Description
These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are perfectly golden, chewy on the inside, and topped with coarse sea salt for a classic snack. Made with yeast dough, boiled briefly in a baking soda solution before baking, these pretzel bites are soft, buttery, and irresistible. Ideal for parties, game days, or anytime you want a warm, homemade snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm milk (110 to 115°F)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1 (0.25-ounce) package active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for brushing)
Boiling Solution
- 9 cups water
- 1/2 cup baking soda
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg (whisked with 1 tablespoon water)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, brown sugar, and salt. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast activates and becomes foamy.
- Knead the Dough: Add the flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined, then knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 4 minutes until smooth, or use a stand mixer on medium speed for 4 minutes. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 20-30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 450°F (232°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Boiling Solution: In a large stockpot, bring 9 cups of water and 1/2 cup baking soda to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly oiled surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 3/4 inch wide, then cut each rope into 1-inch long pretzel bites.
- Boil the Pretzel Bites: Using a spatula or wire strainer, gently place about a dozen pretzel bites at a time into the boiling baking soda water. Boil for 30 seconds, then remove and transfer to the parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Add Egg Wash and Salt: Brush the tops of the pretzel bites with the egg wash (whisked egg and water) and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp on the outside. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack.
- Optional – Brush with Extra Butter: For an extra buttery finish, brush warm pretzel bites with melted butter before serving.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy these soft, buttery pretzel bites best when served fresh and warm from the oven.
Notes
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- If the dough is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time until manageable.
- Boiling in baking soda water gives pretzels their signature chewy texture and distinctive flavor.
- Use coarse sea salt for authentic pretzel taste and texture on top.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
