Homemade Soft Pretzels from Scratch: Salty, Soft & Super Simple

Total time: ~1 hour 50 minutes

Makes: ~8 pretzels

These homemade soft pretzels are ridiculously easy and come together in under 2 hours—perfect for busy moms who want a fun, from-scratch treat without the hassle. My husband literally can’t get enough of them. The dough is super forgiving, the kids love helping twist (or just eat the wonky ones), and you end up with that classic chewy, salty goodness right from your oven. Give them a try—you’ll wish you started sooner! 🥨

Pretzel Dough:
-3 Tbsp white sugar
-2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
-1 cup warm water (bath water temp)
-2 ½ cups white flour (all-purpose, plus more for dusting/kneading)
-1 Tbsp melted butter + more for greasing the bowl)

Baking Soda Bath:
-4 cups hot water
-¼ cup baking soda

Garnish/Toppings
-Big flaked salt, coarse sea salt, pretzel salt
-Butter, melted, for brushing
-Cinnamon sugar

Instructions:
Activate the yeast: In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, warm water, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.

Make the dough: Add the flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead on a floured surface for 3–5 minutes until smooth. Place the dough ball in a greased bowl, cover with a dish towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

**Knead with one hand, take a picture with the other 😂**

Shape the pretzels: Punch the dough down, then cut it into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape into pretzels (classic twist shape).

Preheat and prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Baking soda bath: Bring the 4 cups of water to a light simmer in a pot. Once simmering, add the ¼ cup baking soda (it will foam up).

Dip and bake: Dip each pretzel into the simmering baking soda bath for about 5 seconds each side (or fully submerge briefly). Remove with a slotted spoon/spatula, place on the prepared baking sheets, sprinkle with coarse salt and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.

Enjoy your fresh, chewy pretzels!—soft, classic, and fully family approved!

Mom Tips! 🥨

•Salt while wet — Dip in soda water, then salt immediately so it sticks perfectly.

•Best day-of — Eat fresh for max softness. Store airtight; microwave 10–15 sec to revive.

•Easy bun shape — Skip twists—make buns and bake 2–3 min extra. Great for pulled pork sandwiches!

•Kid helper time — Let kids twist or roll dough—fun, messy, and they love the wonky results!