Description
These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are the perfect homemade snack, boasting a soft and chewy texture with a buttery finish. Made from simple ingredients and featuring a classic baking soda boil that creates their signature crust, they are ideal for game days, gatherings, or a cozy treat at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Boiling Solution
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Toppings and Finishing
- Coarse sea salt (for topping)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make Dough: Add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Proof Dough: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 45 to 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Boiling Water: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil and carefully add the baking soda to it.
- Shape Pretzel Bites: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into six equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12 to 15 inch long rope, then cut these ropes into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Boil Pretzel Bites: Working in batches, carefully drop the dough bites into the boiling baking soda water for 20 to 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Add Salt: Sprinkle the pretzel bites with coarse sea salt while they are still wet from boiling.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites for 12 to 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Brush with Butter: Immediately after baking, brush the hot pretzel bites with the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter to give them a rich, glossy finish.
- Serve Warm: Serve the pretzel bites warm for the best taste and texture. Optionally, for a sweet twist, skip the salt and toss them in cinnamon sugar after buttering.
Notes
- For a sweet version, skip the coarse salt topping and toss the warm pretzel bites in cinnamon sugar after brushing with butter.
- These pretzel bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to regain their softness if needed.
