A soft sourdough pretzels recipe that yields a dark chewy crust with a light and springy center. They are incredibly easy to make with our overnight recipe!
Oops we did it again! We are sharing another super easy sourdough recipe that you are going to love!
Just like our sourdough bagels and sourdough english muffins, this recipe for soft sourdough pretzels comes together in minutes, rises overnight and bakes up in a flash!
Get ready for the easiest and best homemade pretzels ever!
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Sample baking schedule
Before we dive into the details, let's take a brief look at the baking schedule I use to make these pretzels! (My kitchen is 68°F.)
- Friday 8 AM - Feed starter to get it ready for dough.
- Friday 8 PM - Mix pretzel dough, cover and let ferment on counter overnight.
- Saturday 8 AM - Divide dough, shape pretzels, cover and let rise.
- Saturday 8:30 AM - Prepare water bath with baking soda and dark brown sugar.
- Saturday 9 AM - Boil pretzels, brush on egg wash, sprinkle with salt and bake.
Step by step instructions
1. Feed your starter to active it. Make sure to time the feeding so that the starter is at its peak in the jar when you go to mix the dough.
2. Because this is a very stiff dough, it's helpful to use a stand mixer with a dough hook, to knead the dough. (If you don't have a stand mixer, knead on a clean surface for 10 minutes.)
- Place the ingredients into the bowl of the stand mixer and mix on the lowest speed for 6-7 minutes.
- Cover the bowl and let rest on the counter for 10-12 hours at room temperature.
3. Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and divide into 16 equal pieces. Shape each piece into shape of a pretzel and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the dough with a towel and let rise for 30-60 minutes or until puffy.
4. Put a pot of 6 cups of water on to boil. Add 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar. Preheat oven to 425°F (232°C) making sure that the oven rack is in the center position.
5. Boil each pretzel for 1 minute total, flipping halfway. (30 seconds on each side.) Place the pretzels back onto the baking sheet.
6. Brush each pretzel with the egg wash and sprinkle with salt.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes at 425°F (232°C) or until the outside is a dark golden brown.
These soft pretzels are perfect for dipping in beer cheese dip, honey mustard or just plain!
How to shape a pretzel
- Working one piece at a time, roll the dough into a long rope shape and set it on a clean surface in the shape of a "U".
- Lift the ends of the rope and twist 2 times.
- Fold the twist over and press the ends on the dough.
How to store and freeze
Soft pretzels can be stored, covered, at room temperature for up to 7 days.
To freeze pretzels, let cool completely and wrap individually in plastic wrap. Insert into a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How to reheat pretzels
If your pretzel is frozen, allow it to thaw at room temperature. While it's thawing, about 30 minutes, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the pretzel on a baking sheet and bake 4-5 minutes or until heated through.
Microwaving a pretzel is not recommended as it can cause it to become too chewy.
Check out these other sourdough recipes you're sure to love!
We would love to know if you made this sourdough pretzels recipe. Let us know in the comment section below. And don't forget to rate the recipe!
Soft Sourdough Pretzels Recipe
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Ingredients
Sourdough Pretzel Dough
- ½ cup (125 g) sourdough starter (active)
- 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon (255 g) water
- 2 tablespoons (40 g) honey (or sugar)
- 2 teaspoons (10 g) fine sea salt
- 4 cups + 2 tablespoons (500 g) bread flour (see notes)
Water Bath
- 6 cups water
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten in a small bowl)
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
Instructions
- Prepare the starter so that it is active when you mix the dough. To a clean jar add 15g starter + 60g water + 60g flour. Let rise at room temperature until it has doubled in size. (about 10-12 hours at 68°F) Once your starter has risen to its peak, you are ready to mix your pretzel dough.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, stir together the starter, water, honey and salt with a spatula. Add the bread flour and use your hands to bring the ingredients together as best as possible. The dough will be very stiff. Place the dough hook on the mixer and mix the dough on the lowest speed for 6-7 minutes. Cover the bowl and let rest at room temperature for 8-12 hours.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and divide into 16 equal pieces.
- Working one piece at a time, roll the dough into a long rope shape and set it on a clean surface in the shape of a "U". Lift the ends of the rope and twist 2 times. Fold the twist over and press the ends on the dough. Cover the dough with a towel and let rise for 30-60 minutes or until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) making sure that the oven rack in the center position. Boil the water in a large stockpot and add 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon of dark brown sugar.
- Boil the pretzels, 3-4 at a time, on both sides for 30 seconds each, making sure not to crowd the pot. Use a mesh stainer to remove the pretzels and place back on the parchment paper. Brush each pretzel with egg wash and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake the pretzels at 425°F (218°C) for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- If you don't have stand mixer, knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes.
- Bread flour is ideal but all-purpose flour can be used and still yield a nice result.
- Use the scoop and level technique to measure your flour if you do not have a kitchen scale. To do this, use a spoon to fluff up the flour in the bag. Use a spoon to scoop the flour into a measuring cup until it is heaped on top. Take a butterknife and level off the top. This should give you the most accurate measurement for flour.
- I will be testing this recipe with whole wheat flour and update the recipe with the results when I have them.
- Store cooked pretzels, covered, at room temperature for up to 1 week. Storing in the fridge is not recommended.
- To freeze baked pretzels, let cool completely. Wrap pretzels individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let thaw before reheating.
- To reheat pretzels, bake in oven at 400°F for 5 minutes or until heated through. A microwave is not recommended.
Pamela Chua says
Hi, may I know whats ur temp for proofing overnight? Im living in a tropical climate so need to adjust. Thk u 🙂
Amy Duska says
My kitchen stays around 68°F. Right now because it's cold where I live, it's more around 66°.
Melanie says
These turned out perfect! My family loves soft pretzels and these hit the spot. Thank you for sharing.
SueT says
This sounds fantastic! Just a question, can i use regular sugar instead of brown in the boiling water?
Amy Duska says
Yes you can!
Amanda says
I’m curious, in the instructions above the recipe it says to jake at 450 degrees but in the recipe it says to bake at 425 degrees. Which temperature is best?
Amy Duska says
It's 425°F. Thanks for catching that!