environment: Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot (around 80-85°F) to promote optimal rising; a slightly warm oven or sunny kitchen counter works well.
• Master Boiling Technique: Brief 15-second baking soda bath creates signature pretzel shine and distinctive brown crust; ensure even coating for consistent appearance and flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg