Description
These soft pretzel bites are chewy, golden, and perfect for snacking. Made with a simple homemade dough, boiled briefly in a baking soda bath, and baked to perfection, they can be enjoyed plain, salted, or coated in cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (not above 110°F)
- 1 packet dry yeast (1/4 ounce)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
Boiling Solution
- 8 cups water
- 1/2 cup baking soda
Toppings
- Coarse or flaked sea salt or pretzel salt (optional)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- Cinnamon sugar (as needed)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, pour 1 cup of warm water (around 110°F). Sprinkle the dry yeast over the water, stirring gently. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and activated.
- Make the Dough: To the yeast mixture, add the light brown sugar, melted and cooled 1/4 cup butter, kosher salt, and gradually mix in the 3 cups of all-purpose flour. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 7-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If sticky, sprinkle with a little more flour as needed.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Boiling Bath: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil, then carefully add the 1/2 cup baking soda to create a boiling soda bath.
- Shape Pretzel Bites: Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a long rope about 1 inch thick. Cut the rope into 1-1.5 inch pieces to form the pretzel bites.
- Boil Pretzel Bites: Using a slotted spoon, gently drop a few pretzel bites at a time into the boiling baking soda bath. Boil each batch for about 30 seconds, then remove and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: Immediately brush each boiled pretzel bite with melted butter. Sprinkle with coarse or pretzel salt if desired, or coat with cinnamon sugar for a sweet variation.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the pretzel bites for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the pretzel bites to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure water temperature for yeast activation is not above 110°F to avoid killing the yeast.
- The baking soda bath is essential for the classic pretzel crust and flavor.
- For a sweeter option, substitute pretzel salt with cinnamon sugar after baking.
- Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
- You can freeze pretzel bites before boiling for later use; just boil and bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
