Description
These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are a delicious homemade snack featuring soft, chewy pretzel dough boiled in baking soda water and baked to golden perfection. Brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with coarse salt, they make a perfect party appetizer or cozy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Boiling and Baking
- â…“ cup baking soda
- 6 cups water (for boiling)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- Coarse salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly and knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water and â…“ cup baking soda to a rolling boil. This bath helps give pretzels their characteristic chewy crust.
- Shape Pretzel Bites: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 12 to 15 inches long. Cut each rope into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Boil Pretzel Bites: Working in batches, drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water. Let them boil for 20 to 30 seconds to develop the pretzel crust, then remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites for 12 to 14 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.
- Finish & Serve: Immediately after baking, brush the pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle them generously with coarse salt. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a sweet variation, skip the salt topping and toss the baked bites in cinnamon sugar after brushing with butter.
- These pretzel bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to regain softness.
