Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites (Printable Version)

Soft, buttery bite-sized pretzels ideal for dipping, snacking, and sharing fresh from the oven.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
02 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
03 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
04 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Boiling Solution

07 - 10 cups water
08 - 2/3 cup baking soda

→ Finishing

09 - Coarse salt for sprinkling
10 - Additional melted butter for brushing

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Combine warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Allow mixture to sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter, then mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook until smooth and elastic, approximately 5–7 minutes.
02 - Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise in a warm environment until doubled in volume, about 1 hour. Punch down the dough, divide into equal portions, roll each into long ropes, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
03 - Bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a gentle boil in a large pot. Working in batches, drop pretzel bites into boiling water and cook for 30 seconds, ensuring even exposure. Use a slotted spoon to transfer boiled bites to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
04 - Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Sprinkle pretzel bites with coarse salt and bake until deep golden brown, 12–15 minutes. Brush immediately with additional melted butter.
05 - Allow pretzel bites to cool slightly and serve warm with preferred dipping sauces.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Boiling the dough in a baking soda solution gives pretzel bites their distinct chewy texture and signature flavor.