Description
These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are perfectly golden brown with a chewy, buttery texture that makes them irresistible. Quick and easy to make in just about an hour, they are perfect for snacking, sharing, or pairing with your favorite dips. Whether you prefer them classic and salted or sweet and cinnamon-coated, this beginner-friendly recipe is a must-try for any home baker.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups warm milk (110–115°F) or water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 (0.25-ounce) package active dry yeast
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 9 cups water
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 1 large egg (whisked with 1 tablespoon water)
- Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk and brown sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for five minutes until it becomes foamy. If the mixture doesn’t foam, the yeast is inactive and should be replaced with a fresh packet.
- Mix the Dough: Add the flour, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then transfer to a floured surface and knead for about four minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rest in a warm place for 20–30 minutes until it doubles in size.
- Preheat and Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 9 cups of water and ⅓ cup of baking soda to a boil.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Transfer the risen dough onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope about ¾-inch thick, then cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Boil the Pretzel Bites: Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower a handful of dough pieces into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. Remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
- Brush with Egg Wash and Salt: Whisk the egg with one tablespoon of water and brush it over each pretzel bite. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt for a traditional pretzel flavor.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12–14 minutes or until the pretzel bites develop a rich golden-brown color.
- Add Butter and Serve: For extra flavor, brush the warm pretzels with melted butter immediately after baking. Serve warm with your favorite dips.
Notes
- Dough Consistency: If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of warm water. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in more flour gradually.
- Skipping the Baking Soda Bath? Don’t! It’s what creates the pretzel’s signature chewy crust.
- Make It Sweet: After baking, toss the pretzel bites in melted butter and cinnamon sugar for a dessert variation.
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 pretzel bites
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg