Baked Soft Pretzels

If you’re craving a warm, chewy, and golden-brown treat, these Baked Soft Pretzels are the answer. With a soft and fluffy interior and a beautifully salted crust, they are everything you want in a homemade pretzel. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners and creates pretzels that rival those from the mall—only fresher and better. Whether you enjoy them plain, with butter, or dipped in a creamy cheese sauce, these pretzels are sure to impress family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups hot water
• ¼ cup baking soda
• Coarse salt for topping
• Cheese dip for serving

Instructions

1. In a stand mixer, combine 1 cup warm water and 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Let the mixture proof for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and fragrant.
2. Attach the dough hook and add ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 3 cups all-purpose flour, one cup at a time. Mix until the dough comes together. If it feels dry, add 1 tablespoon of water.
3. Remove the dough from the mixer and knead it into a smooth ball. Place it in a large bowl coated with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Cover with a towel and let it rise until doubled in size.
4. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Once the dough has risen, divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape into pretzels.
5. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of hot water and ¼ cup baking soda. Dip each pretzel in the mixture and place it on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
6. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown. Serve warm with cheese dip or your favorite mustard.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve your freshly baked soft pretzels warm right out of the oven for the best flavor and texture. The outer crust should be golden and slightly crisp, while the inside stays soft and chewy. These pretzels are perfect for serving with cheese dip, honey mustard, or even a touch of melted butter. For a fun twist, serve them alongside soups, stews, or chili as a bread alternative.

If you have leftovers, store the pretzels in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container—it helps retain moisture. For longer storage, freeze baked pretzels in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds until warm.

Variations

1. Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels – After baking, brush pretzels with melted butter and roll them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet treat.
2. Garlic Butter Pretzels – Brush baked pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley for a savory snack.
3. Cheddar-Stuffed Pretzels – Add shredded cheddar inside the dough before shaping for a gooey, cheesy center.
4. Everything Bagel Pretzels – Sprinkle pretzels with everything bagel seasoning instead of salt before baking.
5. Honey Butter Pretzels – Brush warm pretzels with honey butter for a sweet, glossy finish.
6. Parmesan Herb Pretzels – Mix dried oregano, basil, and grated Parmesan into the dough for an herby twist.
7. Pretzel Bites – Roll dough into small balls instead of full pretzels, then bake for bite-sized party snacks.
8. Chocolate Pretzels – Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough and drizzle baked pretzels with melted chocolate.
9. Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzels – Fold chopped jalapeños and cheddar cheese into the dough for a spicy kick.
10. Pretzel Dogs – Wrap pretzel dough around hot dogs, dip in the baking soda mix, and bake for a delicious snack.
11. Pizza Pretzels – Top unbaked pretzels with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and mini pepperoni, then bake until golden.
12. Salted Caramel Pretzels – Drizzle baked pretzels with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt for a dessert-style version.
13. Beer Pretzels – Substitute water with beer for a deeper, malty flavor perfect for game day.
14. Vegan Soft Pretzels – Replace butter and milk with plant-based versions for a completely dairy-free option.
15. Pumpkin Spice Pretzels – Add pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice to the dough for a fall-inspired snack.

FAQs

1. Can I make the pretzel dough ahead of time?
   Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Shape and bake the next day.
2. Why do I dip pretzels in baking soda water?
   The baking soda bath creates the chewy texture and deep brown crust.
3. Can I skip the baking soda dip?
   It’s not recommended. Without it, the pretzels won’t have their signature flavor or color.
4. What kind of salt should I use?
   Use coarse or pretzel salt for the best texture and look.
5. Can I make them gluten-free?
   Yes, use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
6. Can I freeze pretzels before baking?
   Yes, freeze shaped pretzels on a tray, then bake from frozen with an extra few minutes added to the bake time.
7. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nutty flavor.
8. What if my dough doesn’t rise?
   Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is between 100–110°F.
9. How do I make them crispier?
   Bake for an extra 2 minutes or brush with an egg wash before baking.
10. Can I add flavorings to the dough?
    Absolutely! Try adding herbs, spices, or shredded cheese directly into the dough before shaping.

These Baked Soft Pretzels are soft, chewy, and perfectly golden with that signature pretzel flavor everyone loves. Easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a wonderful homemade snack or party treat. Serve them warm with cheese dip, mustard, or butter, and enjoy the comfort of fresh-baked goodness straight from your kitchen. Whether sweet or savory, there’s a pretzel variation for every craving!

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