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 1/2 – 3 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Punch and second rise: Punch down the dough to release air, reshape it into a ball, and let it rise for another hour.
- 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.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove and arrange: Transfer boiled pretzel bites to the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them at least 1 inch apart. Repeat with all pieces.
- 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.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until deep golden brown.
- 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.
