Here’s a simple, reliable recipe for soft gluten-free pretzels that actually taste like classic pretzels—chewy inside with that signature golden crust.
Gluten-Free Soft Pretzels
Ingredients
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 tbsp sugar
1 ½ cups warm water (not hot)
2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp melted butter (or oil for dairy-free)
For the baking soda bath:
4 cups water
¼ cup baking soda
Topping:
Coarse salt
Instructions
1. Activate the yeast
Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough
Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Gluten-free dough will be softer and slightly sticky—that’s normal.
3. Shape the pretzels
Lightly oil your hands
Divide dough into 6–8 pieces
Roll each into a rope and twist into pretzel shape
4. Baking soda bath (key step!)
Bring 4 cups water + baking soda to a boil
Carefully dip each pretzel for ~20–30 seconds
Remove and place on lined baking tray
5. Bake
Sprinkle with coarse salt
Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 12–15 minutes until golden brown
Tips for Best Results
Use a good gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum already included)
Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it gives that classic pretzel crust
If dough is too sticky, lightly oil hands instead of adding more flour
Optional Variations
Cinnamon sugar: Brush with butter after baking and coat with sugar + cinnamon
Cheese pretzels: Add shredded cheese on top before baking
Garlic butter: Brush with garlic butter right after baking
If you want, I can give you a crispy hard pretzel version or a no-yeast quick recipe too 👍
