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The Best Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites

The Best Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites

The Best Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are golden, tender morsels bursting with warm, buttery flavor and a delightful chewy texture. Perfect as bite-sized snacks for any occasion, they are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and can be customized with various toppings and dips. These pretzel bites bring a homemade touch of warmth and joy to your gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 105°F-110°F)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt

Boiling Bath

  • 10 cups water
  • 2/3 cup baking soda

Toppings and Finishing

  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Dissolve sugar in warm water, then sprinkle in the active dry yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is alive and ready.
  2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
  4. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: Bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. This will develop the pretzels’ signature crust and color.
  5. Shape the Pretzel Bites: Punch down the risen dough, roll it into long ropes, and cut into small, uniform bite-sized pieces.
  6. Boil the Pretzel Bites: Drop the cut dough pieces into the boiling baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
  7. Bake Until Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown on top.
  8. Brush with Butter and Sprinkle Salt: Immediately after baking, brush the hot pretzel bites with melted unsalted butter and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt for a rich finishing touch.

Notes

  • Use water at 105°F-110°F to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Cut dough into uniform pieces for even baking and professional appearance.
  • Boil dough pieces for exactly 30 seconds to develop the perfect chewy crust.
  • Brush butter right after baking for maximum absorption and flavor.
  • Best enjoyed fresh the same day; store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzel bites, buttery pretzels, snack recipes, appetizer, homemade pretzels, easy pretzel bites, savory snacks