If you’re craving a warm, salty snack that melts in your mouth, these Buttery Soft Pretzels are the perfect treat! Making soft and buttery pretzels at home is easier than it sounds, and the result is a satisfying, delicious snack. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or paired with your favorite dip, these pretzels are sure to be a hit. Here’s how you can make them from scratch and bring the bakery into your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple yet rewarding it is to make these Buttery Soft Pretzels. The dough comes together easily, and the texture is just perfect—soft and pillowy on the inside, with a crispy, golden-brown exterior. The buttery flavor is enhanced by a sprinkle of coarse salt, making every bite incredibly satisfying. The best part? These pretzels are customizable, so I can enjoy them on their own or dip them in anything I like, whether it’s mustard, cheese sauce, or something sweet like Nutella. Plus, the house smells amazing while they’re baking!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 tbsp granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup baking soda
1 egg, beaten
Coarse salt, for sprinkling
Directions
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, I combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. I let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Then I add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. I stir everything together until the dough forms.
On a lightly floured surface, I knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Pretzels:
While the dough is rising, I preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Once the dough has risen, I punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
I roll each piece into a long rope and shape each one into a pretzel.
In a large pot, I bring 8 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.
I carefully lower each pretzel into the boiling water and cook them for 30 seconds before transferring them to the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Pretzels:
After boiling, I brush each pretzel with a beaten egg and sprinkle them with coarse salt.
I bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown and delicious.
Serve:
I serve these pretzels warm, either on their own or with a variety of dips such as mustard, cheese sauce, or even Nutella for something a little different.
Servings and Timing
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Serving size: 8 pretzels
Calories: 220 kcal per pretzel
Variations
If I’m feeling creative, I can add different seasonings to my pretzels before baking them. A sprinkle of garlic powder, cinnamon sugar, or even everything bagel seasoning can make for fun flavor twists. For a more decadent version, I might drizzle some melted cheese over the warm pretzels for a cheesy snack experience.
Storage/Reheating
I can store these pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If I want to keep them longer, I can freeze them for up to a month. When I’m ready to enjoy them again, I can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to bring back their warmth and softness.
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FAQs
How can I make sure my pretzels are soft?
To ensure my pretzels stay soft, I make sure not to overbake them. I also boil them in the baking soda solution, which helps create that characteristic chewy texture on the outside while keeping the inside soft.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, I can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. If I’m using instant yeast, I can skip the step of letting it sit in warm water and just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
What if I don’t have baking soda for the boiling step?
If I don’t have baking soda, I can skip the boiling step altogether, but it will affect the texture and flavor. The baking soda is what helps give the pretzels that classic chewy crust and golden color.
Can I make these pretzels ahead of time?
I can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, I can shape and boil the pretzels before baking them for a quicker, freshly baked snack.
Are these pretzels vegan-friendly?
To make these pretzels vegan, I can substitute the butter with plant-based butter and omit the egg wash for brushing. I can use a non-dairy milk option if I want to replace the egg wash entirely.
Conclusion
Making Buttery Soft Pretzels at home is a fun and rewarding experience. The dough is easy to work with, and the end result is an irresistible snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether I’m making them for a party, a family gathering, or just a treat for myself, these pretzels are sure to impress.
📖 Recipe:
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Buttery Soft Pretzels
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 8 pretzels
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to create homemade Buttery Soft Pretzels that are warm, fluffy, and perfectly salted. This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through the process of making these delightful treats, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 tbsp granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup baking soda
1 egg, beaten
Coarse salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until dough forms.
- Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down dough and divide into 8 pieces. Roll each into a rope and shape into pretzels.
- In a large pot, boil 8 cups water and baking soda. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then transfer to baking sheet.
- Brush pretzels with beaten egg, sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Serve warm with mustard or cheese sauce for dipping.
Store cooled pretzels in airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods/Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 pretzels
- Calories: 220 kcal per pretzel
