Soft Pretzels at Home – Better Than the Mall

A Freshly Baked Classic, Now in Your Kitchen
Forget overpriced food court pretzels. These homemade soft pretzels are warm, golden, and incredibly soft inside — better than any you’ve had at the mall. The dough is easy to work with, the results are satisfying, and the smell? Irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Crisp on the outside, perfectly soft inside
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No fancy tools or ingredients needed
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Fun to shape and great for kids to help with
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Customizable toppings: classic salt, cinnamon sugar, or even cheese
Ingredients
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1½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
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1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
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1 tsp salt
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1 tbsp granulated sugar
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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⅓ cup baking soda (for boiling)
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1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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Coarse sea salt or topping of choice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
Stir in salt and flour. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
3. Shape the Pretzels
Divide dough into 8 pieces. Roll into long ropes and twist into pretzel shapes.
4. Boil Briefly
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add baking soda. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then transfer to a baking sheet.
5. Bake to Perfection
Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tips from the Chef
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Don’t skip the boil. This step gives the pretzels their chewy crust.
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Want sweet? Brush with melted butter after baking and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
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Freezer-friendly: Freeze baked pretzels and reheat for 10 minutes at 350°F.
The Verdict
Golden brown, soft, and salty — these pretzels will have you rethinking your next mall trip. Homemade wins every time.