Description
These homemade pretzel bites are soft, chewy, and perfect for dipping!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
- ⅓ cup baking soda (for boiling)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy. This step is essential — it brings the dough to life and gives your pretzel bites their signature chew.
- Mix the Dough: Stir in the salt, brown sugar, and melted butter. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough begins to form. Once it’s too thick to stir, transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This is the perfect time to cozy up with a cup of tea — let the dough do its thing.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope about ½-inch thick, then cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Give Them a Baking Soda Bath: In a large saucepan, bring about 8 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda (it will bubble up). Boil the dough bites in batches for 20–30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to the prepared baking sheets.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Brush the pretzel bites with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt. This gives them that signature golden color and pretzel shine.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are deeply golden and the bottoms sound hollow when tapped. Immediately brush with more melted butter for a rich, glossy finish.
Notes
- For best results, ensure your water temperature is accurate when activating the yeast.
- The pretzel bites are best served warm and can be dipped in mustard or cheese sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pretzel bites
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg