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A stack of pretzels with salt on top.

Homemade Soft Pretzels

Chef Jenn
These homemade Amish-style soft pretzels are fluffy, buttery, and surprisingly easy to make. Dip them in your favorite sauce or coat them in cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Rise Time & Bake Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Bread, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16 servings
Calories 153 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup milk warmed to 110 degrees Fahrenheit
  • 1/4 ounce fast-acting dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 ½ cups flour plus additional for kneading
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar packed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • 3 cups warm water
  • 1/3 cup baking soda
  • Coarse salt for topping
  • 1 stick butter melted

Optional for dipping:

  • mustard
  • sweetened cream cheese
  • warm cheese sauce

Instructions
 

  • Grease a large baking sheet or line it with a silicone baking mat.
  • In a small bowl, stir the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, stir together 1 cup of the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix. Stir in the softened butter.
  • Add the rest of the flour and mix. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, turn to coat, and cover with a clean towel. Let rise until doubled, about 60 to 90 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  • Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 portions. Roll each into a rope about 30 inches long and shape into pretzels.
  • In a bowl, mix the warm water and baking soda. Dip each pretzel in the solution, then place on the baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle with coarse salt and bake for 10 minutes, checking the bottoms to prevent burning.
  • Remove from the oven and dip each pretzel in melted butter or brush generously.
  • Serve warm with dipping sauces.

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Tips

  • For sweet pretzels, skip the salt topping and roll in cinnamon sugar right after the butter dip.
  • Use a digital thermometer to make sure your milk is the right temp for the yeast.
  • Freeze baked pretzels in an airtight bag and reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.
  • Kids love shaping the dough—turn it into a baking project day.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pretzelCalories: 153kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 895mgPotassium: 52mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 245IUVitamin C: 0.001mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Amish soft pretzels, butter dipped pretzels, homemade pretzel
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