Description
The Best Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are irresistibly soft on the inside with a golden, buttery exterior. Perfectly chewy, lightly salted, and quick to make, these bite-sized pretzels are ideal for snacking, sharing at parties, or pairing with your favorite dips. Customizable and fun, they offer a comforting flavor with a slight crunch and a rich buttery finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus a pinch for dough)
Boiling Solution
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
Finishing Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Activate the active dry yeast by dissolving it in warm water mixed with 1 tablespoon sugar. Let it sit until foamy and bubbly, about 5 minutes. In a large bowl, gradually add 3 ½ cups flour and a pinch of salt. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 60 minutes.
- Shape the pretzel bites: Punch down the risen dough and roll it into long ropes about ½ inch thick. Cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Boil with baking soda: Bring 10 cups of water to a boil and carefully add 2/3 cup baking soda. Boil the pretzel bites in batches for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake and butter them: Bake the pretzel bites in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) until golden and puffed, about 12-15 minutes. Immediately after baking, brush the bites generously with melted butter and sprinkle coarse sea salt on top.
Notes
- Use warm water (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it.
- Do not skip the baking soda bath; it creates the classic pretzel crust and color.
- Brush with butter while pretzel bites are hot to maximize flavor absorption.
- Watch baking time carefully; overbaking can dry out the bites.
- Adjust coarse salt amount according to taste, especially if adding salty toppings like cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 pretzel bites
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pretzel bites, soft pretzels, buttery pretzels, snack, appetizer, party food
