Caffeine Free Classic Pretzels
Soft, chewy, and deeply golden, these homemade pretzels deliver that satisfying bakery-style bite with a crackling salt crust that's genuinely hard to resist. Every ingredient in this recipe is naturally free of caffeine — no chocolate, no tea, no coffee, no hidden stimulants — so you can snack without a second thought. The baking soda bath is the real secret here, giving each pretzel that signature dark, glossy exterior and slightly tangy chew you just can't get from a standard oven bake. Rolling the dough into long ropes and folding them into the classic knot shape is easier than it looks, and the whole process is a genuinely fun kitchen project. A generous brush of egg wash before baking locks in that deep mahogany color and helps the coarse salt cling to every curve. Pull them from the oven when they're firm and fragrant, let them rest just long enough not to burn your fingers, and serve them warm — ideally with mustard or a soft dipping sauce on the side.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
For the dough
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°f / 43°c)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the baking soda bath
- 10 cups water
- ⅔ cup baking soda
For finishing
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp coarse pretzel salt or flaky sea salt
Instructions
- 1
Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer and let stand for 5 minutes, until foamy and fragrant.
- 2
Add the kosher salt, melted butter, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with the dough hook until the flour is incorporated, then increase to medium speed and knead for 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth, pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl, and springs back when poked.
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