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Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 136 reviews

These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are a delicious, chewy treat perfect for snacking or serving as a party appetizer. Made with a simple yeast dough, boiled briefly in baking soda water, and baked to golden perfection, these bite-sized pretzels are brushed with butter and sprinkled with coarse salt for the authentic soft pretzel taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 1/2 cups warm (110 to 115°F) milk or water
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 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
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Boiling Solution

  • 9 cups water
  • 1/3 cup baking soda

Topping

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

Instructions

  1. Mix the Dough: Whisk together the warm milk and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast foams and activates.
  2. Knead the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, melted butter, and fine sea salt to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together either by hand with a spoon until combined, then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 4 minutes until smooth, adding more flour if sticky; or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 4 minutes until smooth.
  3. Let the Dough Rise: 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, or until it doubles in size.
  4. Prep Oven and Boiling Solution: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. In a large stockpot or saucepan, combine 9 cups of water with 1/3 cup baking soda and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Form the Pretzel Bites: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly oiled work 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 pieces to form the pretzel bites.
  6. Boil the Pretzel Bites: Using a spatula or spider strainer, carefully drop about a dozen pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water at a time, boiling for about 30 seconds. Remove and transfer them to the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them so they do not touch. Repeat with remaining bites.
  7. Apply Egg Wash and Salt: Brush the top of each pretzel bite with the egg wash (whisked egg and water), then sprinkle generously with pretzel salt or coarse sea salt.
  8. Bake the Pretzel Bites: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until the pretzel bites achieve a golden brown color. Remove from the oven and transfer the baking sheets to wire cooling racks.
  9. Optional Butter Brush: For an extra buttery flavor, immediately brush the hot pretzel bites with extra melted butter after baking.
  10. Serve Warm: Serve the pretzel bites warm for the best taste and texture. They are especially delicious fresh out of the oven.

Notes

  • Make sure milk or water used is warm (110 to 115°F) to properly activate the yeast.
  • You can substitute water for milk for a dairy-free option.
  • Knead the dough until smooth but avoid adding too much flour to keep the bites soft.
  • Boiling in baking soda water is essential to achieve the classic pretzel crust and flavor.
  • Use coarse or pretzel salt for authentic taste and texture on top.
  • Serve the pretzel bites fresh and warm, as they lose softness when cooled.

Keywords: soft pretzel bites, homemade pretzels, pretzel snack, buttery pretzels, party appetizers

Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/buttery-soft-pretzel-bites-recipe/