1- Making soft pretzels at home is easier than you might think, and this guide walks you through it with simple steps. Start by whisking the yeast and sugar into warm water and let it sit for 1 minute to activate. Then, add melted butter and salt, stirring in 3 cups (375g) of flour. Gradually mix in the remaining flour until the dough is slightly tacky and pulls away from the bowl sides.

2- Next, knead the dough for 3 to 5 minutes until it’s soft and elastic, then shape it into a ball and cover it to rest for 10 to 30 minutes. This rest time lets the dough relax, making shaping easier. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for a smooth process.

3-Shaping and Baking Steps: Divide the dough into 75g sections, roll each into 20-22 inch ropes, and form into pretzels by making a circle, twisting the ends, and folding them down. For that classic finish, boil each pretzel for 20 to 30 seconds in the baking soda bath you prepared with 1/2 cup (120g) baking soda and 9 cups (2.13 liters) of water. Drain them, place on baking sheets, and sprinkle with coarse salt.

4- Finally, bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they’re dark golden brown. The total preparation time is about 25 minutes, plus 15 minutes for baking, so you’re done in around 40 minutes. Serve them warm for the best taste, and remember, leftovers store well at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re interested in more baking ideas, visit this recipe for baked broccoli cheese balls to expand your snacks.