Homemade Soft Pretzels

These soft pretzels are soft and chewy on the inside, but wonderfully crispy and salty on the outside. Plus, the recipe comes together with basic ingredients you probably already have on hand!

How to Make Pretzels

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

What Are Pretzels Made Of? 

These are the simple, pantry staple ingredients you’ll need to make this soft pretzel recipe: 

• Water: You’ll need 5 ¼ cups of water, divided. 
• Yeast: The recipe starts with four teaspoons of active dry yeast dissolved in water with sugar. 
• Sugar: Dissolve a teaspoon of white sugar with the yeast and use ½ cup white sugar for the dough. 
• Flour: All-purpose flour gives the pretzel dough structure. 
• Salt: You’ll need salt for the dough and to sprinkle on top of the pretzels. 
• Oil: Coat a bowl with vegetable oil before you let the dough rise.  
• Baking soda: Baking soda acts as a leavener, which means it helps the dough rise. 

How to Make Soft Pretzels

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade soft pretzels:

1. Activate the yeast with sugar and water. 
2. Make the dough and knead it into a ball. 
3. Place the dough ball in an oil bowl, turning the ball to coat. 
4. Cover and let rise. 
5. Turn the dough out, divide into equal pieces, roll into ropes, and shape into pretzels. 
6. Dip each pretzel in a mixture of hot water and salt. 
7. Sprinkle with salt and bake until brown. 

How to Shape Pretzels 

You’re probably familiar with the distinctive pretzel “knot,” but you might not know how to make the shape yourself. Here’s how: 

1. Roll the dough into long ropes (about 15-18 inches each). 
2. Twist the ends of the dough together. 
3. Fold the dough in the opposite direction, over the bottom curve. 

Check out the step-by-step video at the top of the page for more details.

How to Serve Pretzels

Serve these soft pretzels with yellow or Dijon mustard (bonus points if you make your own mustard from scratch) or a homemade beer cheese dip.  

How to Store Soft Pretzels

Store your leftover soft pretzels in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in the oven, not the microwave, for the best results. 

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“Unbelievable,” raves one Allrecipes community member. “These taste nearly identical to a classic mall pretzel. I couldn't shut up about how delicious they are.”

“So good,” according to Caitlyn Witt. “Dense and chewy. I brushed on the baking soda mixture instead of dipping. I also brushed on melted butter and baked for another minute.”

“Yummy,” says Vanessa Schroeder. “Way better than the frozen ones at the store. I’ve also tried putting some melted butter on after cooking with some Parmesan cheese and garlic and they are amazing. Going to try cinnamon next for the kids.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams