Melt-in-Your-Mouth Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they turn a deep golden brown color.
- 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
