Homemade Buttery Soft Pretzels are golden, chewy, and irresistibly soft, finished with a sprinkling of coarse salt and a rich brush of melted butter. Perfectly baked to achieve that classic chewy texture, they make a delightful snack or party treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for buttery soft pretzels captures the authentic flavor and texture of classic pretzels right from your kitchen. They are easy to make, require basic ingredients, and deliver incredible results with their chewy exterior, tender interior, and buttery finish. Ideal for gatherings, casual snacks, or cozy baking days, these pretzels offer a homemade touch that store-bought versions simply cannot match.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (110°F to 115°F)
1 packet active dry yeast (2 and 1/4 teaspoons)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
2/3 cup (160g) baking soda
1 large egg, beaten
Coarse sea salt, for topping
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in the warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Stir in the salt and sugar until combined.
Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large pot, bring the baking soda and 9 cups of water to a boil.
Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape into a pretzel.
Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Place on the prepared baking sheets.
Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until deep golden brown.
Immediately brush warm pretzels with melted butter for a rich flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 pretzels
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Calories: 220 kcal per pretzel

Variations

Sweet Pretzels: Skip the salt and sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the buttered pretzels instead.
Cheesy Pretzels: Add shredded cheese over the egg-washed pretzels before baking.
Stuffed Pretzels: Wrap the dough around a piece of cheese or sausage for a delicious surprise inside.
Herbed Pretzels: Mix dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for extra flavor.
Mini Pretzels: Divide the dough into smaller portions for bite-sized snacks, ideal for parties.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the baked pretzels in an airtight container for up to 2 months; reheat directly from frozen in the oven until heated through.

FAQs

How do I store homemade pretzels?

Store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Can I freeze homemade pretzels?

Yes, baked pretzels can be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated in the oven.

Why do I need to boil the pretzels in baking soda water?

The baking soda bath gives pretzels their characteristic chewy crust and golden color.

What happens if I skip the baking soda bath?

Without the bath, pretzels will lack the traditional flavor, texture, and deep brown color.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast and skip the proofing step.

How can I make pretzel bites instead of full-sized pretzels?

Cut the dough into small pieces after rolling into ropes, then boil and bake as directed.

Can I add toppings besides salt?

Certainly, try sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or grated cheese.

How can I make the pretzels extra buttery?

Brush with additional melted butter after baking, or mix a little butter into the dough.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

Add flour a tablespoon at a time until the dough is soft but not sticky.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise, then shaped, boiled, and baked the next day.

Conclusion

Homemade Buttery Soft Pretzels are a warm, satisfying treat that brings bakery-quality results into your kitchen. With their golden crust, soft chewy interior, and rich buttery finish, they are perfect for everything from parties to cozy nights in. Whether enjoyed plain, sweet, or savory, these pretzels will quickly become a favorite.

Homemade Buttery Soft Pretzels

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Bake your way to pure comfort with these Homemade Buttery Soft Pretzels — golden brown, chewy, and brushed with rich melted butter. Perfect for snacking, party food, or cozy weekend baking, these salted soft pretzels are irresistible straight from the oven! #softpretzels #butterygoodness #homemadesnacks

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 8 pretzels
Category: Snacks, Baking
Method: Boiling and Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Stir in the salt and sugar until combined.
Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large pot, bring the baking soda and 9 cups of water to a boil.
Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape into a pretzel.
Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Place on the prepared baking sheets.
Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until deep golden brown.
Immediately brush warm pretzels with melted butter for extra flavor.

Notes

For a cinnamon-sugar twist, skip the salt topping and dust baked pretzels with a cinnamon-sugar mix after brushing with butter.
These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
You can freeze the shaped (but unbaked) pretzels for later baking!

Nutrition

Calories: 220 kcal per pretzel