Easy German-Style Soft Pretzels Recipe

Published Oct 9, 2024 By Elle Ann

Image credit: The Busy Baker via YouTube

This German-style soft pretzel recipe by The Busy Baker on YouTube is very easy to make and so delicious that you wouldn’t be able to stop eating it. You can serve this for breakfast or a snack, and even serve it with your favorite dipping sauce or spread.

If you want to make your version of this yummy bread, you can also top it with shredded cheese or drizzle any glaze that you want. For now, learn the basics of making these soft pretzels by reading the instructions written down below and while you’re at it make sure to watch the video tutorial as well.

Ingredients for Soft Pretzels:

1¼ cup of warm water
3 tsp of brown sugar
3 tbsp of unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 tsp of active dry yeast
4 cups of all-purpose flour
1½ tsp of salt

Baking Soda Bath

1/3 cup of baking soda
10 cups of water

Garnish

2 tbsp of coarse sea salt

How to Make Soft Pretzels:

Ingredients for Soft Pretzels — Image credit: The Busy Baker via YouTube

Step 1

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the warm water, brown sugar, melted butter, and yeast, then set it aside, and let it rest for about 3 to 5 minutes or until it starts to bubble. Add the flour and salt, then mix them until dough starts to form, and knead it for about 5 minutes over medium speed until it forms a ball.

Step 2

Divide the dough into 10 to 12 equal parts, then cover them with plastic wrap while shaping each dough, and start rolling and stretching them one at a time until 30 to 35 inches long. Shape the pretzel as shown in the video, then place it in a baking tray lined with parchment paper, and make sure to space them evenly.

Step 3

Set them aside to rest for about 20 minutes until they rise a little bit, then transfer the baking tray to the freezer, and let the pretzels freeze for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, place a pot on a stove over medium heat, then add the water and baking soda, and bring it to a simmer.

Step 4

Remove the pretzels from the freezer, then drop them in the bath one at a time or about 20 to 30 seconds each, and return them to the baking tray. Sprinkle some coarse sea salt over them, then place them in the preheated oven to bake at 350°F for about 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Serve and enjoy!