Description
These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are a delicious homemade snack, featuring a tender, chewy texture with a golden crust. Perfect for parties or an afternoon treat, they are baked to perfection and brushed with melted butter for extra flavor. Enjoy them plain, with cheese sauce, honey mustard, or toss in cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Baking and Finishing Ingredients
- â…” cup baking soda
- 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: Stir in the all-purpose flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope about 12 to 14 inches long, then cut each rope into 1-inch pieces to form the pretzel bites.
- Boil Pretzel Bites: In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. Working in batches, drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water for 30 seconds to give them their distinctive chewy crust. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg wash, then sprinkle them with coarse salt for added flavor and crunch.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Brush with Butter and Cool: Immediately after baking, brush the warm pretzel bites with the 4 tablespoons of melted butter for a rich finish. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve with cheese sauce or honey mustard for a savory option.
- For a sweet variation, skip the coarse salt and toss the baked pretzel bites in cinnamon sugar instead of brushing with butter.
