This easy homemade soft pretzel recipe yields a soft chewy texture with a golden brown crust. It's a foolproof recipe that requires no baking soda solution, no resting the dough, and no fancy mixers to get the signature pretzel flavor we all crave! This satisfying snack is made with a simple dough baked with a sprinkle of sea salt. They're even better with a side of your favorite dipping sauce!
Preheat the oven to 425°F degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
To a large mixing bowl, add the warm water. Sprinkle in the yeast and stir to dissolve, about 1 minute. It may have some chunks left.
Add in the salt and sugar, stirring until fairly combined.
One cup at a time, slowly add the flour, mixing with a spoon or spatula until the dough is thick. Continue to add more flour until the dough is no longer sticky. Once the dough bounces back when you poke it, it is ready.
Lightly flour a large flat surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes and shape into a ball.
With a sharp knife, cut the dough ball into approximately ⅓ cup sections. It will make 10-12 depending on how large you make them.
Take a dough ball and use the palms of your hands to roll it into a rope with an even diameter. It should be somewhere between 16-18” long.
Once you have formed a long rope, take the ends and draw them together so the dough forms a circle. Twist the ends, then bring them towards yourself and press them down into a pretzel shape.
In a small shallow bowl, beat the egg. Dunk both sides of the shaped pretzel into the egg wash and then place on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with salt. Repeat until out of dough.
Bake for 10 minutes at 425°F. Turn the oven to broil for the last 5 minutes to brown the tops of the pretzels.
Serve warm.
Notes
Warm water should be approximately 100° - too hot and it will kill the yeast.Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.Using the palm of your hands for rolling out the dough results in a more even rope than using your fingers.For an easy dipping sauce, heat a couple tablespoons of cream cheese in a microwave safe dish for approximately 20 seconds. Recipe should make around 12 pretzels, depending on how large or small you make them.just in case – How to Twist a Pretzel