Description
Warm, chewy pretzel bites bring German street food magic right to your kitchen. Crisp sea salt and golden brown edges make these mini morsels an irresistible snack you’ll want to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups warm milk (110-115°F / 43-46°C)
- 9 cups water
Leavening and Sweetening Agents:
- 1 package (0.25 ounces) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Finishing and Binding Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for brushing
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg (with 1 tablespoon water)
- Coarse salt for topping
Instructions
- Activate yeast by whisking warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle yeast and allow to bloom for 5-7 minutes until foamy and fragrant.
- Create soft dough by combining flour, melted butter, and salt, kneading thoroughly with mixer or hands for 4-5 minutes until elastic and smooth.
- Place dough in lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in warm area for 25-30 minutes until volume doubles.
- Prepare baking solution by bringing water and baking soda to rolling boil, simultaneously preheating oven to 450°F.
- Divide dough into even portions, roll each into long rope, then slice into uniform bite-sized pieces approximately 1-inch in length.
- Carefully submerge pretzel bites into boiling baking soda bath, cooking each batch for 20-30 seconds to develop signature chewy exterior.
- Transfer boiled bites onto parchment-lined baking sheet, generously brush with whisked egg wash, sprinkle kosher salt, and bake at 450°F for 12-14 minutes until deep golden brown and puffy.
Notes
- Use precise water temperature between 105-110°F to activate yeast perfectly without killing it.
- Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, ensuring soft and chewy texture in pretzel bites.
- Allow sufficient rising time in warm spot to help dough double and create light, airy consistency.
- Quick baking soda bath gives authentic pretzel flavor and signature golden-brown exterior.
- Sprinkle coarse sea salt immediately after egg wash for maximum flavor and crunchy texture.
- Store cooled pretzel bites in airtight container up to 3 days, reheat briefly in oven for crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg