Melt-in-Your-Mouth Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

Introduction

These melt-in-your-mouth buttery soft pretzel bites are the perfect snack to share or enjoy anytime. Soft, chewy, and golden with a hint of salt, they’re irresistible and easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups warm milk or water (at 110 to 115°F)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 package (0.25-ounce) active dry yeast
• 4.5 cups all-purpose flour (add more if sticky)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 9 cups water (for boiling)
• 1/3 cup baking soda
• 1 large egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water
• Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and brown sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it appears foamy.
2. Step 2: Add the flour, melted butter, and fine sea salt to the bowl. Mix until combined, then knead the dough for about 4 minutes until smooth.
3. Step 3: Transfer the dough to a lightly-oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rest in a warm place for 20 to 30 minutes until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 450°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Step 5: In a large pot, bring the water and baking soda to a boil over medium-high heat.
6. Step 6: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly-oiled surface and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a 3/4-inch wide rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
7. Step 7: Carefully drop about a dozen pretzel bites into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on baking sheets.
8. Step 8: Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
9. Step 9: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until golden brown.
10. Step 10: Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use warm milk for a softer, richer dough or water for a lighter texture.
• Add garlic powder or cinnamon sugar instead of salt for different flavors.
• If dough is sticky, add flour gradually until it’s easier to handle.
• Serve with mustard, cheese sauce, or your favorite dip for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes to restore their soft texture and warmth.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast but mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing. Adjust rising time as needed.

What can I do if my pretzel bites are too dense?

Make sure your yeast is active and the dough has doubled in size during rising. Kneading the dough well also helps develop gluten for a lighter texture.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 51 reviews

These Melt-in-Your-Mouth Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are delightful, chewy treats with a golden crust, perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings. Made with warm milk, brown sugar, yeast, and a touch of butter, these homemade pretzel bites boast a rich flavor and soft interior. Boiled briefly in a baking soda solution before baking, they achieve that classic chewy texture and deep golden color, sprinkled with coarse sea salt for the perfect savory finish.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 144 pretzel bites 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 1.5 cups warm milk or water (at 110 to 115°F)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 package (0.25-ounce) active dry yeast
• 4.5 cups all-purpose flour (add more if sticky)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Boiling Solution

• 9 cups water
• 1/3 cup baking soda

Finishing

• 1 large egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
• Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and brown sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it appears foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Make Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, melted butter, and fine sea salt to the bowl. Mix everything together until combined, then knead the dough for about 4 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Let Dough Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly-oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rest in a warm place for 20 to 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size, ensuring a light and airy texture.
4. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
5. Boil Baking Soda Solution: In a large stockpot, combine 9 cups of water and 1/3 cup baking soda. Bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. This step is crucial for achieving the pretzels’ signature chewy crust.
6. Shape Pretzel Bites: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly-oiled work surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope approximately 3/4-inch wide, then cut the ropes into 1-inch long bites.
7. Boil Pretzel Bites: Carefully transfer about a dozen pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water. Boil each batch for approximately 30 seconds, then remove them with a slotted spoon, allowing excess water to drip off.
8. Apply Egg Wash and Salt: Place the boiled pretzel bites on the prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops with the whisked egg wash for a shiny, golden finish, then sprinkle generously with pretzel salt or coarse sea salt.
9. Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they turn a deep golden brown color.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy them on their own or with your favorite dips.

Notes

• Warm liquids between 110 to 115°F are essential to activate yeast properly without killing it.
• Adjust flour quantity as needed; dough should be soft but not sticky.
• Boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water creates the characteristic chewy crust and distinctive pretzel flavor.
• Use pretzel salt or coarse sea salt for authentic texture and taste; regular table salt is not recommended.
• Serve pretzel bites fresh and warm for the best texture and flavor.
• Leftover pretzel bites can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for a few minutes.

Keywords: soft pretzel bites, pretzel snacks, homemade pretzels, baking soda pretzels, buttery pretzels, savory snack