I originally saw this recipe for pretzels here. I didn’t have all the right ingredients, but I figured I could still pull it off, and it was very successful! I have made soft pretzels before, but these turned out better than I’ve done in the past.
I knew it was a good choice to make these when Bogdan saw this recipe on my desk and said, “Are you making soft pretzels???” and kept asking me about it until I made them. 
I didn’t have poppy seeds, so mine don’t look as thrilling as the original (which I encourage you to check out as well), but these tasted amazing, were the exact right texture, were easy to make, and made my house smell quite tantalizing!
So here’s how I did it!
Perfect Homemade Soft Pretzels
2 teaspoons dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon white sugar
3/4 cup warm water
2 cups all-purpose flour (I used just a little bit more as I was kneading the dough; it will vary)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons canola oil
-Spices I used in the dough: a few shakes of red pepper flakes, dried parsley flakes, and granulated garlic
- For coating top: milk, poppy seeds (if you have them!), finely chopped onion (about 2 tablespoons), granulated garlic, salt (Be creative!)
Directions:
1. In a small mixing bowl, place yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes or until frothy.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and spices. Add the yeast mixture and the oil. Add more flour if needed while mixing, and knead until dough is elastic and not sticky.
3. Grease dough and place back in bowl to rise in a warm place until double.
4. Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Punch down dough and divide into 12 pieces. I found it best to cut it in half, then cut each half into three pieces, and each of those pieces in half.
6. Roll each section into a 12-inch cord and form into pretzels. Place each pretzel on a greased baking sheet. (I had to use one and one-half baking sheets.)
7. Brush with milk and sprinkle with additional salt, poppy seeds, onion, and granulated garlic.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
YES, I am still working on my pretzel forming, because I think this pretzel looks more like a curled snake than a pretzel. 
Brushed with milk – or more like “fingered” with milk, because I don’t have a pastry brush.
These are delicious served with your favorite dip!
This looks way easier than the soft pretzel recipes that I have found. I might try to make this recipe into pretzel rolls. Have you ever tried pretzel rolls? They are really good with some ham and a slice of melted cheese!
No, I haven’t made pretzel rolls! Mmm, sounds really good though!!
These look really delicious.
Thank you!!
I haven’t made pretzels in years – my husband used to love them slathered in hot mustard. I’ll have to try them soon.
ooh, mustard would be a good dip for these!
OR honey mustard!
Fantastic – glad you loved them. Red pepper flakes are probably very similar to the dried chilli flakes that I used, but maybe not so spicy
These look like so much fun to make! I’m definitely going to try this recipe out!
Mmmm these look tasty. Homemade pretzels have been on my make too list and these looks like the perfect recipe to start.
They are definitely the easiest recipe for soft pretzels that I’ve tried! And they were so good!
Go for it!
This looks so yummy!! I will definitely have to try that <3
I hope you do!
They look awesome!
Thanks!!