National Pretzel Day 2025

Christy Lee
Apr 25
3 min read

Updated: 15 hours ago

Twist & Shout: Celebrating National Pretzel Day the Good Thyme Way

good thyme gal food and lifestyle blog national pretzel day

If there’s one snack that knows how to strike a pose, it’s the pretzel. Twisted, golden, and perfectly salty, pretzels are the kind of comfort food that invites you in with their warm, chewy hug—and keeps you coming back for another bite. So when April 26th rolls around and it’s National Pretzel Day, you know we’re showing up with flour-dusted hands and hearts full of snack-time joy.

At Good Thyme Gal, we’re all about bringing people together around food. And pretzels? They’re for everyone. Whether you’re dunking them in mustard, cheese sauce, chocolate, or just eating them straight off the baking tray, pretzels are the kind of snack that feels like home.

Today, we’re celebrating with a warm, soft Equitable Homemade Pretzel Recipe—simple, inclusive, and endlessly customizable. Let’s twist things up, the Good Thyme way!

🥨 A Little Pretzel History

Pretzels have been around for centuries—like, since-the-year-600 kind of centuries. Legend has it that monks in Europe first created them as a reward for children who learned their prayers. The twist was said to represent folded arms in prayer. Over time, pretzels traveled from monastery ovens to street carts and ballparks, and became the iconic snack we know and love today.

In the U.S., pretzels took off thanks to Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants, and to this day, Pennsylvania produces 80% of America’s pretzels. (Fun fact: the average American eats nearly 2 pounds of pretzels every year!)

🌈 What Makes a Recipe “Equitable”?

At Good Thyme Gal, we believe good food should be accessible to all—regardless of income, skill level, or kitchen size. An equitable recipe means:

Affordable ingredients
Pantry-friendly substitutions
Inclusive for dietary needs (vegan/dairy-free options included)
No fancy tools or techniques required
Because delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated.

🥨 Equitable Soft Pretzels (No Fuss, All Fun)

Chewy, golden, and straight from the heart.

Yields 8 small pretzels or 4 large ones

Good Thyme Gal Blog 🥨 Equitable Soft Pretzels (No Fuss, All Fun) recipe virtual shopping list

Ingredients:

1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1 ½ cups warm water
1 tbsp sugar or maple syrup
1 tsp salt
3 ¾ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp oil (olive, canola, or melted plant-based butter)
¼ cup baking soda (for water bath)
Coarse salt for topping

Optional:

Cinnamon sugar mix
Nutritional yeast or vegan cheese
Mustard or hummus for dipping

Cooking Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast:In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the dough:Add salt, oil, and flour (start with 3 ¾ cups) to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Add a bit more flour if sticky.

3. Let it rise:Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 45–60 minutes or until doubled.

4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Shape your pretzels:Punch down dough and divide into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and twist into a classic pretzel shape—or go rogue with twists, knots, or bites!

6. Give them a baking soda bath:Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, then carefully add baking soda. Dip each pretzel into the water for 20–30 seconds (this gives them that signature chewy crust), then place on the baking sheet.

7. Bake & celebrate:Sprinkle with coarse salt (or cinnamon sugar!) and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm with your favorite dip.

🎉 Twist, Dip, Repeat

Soft pretzels are more than a snack—they’re a whole experience. They’re what you make with friends on a cozy weekend. What you bring to the table when you need a little joy. And best of all? They’re endlessly forgiving and wildly fun to make.

So this National Pretzel Day, roll up your sleeves and get twisty. Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying dough for the first time, this recipe is here for you. Messy pretzels are beautiful pretzels.

As always, if you bake these, I need to see them—tag me @Chrstyleeb on Instagram so I can cheer on your salty, squishy creations. 💛

🎥 Level Up Your Baking Skills with Good Thyme Gal on YouTube! 🎥🍰

Looking for a little extra guidance in the kitchen? Whether you're mastering a new recipe or perfecting an old favorite, my Good Thyme Gal YouTube channel is here to help! I share step-by-step tutorials, helpful tips, and fun tricks to make baking easier and more enjoyable. From cookies and cakes to savory treats, you’ll gain the confidence to create something amazing!