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Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 139 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Soft Pretzel Bites are chewy and golden with a perfectly crisp crust, made from scratch using a yeast dough. Tossed in an optional variety of toppings like salt, cinnamon sugar, or sesame seeds, these pretzel bites are boiled briefly in a baking soda solution for that classic chewy texture, then baked to a deep brown perfection. Ideal for snacking, sharing, or dipping.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water (100°F – 110°F)
  • 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 TBS sugar
  • 2 1/23 cups flour (divided)
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Boiling Solution

  • 1/4 cup baking soda

Finishing

  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Pretzel toppings – kosher salt, cinnamon sugar, sesame seeds, etc. (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dissolve yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm water, instant yeast, and sugar. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds until the yeast is evenly distributed and the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add ingredients: With the mixer on low, slowly add 2 cups of flour and the kosher salt. Then, gradually add the remaining 1/2 to 1 cup of flour, stopping once the dough no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl.
  3. Knead dough: Let the dough knead for 2-3 minutes until it forms a smooth ball. If the dough sticks again, incorporate a little more flour.
  4. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and set in a warm spot to rise for one hour until doubled in size.
  5. Punch and second rise: Punch down the dough to release air, reshape it into a ball, and let it rise for another hour.
  6. Roll and cut: Divide the dough into four quarters. Roll each into long strands about 18 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 1-inch pieces for pretzel bites.
  7. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  8. Prepare boiling solution: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, filling it halfway to avoid boiling over. Slowly stir in the baking soda until dissolved. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle boil.
  9. Boil pretzel bites: Carefully add a few pretzel bites to the boiling water. Boil for 45 seconds per side without overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
  10. Remove and arrange: Transfer boiled pretzel bites to the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them at least 1 inch apart. Repeat with all pieces.
  11. Egg wash and toppings: Beat the egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush each bite lightly with the wash. Sprinkle with desired toppings like salt or sesame seeds; if using cinnamon sugar, do not add toppings after the egg wash.
  12. Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until deep golden brown.
  13. Serve: Enjoy the soft pretzel bites warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Ensure water temperature is between 100°F and 110°F to activate yeast effectively without killing it.
  • Gradually add flour to prevent the dough from becoming too dry or tough.
  • Boiling pretzel bites in baking soda water is essential for their characteristic chewy crust and deep color.
  • Do not overcrowd the boiling pot to ensure even cooking and avoid sticking.
  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and even baking.
  • Variations in toppings can create different flavor profiles – try savory salt or sweet cinnamon sugar.