Description
Enjoy these buttery soft pretzel bites, perfect as a snack or party appetizer. Made with a simple dough that is boiled briefly in a baking soda bath before baking, these pretzels have a classic golden crust and a soft, chewy interior. They are easy to make at home and can be customized with toppings or cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Boiling & Baking Ingredients
- ⅓ cup baking soda (for water bath)
- 6 cups water (for boiling)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
- Coarse salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow to sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about the same time.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 45–60 minutes until it doubles in size.
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring 6 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot.
- Shape Pretzel Bites: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope about 18–20 inches in length, then cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces to form bite-sized pretzels.
- Boil Bites: Working in batches, carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water. Boil for 20–30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Brush & Sprinkle: Brush each pretzel bite with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt to taste before baking.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and have a slightly crisp crust.
- Final Brush & Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately brush with additional melted butter if desired. Serve the pretzel bites warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a sweet variation, omit the coarse salt and toss the warm pretzel bites in cinnamon sugar after baking.
- These pretzel bites freeze well; to reheat, warm them in the oven until heated through for a quick and tasty snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 8–10 bites
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
