There’s something about soft pretzels that hits differently, right? The warm, salty aroma fills the room as they bake in the oven — it’s like an instant mood booster. I can’t count how often I’ve walked past a street vendor or strolled through a shopping mall and been tempted by the smell of those golden, doughy pretzels. The only problem? They’re never vegan. And for a while, I just thought I’d have to miss out.
Then, one day, it hit me – ‘Why not create my own?” I decided to jump right in and experiment with creating a vegan version. I won’t lie;—it took a few tries to get the recipe just right, but when I finally did, it was amazing—wow. These vegan soft pretzels turned out so chewy, golden, and perfect that I couldn’t believe I had made them myself. Whenever I crave something salty and satisfying, I whip up a batch.
I’m so excited to share this recipe with you because I know you’ll love it as much as I do. If you’ve been looking to satisfy your soft pretzel cravings while sticking to a plant-based diet, you’ve come to the right place. Let me walk you through it!
Why Vegan Soft Pretzels Are a Must-Try Snack
If you’ve ever wondered what makes vegan soft pretzels so special, let me share my experience. Here’s why I think they’re worth trying — and why you’ll want to make them repeatedly.
Perfect for Everyone
One of the best parts about vegan soft pretzels is that they’re for everyone. Whether vegan, vegetarian, or just trying to eat healthier, these pretzels work for all kinds of diets. There’s no need to worry about dairy or eggs sneaking in—this recipe is plant-based, making it perfect for anyone to enjoy.
A Healthier Twist on Comfort Food
Don’t get me wrong—these pretzels are still comfort food (so they’re not too healthy), but by making them yourself, you can control the ingredients. There are no preservatives, weird chemicals, or hidden animal products—just simple, fresh ingredients you can feel good about. That’s a win in my book!
Super Easy to Make
Here’s the thing — I’ve always loved baking, but sometimes the idea of making something like pretzels felt daunting. Once I figured out the process, I was shocked by how easy it was. The dough is super simple to work with, and the process is straightforward. Trust me, if I can manage it, you absolutely can too!
Essential Ingredients for Vegan Soft Pretzels
One of the best parts of making homemade vegan soft pretzels is that you don’t need fancy ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Vegan Butter and Milk
These are your secret weapons for getting that buttery, rich flavor without dairy. I love using plant-based butter (coconut oil or Earth Balance — whatever you prefer) and oat or almond milk. They give the dough the right texture and flavor without any animal products.
Yeast
This is where the magic happens. Yeast makes the dough rise, creating that perfect chewy texture you can’t get with other breads. I use active dry yeast, which works great for this recipe. Just make sure it’s fresh so it works its magic properly.
Flour
All-purpose flour is my go-to for pretzels, and it works perfectly. Of course, if you want to get adventurous, you can try whole wheat flour or even gluten-free flour, though I suggest adjusting the water amount if you switch it up.
Sugar and Salt
Sugar helps activate the yeast and ensures your dough rises properly, while salt enhances the flavor. Salt is also perfect for sprinkling on top before baking—because, honestly, is there anything better than a salty pretzel?
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Soft Pretzels
Making these pretzels is way easier than you think. Here’s how I do it, and I’m sure you’ll be amazed at how simple the process is:
Prepare the Dough
Start by activating the yeast. Mix warm water (110°F, not too hot!) in a bowl with a little sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll see it start to bubble and foam, which means the yeast is ready to go. It’s honestly one of my favorite parts of the whole process!
Once the yeast becomes frothy, mix in the flour and salt. Mix everything until it forms a dough. You’ll want to knead it for about 5-10 minutes until it’s smooth and stretchy. Suppose the dough feels too sticky; just dust in a little extra flour. If it feels too dry, add a splash of water. Easy.
Let the Dough Rise
Cover your dough with a towel and rest for about an hour. This is when the yeast does its thing, puffing up and doubling the dough. It’s like watching a little baking miracle happen!
Shape the Pretzels
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down, then split it into 8 even portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, roughly 18 inches in length. Then, twist them into classic pretzel shapes — I like to make a “U” and then twist the ends over and press them into the dough to seal it.
