#Video_Link by Makayla Updated on 1 November 2025.
These soft pretzels are golden on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and brushed with melted butter for that irresistible finish. The dough is simple to make and fun to shape, making this a great recipe for kids to join in. Whether you go classic with salt or sweet with cinnamon sugar, they’re a delightful snack fresh from the oven.
Step by Step Guide (with Kid friendly tasks)
Step 1: Make the Dough:
Heat the milk until warm (not boiling). Stir in butter and brown sugar until melted. Let cool slightly, then sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes.
👧 Kid Task: Help stir the butter and sugar into the milk and watch the yeast bubble!
Step 2: Mix and Knead
Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth ball forms. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
👧 Kid Task: Help scoop flour and pat the dough ball before it rests.
Step 3: Divide and Shape
Punch down the dough and divide into 10 pieces. Roll each into a long rope (about 36 inches), then twist into a pretzel shape.
👧 Kid Task: Roll the ropes and try twisting shapes—hearts, letters, or classic loops!
Step 4: Dip in Baking Soda Bath
Mix warm water and baking soda in a shallow dish. Dip each pretzel in the bath, flipping to coat both sides.
👧 Kid Task: Help gently dip and flip with tongs (with supervision).
Step 5: Bake
Place pretzels on a parchment-lined tray and bake at 450°F (230°C) for 7–8 minutes until golden brown.
👧 Kid Task: Peek through the oven window and count down the minutes!
Step 6: Brush and Sprinkle.
Brush warm pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt (or cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist).
👧 Kid Task: Use a pastry brush and sprinkle toppings like fairy dust!
Pros of The Recipe
- Mall-Style Flavor at Home – Buttery, golden, and fresh
- Fun to Shape – Rolling and twisting is a great sensory activity
- Customizable Toppings – Sweet or savory, your choice
- Freezer-Friendly – Bake ahead and reheat for quick snacks
- Great for Group Baking – Perfect for playdates or family weekends. Cheese crackers is not only very tasty but also have the goodness below:
Watch How to Make It !
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Soft and Fluffy Pretzel
Author: Makayla
Preps: 60 Mins
Bake Time: 60 mins
Total: 120 mins
Meal Type: Bread
Ingredients:
For the Dough
- 2 cups milk
- 4tbsp Salter Butter
- 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tsp Active Dry Yeast
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp salt
For the Topping
- 2 cups warm water
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- Pretzel salt (or cinnamon sugar)
Instructions:
- Warm milk and stir in butter and sugar. Let cool slightly.
- Add yeast and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Mix in flour and salt. Knead into a smooth ball. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Divide dough into 10 pieces. Roll into ropes and twist into pretzel shapes.
- Dip pretzels in baking soda bath.
- Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 7–8 minutes until golden.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt or sugar. Serve warm!
Toddler Tips:
- Let kids roll dough ropes and invent their own shapes.
- Use a small brush for butter and let them “paint” the pretzels
- Offer toppings in little bowls for sprinkling practice
- Turn baking into a counting game—how many pretzels did we make?
- Freeze extras and let your toddler help “pick one” for snack time
Notes:
- You can refrigerate the dough while it rises for up to 24 hours.
- For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before continuing with the recipe.
Stir and Giggles 
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