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Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites

Soft, chewy, golden-brown pretzel bites brushed with melted butter and finished with coarse salt. These homemade pretzel bites are perfect for snacking, parties, and serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

  • Total Time: 59 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 48 pretzel bites 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups warm milk or water (110 to 115°F)
  • 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
  • 9 cups water
  • 1/3 cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, whisked with 1 tablespoon water
  • Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk or water and brown sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it stand for about 5 minutes, until foamy.
  • Add the flour, melted butter, and fine sea salt. Stir until a dough forms, then knead for about 4 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add a little extra flour only if the dough is excessively sticky.
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 20 to 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  • Preheat the oven to 450°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Bring the 9 cups of water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
  • Divide the risen dough into portions. Roll each portion into a rope about 3/4-inch thick and cut into approximately 1-inch pieces.
  • Working in batches, carefully place the pretzel pieces into the boiling baking soda bath for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Brush the pretzel bites with the egg wash and sprinkle with pretzel salt or coarse sea salt.
  • Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and immediately brush the warm pretzel bites with additional melted butter. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Keep the milk or water between 110 and 115°F so the yeast can activate properly without being exposed to excessive heat.
  • Add flour gradually during kneading. Using too much can make the pretzel bites dense instead of soft and chewy.
  • For the best buttery finish, brush the pretzel bites with melted butter immediately after they come out of the oven.
  • Author: Emmy Carter
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 48 pretzel bites
  • Calories: 135 calories

Keywords: buttery soft pretzel bites, soft pretzel bites, homemade pretzel bites, pretzel bites recipe, easy pretzel bites