Here’s a simple, reliable recipe for soft gluten-free pretzels that actually taste like classic pretzels—chewy inside with that signature golden crust.

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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 👍