Gluten Free Soft Pretzel
Crave that golden crust? Discover the must-do step for crafting the best homemade soft pretzel recipe you'll ever taste.
Total time
28 min
Servings
6
Calories
52.9
Category
Appetizers & Snacks
Craving warm, chewy soft pretzels but need them gluten-free? This quick and easy recipe delivers perfectly golden pretzels in under 30 minutes. Made with simple ingredients and a traditional baking soda bath, these toddler-friendly, kid-approved snacks are ideal for lunchboxes, parties, or a cozy afternoon treat. Free from gluten and ready in a flash, they're a family favorite you can feel good about.
Ingredients
Makes 6 servings
- 1 active dry yeast
- 1/8 warm water
- 1 1/3 warm water
- 1/3 brown sugar
- 5 baking soda
- 2 -4 coarse salt
Method
Dissolve the yeast in 1/8 cup warm water. Stir in remaining warm water, brown sugar and flour. Bear until smooth. Knead until smooth and elastic.
use hands to roll out dough into "snakes". Twist into traditional pretzel shape or braid.
Heat oven to 475 degrees.
Fill a saucepan with water. Pour in baking soda (2tbls to each cup of water in saucepan) and bring to a boil.
Place twisted pretzel dough in water for 15 seconds until dough is golden or yellow in color. Then remove pretzel from boiling water and place on a salted cookie sheet. Salt top of pretzel too.
Place cookie sheet with pretzels in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until pretzels are golden brown.
Cook's notes
- For best results, use a kitchen scale to measure gluten-free flour blend accurately.
- If dough feels too sticky, dust hands with a little extra gluten-free flour while shaping.
- Don't skip the baking soda bath—it gives pretzels their signature chewy crust and golden color.
- For extra flavor, brush baked pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt immediately.
Frequently asked
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use the same amount (1 packet) and skip the initial dissolving step—just mix it directly with the dry ingredients. You may need to reduce the rising time slightly.
What gluten-free flour blend works best?
A 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum works best. Avoid single-ingredient flours like almond or coconut flour, as they will not yield the right chewy texture.
Why is my dough too sticky or too dry?
Gluten-free doughs can vary by flour brand. If sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time. If dry, add warm water a teaspoon at a time until it comes together. The dough should be soft but not tacky.
Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written, since it uses no butter or milk. For a buttery finish, use a dairy-free butter alternative.
