Description

These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are a delicious homemade snack, perfect for parties or a cozy treat. Soft and buttery with a golden exterior, these bite-sized pretzels are boiled in baking soda water for that classic chewy texture, then baked to perfection and brushed with melted butter. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces or enjoy them sweet with cinnamon sugar.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Boiling Solution

1/4 cup baking soda

Topping and Finishing

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Coarse salt for sprinkling
2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

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Instructions

Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Make the dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape the pretzel bites: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into four equal parts. Roll each piece into a 12–15 inch rope, then cut each rope into 1-inch pieces.
Boil the pretzel bites: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Working in batches, boil the pretzel bites for 30 seconds each, then remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Egg wash and salt: Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt to add flavor and help with browning.
Bake: Bake the pretzel bites for 12–15 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Butter finish: Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the pretzel bites with melted butter to give them a rich, glossy finish. Serve warm.

Notes

These pretzel bites are perfect for dipping in cheese sauce, mustard, or your favorite savory dips.
For a sweet variation, skip the coarse salt and toss the warm pretzel bites in cinnamon sugar after baking and buttering.
Ensure the water for yeast activation is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
The boiling step in baking soda water is key to achieving the traditional pretzel texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack, Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American