Boil and Bake
Here’s the trick for that perfect pretzel texture: boil the pretzels in a water bath with baking soda. This step helps create the chewy crust. Drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds on each side (you’ll notice they puff up a bit). Once done, brush them on a baking sheet with melted vegan butter. Top with a pinch of salt and bake them at 450°F for 12-15 minutes.
The result? Golden, soft, slightly crispy on the outside, and chewy on the inside — just like the pretzels you’d get from a street cart, but way better!
Tips for Making Perfect Vegan Soft Pretzels
Here’s a few little tips I’ve picked up along the way to make sure my pretzels turn out perfectly every time:
Make Sure the Dough is Just Right
If your dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a little splash of water. You want the dough to be smooth and slightly elastic, so it will rise and hold its shape.
Let the Dough Rise Long Enough
It’s tempting to rush, but letting the dough rise is necessary. Trust me, the texture won’t be the same if you skip this step. Give it time to puff up and work its magic.
Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath
This step gives pretzels their characteristic texture and flavor. It’s what makes them chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside. I can’t stress this enough—don’t skip it!
Serving and Enjoying Your Vegan Soft Pretzels
Now, you’ve got these amazing homemade vegan soft pretzels, and it’s time to dig in! Here are some ways I love to serve mine:
- Dips are a must! Vegan mustard, homemade vegan cheese sauce, or a creamy ranch dressing make the perfect dipping accompaniments.
- Leftovers? If you have any pretzels left (though let’s be real, you probably won’t), store them in an airtight container for a few days. You can also freeze them — and trust me, they taste just as good when reheated!
- Get creative with toppings! Try cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist, or sprinkle garlic powder, sesame seeds, or even bagel seasoning for extra flavor.
FAQ Section
Is a soft pretzel vegan?
Yes, traditional soft pretzels are naturally vegan! They’re usually made with flour, water, salt, and yeast. However, store-bought versions might contain dairy or eggs.
What brand of pretzels are vegan?
Brands like Snyder’s of Hanover, Pretzel Crisps, and Rold Gold offer vegan-friendly options. Just double-check the ingredients for any non-vegan additives like milk or honey.
Is Auntie Anne’s pretzels vegan?
Sadly, most of Auntie Anne’s pretzels contain dairy or eggs, so they’re not vegan. However, you might find a vegan option at some locations, so it’s always worth asking!
What makes pretzels not vegan?
Pretzels can contain dairy, eggs, or honey, making them non-vegan. If you want to be sure, make them yourself or read the ingredient label carefully.
Conclusion
And there you have it — my go-to recipe for vegan soft pretzels that I’ve perfected after much trial and error. I promise, once you try them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner. Whether you’re craving a salty snack or looking to impress your friends with a homemade treat, these vegan soft pretzels are the answer. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and bake up a batch — I know you’ll love them as much as I do. Happy baking!
Read more : How to Make Vegan Ginger Cake – Simple & Delicious
Vegan Soft Pretzels
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1 ½ cups warm water 110°F
- 1 tbsp sugar to activate the yeast
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp vegan butter melted
- 10 cups water for boiling
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 1 tbsp vegan butter for brushing
- Coarse sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Combine the warm water (110°F) and sugar in a medium bowl. Gently sprinkle the yeast onto the water’s surface and let it rest undisturbed for 5 minutes, letting it bloom into a frothy layer.
- Combine the flour and salt with the yeast mixture, stirring until the ingredients merge and the dough forms. Next, knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, working it until it becomes smooth and stretchy.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Press down on the dough to release the air, then portion it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 18-inch rope, form a U-shape, cross the ends over each other, and press them firmly onto the base to create a classic pretzel shape.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot and stir in the baking soda. Carefully drop the pretzels, one at a time, into the boiling water and cook for 30 seconds on each side. Carefully lift the pieces with a slotted spoon and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Coat each pretzel with a layer of melted vegan butter and top with a generous sprinkle of coarse salt.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and perfectly puffed.
- Allow the pretzels to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them fresh with your favorite dip or topping!
Notes
- To store: Keep leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for long-term storage lasting up to 3 months.
- Flour: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier version.
- Dipping Suggestions: Try vegan mustard, homemade cheese sauce, or a creamy dip.