1-Getting started with this soft pretzels recipe is simple and fun, even if you’re new to baking. Begin by whisking the yeast and sugar into warm water and let it sit for 1 minute to activate. Once it’s bubbly, add the melted butter and salt, mixing until everything blends smoothly.

2-Next, stir in 3 cups of flour until combined, then add more flour bit by bit until the dough feels slightly tacky and pulls away from the bowl. Knead the dough for 3 to 5 minutes on a floured surface until it’s soft and elastic, then shape it into a ball and cover it to rest for 10 to 30 minutes. This step makes the dough easier to work with and helps it rise just right.

3-Preheating and Shaping: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and get your baking sheets ready with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 75g sections, rolling each into a 20- to 22-inch rope. Shape them into pretzels by forming a circle and twisting the ends together.

4-The Boiling and Baking Process: Bring a pot of water and baking soda to a boil, then dip each pretzel in for 20 to 30 seconds. This step is key for that chewy crust you’ve been waiting for. Transfer the pretzels to the baking sheets, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they’re dark golden brown.

5-Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool a bit before enjoying. These steps ensure your homemade soft pretzels turn out just like from a bakery, and you can adapt them for gluten-free needs as mentioned earlier.