Homemade Soft Pretzel Twists Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to impress your friends with a treat that’s both fun to make and absolutely delicious, you’ll love this Homemade Soft Pretzel Twists Recipe. Seriously, there’s something so satisfying about twisting dough by hand and then biting into a warm, soft pretzel with that perfect chewy texture and golden crust. When I first tried making pretzels at home, I was nervous, but after a few tries, I discovered all the little tips that made my twists turn out bakery-worthy every single time. Stick with me, and you’ll be twisting like a pro before you know it.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously to give you pretzel dough that’s soft yet holds its shape, with a subtle buttery flavor and just the right amount of tang from the baking soda bath. I recommend using good-quality all-purpose flour and real unsalted butter to elevate the final flavor.

• Warm water: This activates the yeast perfectly; make sure it’s not too hot or you’ll kill the yeast.
• Sugar: A pinch here feeds the yeast and helps your dough rise beautifully.
• Kosher salt: For dough seasoning and optional pretzel topping; coarse salt really makes the flavor pop.
• Active dry yeast: The magic behind the soft texture and rise.
• All-purpose flour: Gives the pretzels structure; no need for bread flour here.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and a tender crumb.
• Vegetable oil: For greasing the bowl so your dough doesn’t stick during rising.
• Baking soda: Essential for the pretzel bath that creates that signature golden crust and flavor.
• Egg yolk mixed with water: Used to brush the pretzels for that beautiful shine and help the salt stick.

Variations

I love customizing my Homemade Soft Pretzel Twists Recipe depending on the occasion or cravings. You can easily adjust the toppings or flavors, making these pretzels your own little masterpiece. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

• Cheese Stuffed Pretzels: Once you’ve rolled out the dough ropes, add small chunks of your favorite cheese inside before twisting—my family goes wild for melty cheddar surprises.
• Seasoned Salt or Garlic Butter: After baking, brush with garlic butter and sprinkle seasoned salt or everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor.
• Sweet Cinnamon Sugar: Swap the kosher salt for a cinnamon sugar mix for a sweet treat that’s just as fun.
• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve experimented with gluten-free flour blends, but the texture changes quite a bit; for best results, look for blends designed for yeast breads.

How to Make Homemade Soft Pretzel Twists Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough

Start by combining warm water, sugar, and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Then sprinkle the yeast on top but don’t stir! Let it sit for about 5 minutes until you see that lovely foam forming—that’s your yeast waking up and ready to work some magic. Once foamy, attach your dough hook and add the flour and melted butter. Mix on low until everything begins to come together, then crank up the speed to medium and knead for 4 to 5 minutes until you have a smooth, elastic dough that pulls away from the bowl’s sides. This step is key for that perfect chew, so take your time here.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Remove your dough, clean the bowl, and lightly grease it with vegetable oil. Pop the dough back inside and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place it somewhere warm to rise—my trick is using the dryer with a warm towel inside to create a cozy environment! After about an hour, the dough should double in size, looking puffy and soft.

Step 3: Shape Your Pretzel Twists

Preheat your oven to 450ºF and line two baking sheets with lightly oiled parchment paper. Next, mix together 10 cups of water and baking soda in a large pot and bring it to a rolling boil—this is the secret to that golden crust. Turn the dough out onto your clean, flour-free work surface (yes, no flour this time!). Divide it into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a long rope about 18 to 20 inches. Here’s where the fun begins: fold each rope in half, twist the two halves around each other, press ends together, then loop the bottom end over the top and feed it through the hole to lock the twist in place. I found that using the palms of my hands with even, firm pressure gives the best ropes without tearing the dough.

Step 4: Boil and Brush

Carefully drop each pretzel twist into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds—you’ll notice them puff up a bit, which means they’re getting that chewy exterior. Use a slotted spoon or spatula to transfer them back to the baking sheets. Then, gently brush each one with the egg yolk wash and sprinkle with kosher salt if you like that classic salty crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheets into your preheated oven and bake the twists for 12 to 14 minutes. Don’t forget to rotate your pans and switch racks halfway through—that ensures even baking and beautiful golden color. When they’re done, take them out and let them cool just a bit, maybe 5 minutes, before digging in. Nothing better than a warm pretzel, fresh from your oven!

How to Serve Homemade Soft Pretzel Twists Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of the classic kosher salt topping for that perfect salty crunch paired with soft dough. But sometimes I brush on garlic butter and sprinkle Parmesan cheese—it turns these pretzel twists into a savory snack that my whole family raves about. You can also toss some with cinnamon sugar for an after-dinner sweet treat. The garnishes really help elevate these from simple to spectacular.

Side Dishes

I love serving soft pretzel twists alongside warm beer cheese dip or spicy mustard. They’re also surprisingly great paired with a fresh salad if you want a lighter meal. For a fun party combo, I set out a platter with these pretzels, a variety of dips like ranch, honey mustard, and even a zesty queso dip—everyone always grabs one (or three!).

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the pretzel twists in a circular “pretzel wreath” on a large platter, placing small bowls of dipping sauces in the center. It makes a stunning centerpiece and encourages guests to dig in. Another time, I drizzled warm soft pretzels with melted white chocolate and topped with crushed peppermint for a festive holiday twist that was a huge hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which can be rare!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Soft pretzels are best fresh but naturally, these stay surprisingly soft if sealed properly. Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry them out.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing unbaked shaped pretzel twists by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing individually, then transferring to a bag for long-term storage. When you want pretzels, just thaw and boil/bake as usual—super convenient for last-minute cravings!

Reheating

To revive leftover pretzels, I heat them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes wrapped loosely in foil to keep them from drying out. This method softens the dough without sacrificing that great crust texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Soft Pretzel Twists Recipe is one of those kitchen triumphs that feels like a real accomplishment—and a little love from scratch really shines through when you take that first bite. Whether you’re baking for family, impressing friends, or just indulging yourself, these pretzels deliver time and again. I encourage you to try them out, twist by twist—you might just discover a new favorite snack that everyone will ask you to make again and again.

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