Description
Homemade buttery soft pretzel bites deliver German bakery magic straight to your kitchen. Crisp golden exteriors and pillowy centers promise irresistible snacking pleasure you won’t be able to resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm milk (110 to 115°F / 43 to 46°C)
- 9 cups water
Leavening and Sweetening Agents:
- 1 package (0.25 ounces / 7 grams) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Finishing and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus extra for brushing
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg (whisked with 1 tablespoon water)
Instructions
- Activate yeast by combining warm milk, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast and allow to foam for 5 minutes, confirming its vitality.
- Incorporate flour and melted butter into the yeast mixture. Knead manually or with a stand mixer for 4 minutes until dough becomes smooth and slightly tacky. Add extra flour if too sticky.
- Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel. Place in a warm environment for 20-30 minutes until volume doubles. Create a warm space by briefly heating and then cooling the oven.
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare baking soda bath by bringing water and baking soda to a rolling boil. This process creates the signature pretzel crust.
- Divide dough into 12 portions on a lightly oiled surface. Roll each piece into a 3/4-inch thick rope, then cut into 1-inch bite-sized segments.
- Submerge pretzel bites in boiling water bath for 30 seconds per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon or wire strainer, placing them on prepared baking sheets.
- Coat each bite with egg wash and generously sprinkle sea salt across the surface.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown color. Transfer to a cooling rack immediately after removing from oven.
- Optional: Brush with melted butter just before serving to enhance richness and flavor.
Notes
- Activate yeast precisely by ensuring milk temperature is between 100-110°F to guarantee proper fermentation and dough rise.
- Adjust flour consistency by adding small amounts gradually, creating a soft, slightly tacky texture that prevents dense, heavy pretzel bites.
- Customize flavor profiles by experimenting with different salts like smoked sea salt, garlic salt, or herb-infused variations for unique taste experiences.
- Explore gluten-free alternatives by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend, maintaining similar texture and flavor while accommodating dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg