Soft Baked Pretzels with Sea Salt

There’s something incredibly nostalgic and comforting about a soft baked pretzel—warm, chewy on the inside, golden brown on the outside, and sprinkled with just the right amount of coarse sea salt. Whether enjoyed at a ballpark, a cozy bakery, or a festive holiday market, pretzels have a universal way of making people smile.

This Soft Baked Pretzels with Sea Salt recipe brings that experience right into your kitchen. The dough is soft and buttery, easy to work with, and baked to perfection. Dipping the pretzels in a baking soda water bath gives them their iconic chewy texture and signature pretzel flavor. Serve them fresh with mustard, cheese sauce, or even a cinnamon-sugar topping for a sweet twist.

Why I Love This Recipe

• It uses simple pantry ingredients.
• The dough is easy to handle and perfect for beginners.
• The pretzels come out soft, chewy, golden, and irresistible.
• It’s an engaging and fun kitchen project—especially for kids or family days.
• The aroma while baking is unforgettable!

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Versatile — Make them savory or sweet.
• Better than store-bought — Fresh-baked pretzels are unmatched.
• Perfect for parties or snacks — Everyone loves them.
• Customizable — Move beyond sea salt with endless toppings.
• Restaurant-quality result right at home.

Time Required

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 8 pretzels
• Per Serving Calories: ~220 kcal
  (May vary based on toppings and dips.)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Snack / Appetizer / Party Food
• Cuisine: German / American

Ingredients

Pretzel Dough

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

Baking Soda Bath

• ½ cup baking soda
• 9 cups water

Topping

• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

Directions

1. Proof Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast and let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Make Dough: Add salt, melted butter, and flour. Mix and knead until smooth (about 6–8 minutes).
3. Let Rise: Place dough in lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
4. Shape Pretzels: Divide dough into 8–10 pieces. Roll each into a long rope and twist into a pretzel shape.
5. Prepare Baking Soda Bath: Boil 9 cups of water with baking soda.
6. Dip Pretzels: Add each pretzel individually for 30 seconds, using tongs to remove.
7. Brush & Bake: Place on lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sea salt, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Gather ingredients and equipment.
2. Activate yeast.
3. Form and knead dough.
4. Let dough rise.
5. Cut and roll into ropes.
6. Shape into pretzels.
7. Boil in baking soda solution.
8. Brush with egg wash and add toppings.
9. Bake until deeply golden.
10. Cool slightly and serve warm.

How to Serve

Serve warm with:

• Classic mustard
• Nacho cheese dip
• Beer cheese sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Chocolate dip or caramel (for sweet versions)

Recipe Tips

• If the dough is sticky, add flour 1 tbsp at a time.
• Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it’s key for texture and flavor.
• Bake until deep golden brown for best taste.

Variations

• Cinnamon Sugar: Brush with butter after baking and coat in cinnamon sugar.
• Cheddar Jalapeño: Add shredded cheese and sliced jalapeños before baking.
• Garlic Butter: Brush with garlic herb butter after baking.
• Mini Pretzel Bites: Cut dough into bite-sized pieces and bake the same way.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: 2–3 days in airtight container.
• Freezer (Baked): Up to 2 months.
• Freezer (Unbaked Shapes): Freeze before boiling, then boil and bake when ready.

To reheat: warm at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large pot
• Kitchen tongs
• Pastry brush

FAQ

Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
✔ Yes, refrigerate overnight after kneading.

Q: Can I use instant yeast?
✔ Yes, skip proofing step and mix directly.

Q: Can I replace the egg wash?
✔ Brush milk or melted butter instead.

Conclusion

Soft baked pretzels are warm, comforting, and unbelievably satisfying. With their soft, chewy texture and golden exterior, they’re perfect for snacking, sharing, or celebrating. Whether you enjoy them salty, sweet, or stuffed, making pretzels at home is an experience that brings both fun and delicious rewards. Once you taste these, you’ll never want store-bought again!