These Buttery Soft Pretzels are the perfect balance of chewy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and brushed with warm melted butter for that irresistible pretzel flavor. They’re ideal for snacking, dipping in cheese sauce, or enjoying with mustard. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Freshly Baked Goodness: Homemade pretzels bring that warm, comforting aroma and flavor that’s just unbeatable.
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Perfect Texture: The combination of a baking soda bath and a hot oven gives these pretzels their signature chewy crust and fluffy interior.
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Customizable Toppings: While the classic coarse salt is great, you can get creative by adding cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat or dipping them in savory cheese sauces.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
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2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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1 tbsp granulated sugar
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1 tsp salt
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4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Baking Soda Bath:
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8 cups water
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1/2 cup baking soda
For Topping:
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4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
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Coarse salt or pretzel salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Make the Dough
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In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
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Stir in salt, melted butter, and flour (one cup at a time), mixing until a dough forms.
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Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Pretzels
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Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
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Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope, then shape each rope into a traditional pretzel.
Step 4: Baking Soda Bath
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In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil and add 1/2 cup baking soda.
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Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling water for 15 seconds, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake the Pretzels
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Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse salt or pretzel salt.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown.
Step 6: Brush with Butter & Serve
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Remove the pretzels from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter.
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Serve warm with cheese sauce, mustard, or even cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist!
Notes
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Extra Chewy Pretzels: Allow the pretzels to cool for 10 minutes before eating to let them firm up for the perfect chewy texture.
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Sweet Version: Skip the salt and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after brushing with butter for a dessert-style pretzel.
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Make Ahead: You can freeze unbaked pretzels after the baking soda bath. Simply bake fresh when you’re ready for a warm, homemade snack.
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Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
These Buttery Soft Pretzels are the perfect homemade snack for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re sure to be a hit. The golden, crispy exterior combined with the fluffy interior and buttery finish makes these pretzels truly irresistible. Plus, they’re so easy to make and customizable to suit your tastes!
Print
Buttery Soft Pretzels: A Delicious Snack for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 pretzels
Description
These Buttery Soft Pretzels are perfectly chewy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and brushed with warm melted butter for a mouthwatering flavor. Enjoy them with mustard, cheese sauce, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist. They’re fun to make and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Baking Soda Bath:
8 cups water
1/2 cup baking soda
For Topping:
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Coarse salt or pretzel salt
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Stir in salt, melted butter, and flour (one cup at a time), mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Pretzels
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope, then shape each rope into a pretzel.
Step 4: Baking Soda Bath
In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil and add ½ cup baking soda.
Carefully dip each pretzel into the water for 15 seconds. Remove and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake the Pretzels
Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse salt.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until they are deep golden brown.
Step 6: Brush with Butter & Serve
Once baked, remove the pretzels from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter.
Serve warm with cheese sauce, mustard, or cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat!
Notes
Extra Chewy Pretzels: Let the pretzels cool for 10 minutes before eating to enhance their chewiness.
Sweet Version: Skip the salt and instead sprinkle the pretzels with cinnamon sugar after brushing with butter for a sweet treat.
Make Ahead: Freeze unbaked pretzels after the baking soda bath. When needed, bake fresh directly from the freezer!
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time:: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack, Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: German, American
