Soft Pretzel Bites (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough Base

01 - 1½ cups warm water or milk (between 110-115°F)
02 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
03 - 1 packet (0.25 ounces) active dry yeast
04 - 4½ cups all-purpose flour (extra, if needed)
05 - 2 tablespoons melted butter (with extra for brushing)
06 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Boiling Solution

07 - 9 cups water
08 - ⅓ cup baking soda

→ Topping

09 - 1 large egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon of water)
10 - Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt for sprinkling

# Preparation Steps:

01 - In a big bowl, stir sugar into warm water or milk, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to foam up.
02 - Add your melted butter, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead for 4 minutes by hand or mix until smooth dough forms, adding more flour if it gets sticky.
03 - Coat a bowl lightly with oil, place the dough in and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise for 20–30 minutes until it’s doubled in size.
04 - Preheat oven to 450°F, line baking trays with parchment paper, and prepare boiling water with baking soda in a large pot.
05 - Cut dough into 12 pieces. Roll each one into ropes (¾-inch thick) and cut into 1-inch bites.
06 - Working in small batches, boil pieces in the prepared solution for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to move them to the lined trays after.
07 - Brush each bite with the egg mixture, sprinkle generously with salt, and bake for 12–14 minutes until golden brown.
08 - For extra flavor, brush warm pretzels with melted butter before serving. Serve them hot!

# Additional Tips:

01 - Tastes best straight from the oven while still warm.
02 - Dough can be made with either milk or water.
03 - Brush with melted butter after baking for a richer flavor.
04 - You can knead by hand or use a stand mixer.