When I was in middle school I finally had lunch money and no supervision. For three years I ate a soft pretzel and fries almost every day. It was the new millennium and we were all experimenting with our food choices. These days my diet is more balanced, but I still love soft pretzels. I enjoy them at the mall or at theme parks, and now I make them at home using a clever shortcut: store-bought pizza dough.
These soft pretzels are incredibly simple because you skip making a traditional pretzel dough and start with ready-made pizza dough. The result is a soft, golden pretzel that tastes like a bakery treat but takes far less time and effort. No active dry yeast proofing, no stand mixer—just a few steps and about 35 minutes from start to finish.
In roughly 20 minutes of hands-on time and a short bake, you can make a batch to share with family or keep all to yourself. The method is forgiving, so it’s a great recipe for beginners and a fun project for kids who want to help shape the pretzels.
Using Homemade vs. Store-Bought Pizza Dough
You can absolutely use homemade pizza dough if you prefer, but premade dough saves time and keeps the recipe quick and easy. If using homemade dough, make sure the dough isn’t overly sticky or wet so you can roll and shape it without difficulty. Lightly flour your work surface as needed.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These pretzels can be made ahead. After baking, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours, or refrigerate if you plan to keep them longer. To refresh, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake 5–10 minutes until warmed through.
Freezing Pretzels
You can freeze baked pretzels for up to three months when stored in an airtight bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed.
Mini Pretzels and Pretzel Bites
To make mini pretzels or pretzel bites, cut the dough into smaller pieces and shorten the bake time. Smaller shapes will bake faster, so check frequently. Mini pretzels are perfect for parties or for little hands.
Best Dipping Sauces
Soft pretzels pair well with a variety of dips. Popular choices include warm cheese dip, marinara, classic yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard, honey mustard, or a creamy queso. For a savory twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the buttered pretzels in addition to or instead of coarse salt.
Sweet Pretzel Option
To make a sweet version, brush freshly baked pretzels with melted butter and toss them in cinnamon sugar. This transforms the snack into a dessert-style treat that’s great for family movie nights or brunch.
Supplies You’ll Need
Basic kitchen tools make this recipe easy. You will want a baking sheet, parchment paper, a large pot for the baking soda bath, a cutting board, a knife or pizza cutter, and a pastry brush for the egg wash. A slotted spoon helps transfer pretzels from the soda bath to a draining plate.
Step-by-Step Guide
Below is a clear, simple set of steps to follow. The recipe yields about 10 pretzels, with 20 minutes prep time and around 15 minutes baking time.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bring 6 cups of water and 1/4 cup baking soda to a boil in a large pot, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil.
- Unroll one package of pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut the dough into 1-inch strips.
- Roll each strip into a rope about 12 inches long. Fold the rope in half, twist the ends together in the center, then fold the twist down to form a pretzel shape. Press the ends to secure.
- Carefully place each pretzel in the boiling baking soda bath for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and let drain briefly on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Arrange the pretzels on the prepared baking sheet and brush each with a beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.
- Bake 10–15 minutes, until deep golden brown.
- Brush warm pretzels with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt or cinnamon sugar, depending on whether you want savory or sweet.
- Serve warm with your favorite dips and enjoy.
Recipe Summary
Ingredients for roughly 10 pretzels: 1 package pizza dough, 6 cups water, 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 egg (beaten), 2 tablespoons melted butter, and coarse salt or cinnamon sugar to finish. Follow the steps above for a reliable, tasty result that’s fast enough for weeknight snacks and special enough for entertaining.
These pizza dough pretzels are a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe. They are adaptable, freezer-friendly, and quick to prepare. Whether you’re serving them with cheese dip, mustard, or cinnamon sugar, they’re bound to be a hit.
