Simple Soft Pretzel Bites (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Dough Base
01 -
110-115°F warm milk or water (1½ cups)
02 -
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
03 -
A 0.25-ounce packet of dry yeast
04 -
4½ cups of all-purpose flour (add more if too sticky)
05 -
2 tablespoons melted butter (extra for brushing if needed)
06 -
1 teaspoon of fine salt
→ Boiling Solution
07 -
9 cups of water
08 -
⅓ cup baking soda
→ Topping
09 -
1 egg, whisked with a tablespoon of water
10 -
Coarse salt or pretzel salt to sprinkle on top
# Instructions:
01 -
In a big bowl, mix sugar and warm milk, sprinkle yeast on top, and wait 5 minutes till it’s foamy.
02 -
Mix melted butter, salt, and flour into yeast mixture. Knead for 4 minutes by hand or use a dough hook until smooth. Add more flour if it feels sticky.
03 -
Pop the dough into an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 20-30 minutes until it’s doubled in size.
04 -
Preheat your oven to 450°F, line baking trays with parchment, and get your boiling water with baking soda ready.
05 -
Cut the dough into 12 chunks, roll into thin ropes (¾-inch), and slice into little 1-inch bites.
06 -
Drop a few bites at a time into the boiling solution for 30 seconds. Scoop them out and place on your pans.
07 -
Brush the tops with the egg wash, scatter salt over them, and bake for 12-14 minutes till golden and crisp.
08 -
If you want, brush the freshly baked bites with a little extra butter while they’re hot. Serve right away!
# Notes:
01 -
They taste best when warmed and eaten fresh.
02 -
You can choose either milk or water for the dough.
03 -
For a richer flavor, add extra butter after baking.
04 -
Both hand-kneading and machine mixing work fine.