Description
These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are a deliciously soft and chewy snack perfect for game day or anytime you crave homemade pretzels. Made with a simple yeast dough, boiled briefly in a baking soda bath, then baked to golden perfection and brushed with melted butter, they offer a satisfyingly buttery flavor with a crispy exterior and tender inside.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
For Boiling
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 6 cups water
For Finishing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
- Coarse sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: Stir in the salt and melted butter into the yeast mixture. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms that is slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for the perfect chewy texture.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and leave it in a warm spot to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Once risen, 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 ⅓ cup baking soda to a rolling boil. This bath gives the pretzel bites their characteristic crust.
- Shape Pretzel Bites: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope about 12 to 15 inches long, then slice each rope into 1-inch pieces to form the pretzel bites.
- Boil Pretzel Bites: Working in batches, carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water for 20 to 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn beautiful golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and immediately brush them generously with melted butter, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftover bites in an airtight container.
- Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to restore softness and crispness.
- For a sweet variation, skip the salt topping and toss warm pretzel bites in cinnamon sugar after buttering.
