How to Bake Soft Pretzels from Scratch with Your Family

Learn to make delicious homemade soft pretzels with this easy step-by-step family recipe.

  1. Gather Your Ingredients and Tools. You'll need: 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1¼ cups warm water, 4 tablespoons melted butter, ⅔ cup baking soda, coarse salt for topping, and 1 beaten egg. For tools, grab a large mixing bowl, kitchen towel, two baking sheets, parchment paper, a large pot, and a slotted spoon. Make sure your workspace is clean and you have plenty of room for everyone to help shape the pretzels.
  2. Make and Rise the Dough. In your large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it gets foamy - this means your yeast is alive and working. Add the flour, salt, and melted butter, then mix until a soft dough forms. Turn it onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Put the dough back in the bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
  3. Shape Your Pretzels. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 24 inches long, then shape into a pretzel by making a U-shape, crossing the ends over each other twice, then folding them down to the bottom of the U and pressing gently to seal. This is the fun part where kids can really get creative with their shapes.
  4. Give Them the Baking Soda Bath. Fill your large pot with 6 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda - it will bubble up, so do this slowly. This step is for adults only due to the hot water. Using your slotted spoon, dip each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then place them on your prepared baking sheets. This baking soda bath is what gives pretzels their distinctive chewy texture and dark brown color.
  5. Add Toppings and Bake. Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg to help them get golden brown, then sprinkle with coarse salt. You can also try other toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even cinnamon sugar for sweet pretzels. Bake for 12-15 minutes until they're deep golden brown. Let them cool for just a few minutes before serving - they're best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven.