Description
These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are perfectly golden, chewy, and buttery, ideal for a tasty snack or appetizer. Made with a yeast dough boiled briefly in baking soda water and baked to perfection, these pretzel bites come out soft on the inside with a deliciously crisp exterior. They’re easy to make at home and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm milk (110 to 115°F)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1 (0.25-ounce) package active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for brushing)
Boiling Solution
- 9 cups water
- 1/2 cup baking soda
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg (whisked with 1 tablespoon water)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk, brown sugar, and salt. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let sit for 5 minutes until it activates and becomes foamy.
- Knead the Dough: Add the flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined, then knead the dough by hand for about 4 minutes until smooth, or use a stand mixer on medium speed for 4 minutes. Add more flour if the dough is sticky.
- Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp towel and place it in a warm spot for 20-30 minutes until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 450°F (232°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Boiling Solution: In a large stockpot, bring 9 cups of water and 1/2 cup of baking soda to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly oiled surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into 3/4-inch wide ropes, then cut them into 1-inch long bites.
- Boil the Pretzel Bites: Using a spatula or wire strainer, gently place about a dozen pretzel bites at a time into the boiling baking soda water. Boil each batch for 30 seconds and then transfer them to the parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Add Egg Wash and Salt: Brush the tops of the pretzel bites with the whisked egg wash, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
- Optional Butter Brush: After baking, brush the pretzel bites with extra melted butter for added richness and flavor.
- Serve Warm: Best enjoyed hot right out of the oven for maximum softness and buttery taste.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- If the dough is too sticky, add flour gradually during kneading.
- Boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water gives them their characteristic chewy crust.
- Use coarse sea salt for authentic pretzel flavor and texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
