Shhh…I have a secret. I am a full blown bread addict. I’ve tried to kick the habit, but I just can’t imagine living without bread. I love everything about bread and all types of bread. That being said, I’m always on the search for a new recipe that will satisfy my bread cravings.

Soft pretzels

A few days ago, during one of my craving fits, I was surfing the web and came across Alton Brown’s Soft Pretzel recipe. I’ve tried other Alton Brown recipes and he’s never failed me before, so I decided to give it a shot. Guess what? I think I may have found the perfect soft pretzels recipe. It has a soft outside shell, buttery flavor, and a soft chewy inside. The only negative to this recipe is that it only makes 8 large pretzels *sad face*.

The Perfect Soft Pretzels Recipe

Soft pretzels

The Perfect Soft Pretzel

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Additional Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 56 minutes

How to make the perfect soft pretzel. A slightly crisp outside and super soft inside.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups warm (110°F) water
  • 1 T. sugar
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
  • Vegetable oil, for pan
  • 10 cups water
  • 2/3 cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 T. water
  • Pretzel salt

Instructions

  1. In a stand mixer bowl, combine water, sugar, and kosher salt. Mix everything together with a spoon and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let sit for 5 minutes or until it foams.
  2. To the mixer bowl, add flour and butter. Use the dough hook to mix the dough on low speed until well combined. Once the ingredients are combined, increase to medium speed and knead for about 5 minutes or when the dough is smooth and pulls away from the bowl.
  3. Remove the dough from the bowl. Clean the bowl and wipe the inside with oil. Place the dough back into the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Place the dough in a warm place for about an hour to rise. It should double in size.
  4. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush with the vegetable oil. Set aside.
  5. Combine egg yolk and 1 T. water in a small bowl. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
  6. Bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large wide pot.
  7. Turn the dough out onto a slightly oiled work surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll out each piece into a 24-inch rope. Make a U-shape with the rope, holding the ends of the rope, cross them over each other and twist once. Then, press the ends into the bottom of the U in order to form the shape of a pretzel. Place onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Gently place the pretzels into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove them from the water using a slotted spatula and place them back onto the baking sheet. Brush the top of each pretzel with the egg water mixture and sprinkle with the pretzel salt.
  9. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown. Place pretzels on a cooling rack for 5 minutes before serving warm or serve cold.

Did you make this recipe?

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28 Comments

  1. Only makes 8 large pretzels? Only? LOL You’re too funny. Although I do understand the disappointment there. These look great and my daughter loves pretzels. Pinning it for her 🙂

    Thanks for sharing!!

    1. Well, there are six of us in the house, so 8 pretzels isn’t enough 🙂 My kids will eat that in one sitting, so I have to double the recipe. I thinking about possibly making a huge batch and freezing, but haven’t tried it yet.

  2. I definitely pinned these pretzels. They look amazing!

    Thank you so much for linking up with Wonderful Wednesday blog hop.
    Blessings,
    Diane Roark

  3. Hi! These pretzels look so delicious. They’re one of my favorite snacks so I need to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing on the Wake Up Wednesday Link Party!
    -Kate @ The Organized Dream (Co-host)

  4. My weakness is soft pretzels and these look amazing! Now I know I’ll have to make them and hope I don’t eat the whole batch myself. lol Thanks for sharing on Wine’d Down Wednesday.

  5. Despite my honest effort to reduce my carbs, I can’t imagine my life without a soft pretzle once in a while. These look so soft and fluffy. I just received a stand mixer so I am going to have to make this my go-to use recipe! Pinned! Stopping by from Tasty Tuesdays party!