Pretzel flavour and mahogany colour come from an alkaline dip, not from the dough. Food-grade lye is traditional and gives the real thing; a strong baking soda solution is the safe kitchen version and gets most of the way. You can also bake baking soda on a tray at 300°F for an hour, which converts it to a stronger alkali and closes much of that gap.
The ratioDough, then 30 seconds in ⅔ cup baking soda per 10 cups water. Bake 425°F. The bath is everything.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep35 min
Cook75 min
Makes8 pretzels
CuisineGerman
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Rich enough that Mom might raise an eyebrow. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortA project
Cook it with
Air fryerSheet pan
The Method
Make a stiff doughKnead eight minutes to a smooth, firm dough. Wetter doughs lose the shape in the bath.
Rise an hourUntil roughly doubled.
Roll long and thinEach piece rolled to about 24 inches, thicker in the middle, then twisted and folded into the shape.
Chill before the bathFifteen minutes in the freezer firms them up so they don't deform when handled wet.
Bath thirty secondsBaking soda dissolved in boiling water, pretzels in for thirty seconds, lifted out with a slotted spoon. It will smell faintly of soap — correct. Wear gloves and don't use an aluminium pan; the alkali reacts with it.
Salt wet, slash, bakeCoarse salt straight away while the surface is tacky, a slash across the belly, then 425°F for twelve to fifteen minutes until deep mahogany.
Make it yoursCinnamon sugar instead of salt, tossed in butter after baking. Everything bagel seasoning. Serve with the mustard or the mornay cheese sauce on this site.
Can you make How to Make Soft Pretzels in an air fryer? — Yes
Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.
Can you freeze How to Make Soft Pretzels? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make How to Make Soft Pretzels ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.
Is How to Make Soft Pretzels gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is How to Make Soft Pretzels vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Community Notes
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