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The Ultimate Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites (Easier Than You Think!)

A pile of golden brown, freshly baked pretzel bites sprinkled with coarse salt on a white plate.
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Make homemade soft pretzel bites that are slightly crispy outside and perfectly chewy inside. This easy recipe uses a simple baking soda bath for authentic flavor, making them the best game day appetizers or warm savory snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105°F to 115°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 8 cups water (for boiling bath)
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
  • 2 tablespoons coarse pretzel salt or flaky sea salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or stand mixer until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  4. Shape the bites: Punch down the risen dough. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 1 inch thick. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces to form your pretzel bites.
  5. Prepare the bath: In a large, wide pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully stir in the 1/2 cup of baking soda. The water will foam up; reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
  6. Boil the bites: Working in batches, carefully drop about 8 to 10 pretzel bites into the simmering baking soda bath. Boil for 30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to remove them. Place the boiled bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush the tops of the boiled pretzel bites with the egg wash. Sprinkle immediately with coarse pretzel salt.
  8. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until they are deep golden brown.
  9. Finish: Immediately transfer the hot pretzel bites to a large bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter and toss gently to coat. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For an authentic mall pretzel copycat flavor, do not skip the baking soda bath step. This creates the signature chewy texture.
  • Serve these pretzel bites with beer cheese dip or spicy mustard for the best experience.
  • If you prefer a sweet snack, skip the salt and toss the hot bites in a mixture of 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon instead of butter.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/soft-buttery-pretzel-bites-recipe/