Buttery Pretzels and Pretzel Bites Recipe from Scratch

Soft pretzels capture the essence of comforting, twisted goodness that everyone craves in a delightful snack.

These golden-brown delicacies boast a remarkable exterior with a satisfying crunch that gives way to an incredibly tender interior.

Crafting homemade pretzels changes an ordinary kitchen into a warm, inviting bakery filled with irresistible aromas.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike adore the magical changeation of simple ingredients into these delectable twists of dough.

Each pretzel carries a rich, complex flavor profile that balances saltiness with a subtle buttery undertone.

The process of creating these treats involves a fascinating technique that elevates basic ingredients into something extraordinary.

Mastering the art of pretzel-making requires patience, passion, and a willingness to embrace delicious imperfections.

Pretzels So Soft They Practically Hug You

• Create Bakery-Quality Pretzels at Home: Craft professional-level soft pretzels with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen skills, transforming your home into a delightful artisan bakery.
• Experience Texture Perfection: Achieve that signature crispy exterior and pillowy-soft interior through the genius baking soda bath technique, delivering restaurant-style pretzels right from your oven.
• Master Quick and Adaptable Recipe: Whip up delicious pretzels in under an hour, with flexible shaping options that let you create traditional pretzel twists or convenient bite-sized snacks perfect for any gathering or quick craving.

Grab These for Your Buttery Pretzel Adventure

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the pretzel dough, choose unbleached for better texture.
• Coarse Salt: Adds classic pretzel flavor and creates a crunchy exterior, kosher or sea salt works best.

• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps develop dough, should be around 110°F for optimal yeast performance.
• Melted Butter: Adds rich flavor and softness to pretzels, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.

• Active Dry Yeast: Crucial for dough rising and creating airy texture, ensure it's fresh and not expired.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast and provides subtle sweetness, helps with browning and fermentation.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity, balances the sweetness of the dough.
• Baking Soda: Creates signature pretzel crust and deep brown color during the bath process.

Twist, Bake, and Bite Into Homemade Joy

Step 1: Prepare Yeast Activation

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment, combine the yeast, warm water, and sugar.

Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it turns frothy.

Add the salt and melted butter, then mix until everything is well combined.

Step 2: Create Pretzel Dough

Gradually add the flour while the mixer runs on its lowest setting.

Knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.

Check if the dough is ready by pressing it gently, if it bounces back, it’s perfect.

Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 15 minutes at room temperature.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Soda Bath

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then stir in the baking soda.

Let the mixture cool slightly and pour it into a shallow dish for dipping.

Step 4: Shape Pretzel Dough

Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each one into a long rope.

Shape into classic pretzels or cut into bite-sized pieces as you prefer.

Dip each pretzel into the baking soda bath for 2 minutes to develop texture.

Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with coarse salt.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 475°F and bake the pretzels for 8 to 9 minutes.

Remove once they turn a deep golden brown and look perfectly crisp.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touch

Brush the hot pretzels with melted butter right after baking.

Serve warm for the best soft, flavorful texture.

Tips for the Golden Crust and Fluffy Inside

• Check Yeast Vitality: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active by watching for a foamy, bubbly mixture that indicates proper fermentation.
• Master Dough Elasticity: Knead the dough until it springs back when pressed, signaling perfect gluten development for soft, chewy pretzels.
• Perfect Baking Soda Bath: Briefly submerge pretzels to create that signature golden-brown crust and authentic pretzel flavor.
• Control Humidity Impact: Add flour gradually, adjusting for kitchen moisture to achieve the ideal dough consistency.
• Butter Transformation: Brush warm pretzels with melted butter immediately after baking for a glossy, rich finish that enhances texture and taste.

How to Keep Pretzels Fresh and Dippable Later

• Refrigerate: Store pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain softness and prevent drying out. Avoid storing in the refrigerator, as it can make pretzels tough and stale.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled pretzels in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm pretzels in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Microwave for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up, but be careful not to overheat, which can make them chewy or tough.

