Homemade Buttery Soft Pretzels and Pretzel Bites

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked pretzels wafting through your kitchen. Soft, buttery, and perfectly salted, these homemade pretzels are a treat that’s easier to make than you might think. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create your own delicious pretzels and pretzel bites.

Ingredients

Pretzel Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus up to ¾ cup more if needed)

Baking Soda Bath:

• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp baking soda

Topping:

• 1 tbsp coarse salt for sprinkling
• 6 tbsp salted butter, melted

Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Yeast Mixture

1. In a stand mixer with a hook attachment, combine 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast, 1 cup of warm water, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
2. Allow the mixture to sit until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of melted butter to the yeast mixture.

Dough Formation

1. Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose flour to the mixture, kneading at the lowest setting.
2. If the dough bounces back when pressed, it’s ready. Continue to knead the dough for 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes under a damp towel to rise slightly.

Baking Soda Bath

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
2. Once boiling, remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly in a shallow dish.

Shaping the Pretzels

1. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
2. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape into traditional pretzel forms or create bite-sized pieces.
3. Bathe each pretzel in the baking soda solution for 2 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the classic pretzel texture and taste.
4. Place the pretzels on the prepared baking sheets and sprinkle them with coarse salt.

Baking

1. Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
2. Immediately after baking, brush the pretzels with 6 tablespoons of melted butter to give them a rich flavor and soft texture.

Serving

• Enjoy the pretzels warm for the best taste.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave if needed.

Tips

• Ensure the yeast is active by waiting for the mixture to become frothy before proceeding.
• Adjust the amount of flour based on the humidity in your kitchen; the dough should be smooth and elastic.
• The baking soda bath is essential for the classic pretzel texture and taste.
• Brushing the pretzels with melted butter immediately after baking enhances their flavor and softness.

Nutrition

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Total Time: 39 minutes
• Calories: Approx. 220 kcal per pretzel
• Servings: 8 pretzels

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Making these homemade buttery soft pretzels is a fun and rewarding baking project. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers, these pretzels are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Happy baking!

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