Ingredients
Dough
- 1 1/2 cups warm (110 to 115°F) milk or water
- 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
Boiling Solution
- 9 cups water
- 1/3 cup baking soda
Topping
- 1 large egg (whisked with 1 tablespoon water)
- Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl or a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the warm milk and brown sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and activates.
- Knead the dough: Add the all-purpose flour, melted butter, and fine sea salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a spoon until combined, then knead by hand for about 4 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, adding more flour if too sticky. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 4 minutes.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rest in a warm place for 20 to 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
- Prep oven and boiling solution: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large pot, combine 9 cups of water and 1/3 cup baking soda. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Form the pretzel bites: Turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a 3/4-inch wide rope. Cut each rope into 1-inch long pretzel bites.
- Boil the pretzel bites: Carefully drop about a dozen pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water using a spatula or spider strainer. Boil them for 30 seconds, then transfer them to the lined baking sheets spaced apart. Repeat for all the dough pieces.
- Add egg wash and salt: Brush the tops of each pretzel bite with the egg wash (whisked egg and water) and sprinkle with pretzel salt or coarse sea salt.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer the baking sheets to wire racks to cool slightly.
- Optional butter brushing: For extra buttery flavor, brush the warm pretzel bites immediately with additional melted butter.
- Serve warm: These pretzel bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm, perfect for snacks or dipping sauces.
Notes
- You can substitute water for milk if you prefer a dairy-free option.
- Add garlic powder or cinnamon sugar as seasoning variations for different flavors.
- For softer pretzels, brush with melted butter immediately after baking.
- Ensure water temperature is between 110-115°F to activate yeast properly.
- Use coarse or pretzel salt for authentic texture and flavor on top.
- Do not overcrowd the boiling water; boil in batches for best results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat for softness.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Boiling and Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 pretzel bites)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