What to Serve with Warm Bites and Knots

• Pair with Hearty Beers: Complement the buttery, salty pretzels with a robust German wheat beer or a crisp amber ale that cuts through the richness.
• Dip into Creamy Sauces: Create excitement with bold mustard dips like spicy brown, honey mustard, or a zesty cheese sauce that enhances the pretzel's warm, soft texture.
• Match with Savory Charcuterie: Serve alongside sliced salami, aged cheddar, and pickled vegetables to create a balanced flavor profile that highlights the pretzels' classic taste.
• Cool Down with Refreshing Drinks: Balance the salty pretzels with a crisp apple cider or a light pilsner that cleanses the palate between bites.

Flavor Ideas That Go Beyond Classic Salt

• Cheese Lovers' Pretzels: Knead shredded cheddar or parmesan directly into the dough before shaping. Sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for an intense cheesy flavor.
• Garlic Herb Variation: Mix minced garlic and dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough. Top with garlic butter and fresh herbs after baking for an aromatic punch.
• Sweet Cinnamon Pretzels: Replace salt with a generous coating of cinnamon sugar before baking. Drizzle with cream cheese glaze or vanilla icing after cooling for a dessert-style treat.
• Everything Bagel Pretzels: Coat pretzels with everything bagel seasoning instead of coarse salt. Add a blend of dried onion, garlic, poppy seeds, and sesame seeds for a savory crunch.

Homemade Buttery Soft Pretzels And Pretzel Bites Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 39 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade Buttery Soft Pretzels elevate classic German street snacks with rich, golden-brown perfection. Salt-dusted and warm from the oven, these hand-twisted treats deliver comfort and joy you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Pretzel Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Baking Soda Bath:

• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons baking soda

Topping:

• 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon coarse salt

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by combining active dry yeast, lukewarm water (110°F/43°C), and granulated sugar in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. Allow the mixture to become foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is alive and active.
2. Incorporate of melted unsalted butter, kosher salt into the activated yeast mixture, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
3. Gradually introduce all-purpose flour into the liquid ingredients, mixing at the lowest mixer speed. Continue kneading until the dough becomes cohesive and elastic, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Test the dough’s readiness by pressing gently; if it springs back immediately, it has been adequately kneaded. Cover the dough with a damp kitchen towel and let it rest for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
5. Prepare a baking soda solution by bringing water to a rolling boil and adding baking soda. Transfer the solution to a shallow wide dish and allow it to cool slightly.
6. Divide the rested dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each section into long, uniform ropes approximately 18-20 inches in length.
7. Shape each rope into a traditional pretzel configuration, ensuring the ends are tucked and sealed underneath to maintain the classic shape.
8. Carefully submerge each pretzel into the warm baking soda bath for 20-30 seconds, which helps create the signature pretzel color and crust.
9. Place the bathed pretzels onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Generously sprinkle coarse sea salt over the top of each pretzel.
10. Preheat the oven to 475°F (246°C) and position the rack in the center position. Bake the pretzels for 8-10 minutes until they achieve a deep golden-brown color.
11. Immediately after removing from the oven, brush each pretzel generously with melted unsalted butter to enhance flavor and create a soft, glossy exterior.
12. Allow pretzels to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm for optimal taste and texture.
13. Store any remaining pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven to restore softness before serving.

Notes

• Activate fresh yeast to guarantee perfect dough rising and prevent dense, flat pretzels.
• Adjust flour quantity depending on kitchen humidity to achieve ideal dough consistency.
• Submerge pretzels in baking soda bath for authentic golden-brown exterior and signature pretzel flavor.
• Brush warm pretzels with melted butter immediately after baking to create irresistibly rich, glossy surface.
• Allow dough to rest under damp towel for optimal gluten development and tender texture.
• Store cooled pretzels in airtight container and reheat gently to maintain softness within 48 hours.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg