Fluffy Homemade Buttery Soft Pretzels And Pretzel Bites Recipe

Warm, golden, and irresistibly soft homemade pretzels have a way of melting hearts faster than butter on hot bread.

These delectable homemade buttery soft pretzels emerge from your kitchen like pure comfort magic.

Salt-sprinkled and deep brown, these twisty delights bring bakery-quality magic right to your countertop.

The perfect blend of crisp exterior and pillowy inside creates an addictive texture that keeps hands reaching for more.

Professional bakers might guard their secrets, but this recipe breaks down every delicious step with stunning simplicity.

Teens and adults alike will fall in love with these golden-brown twists that smell like warm nostalgia.

Get ready to become the neighborhood pretzel champion with this foolproof recipe that turns ordinary dough into extraordinary snacks.

Step-by-Step Pretzel and Bite Prep

• Yeast Awakening

Gather your favorite mixing bowl and activate the yeast with warm water and a touch of sweetness. Wait patiently for tiny bubbles to dance across the surface, signaling the yeast is ready to work its magic.

• Dough Creation

Blend flour into the awakened yeast mixture, kneading gently until a smooth, elastic ball forms. Let the dough rest and breathe, allowing it to rise and develop deep flavor notes.

• Pretzel Transformation

Roll the dough into playful ropes, twisting them into classic pretzel shapes or bite-sized morsels. Give each piece a quick swim in a bubbly baking soda bath to create that signature golden crust.

• Golden Baking

Slide your pretzels into a hot oven, watching them turn a beautiful amber color. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone near.

• Finishing Touches

Brush the warm pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with a delicate layer of salt. Serve immediately for maximum deliciousness, or store for a quick snack later.

Tips for Texture & Dipping Sauces

• Transform traditional pretzel shapes into fun variations like twists, knots, or bite-sized pieces perfect for parties and snacking.
• Experiment with different toppings such as everything bagel seasoning, cinnamon sugar, garlic powder, or grated parmesan cheese to create unique taste experiences.
• Knead the dough carefully and add flour gradually to prevent stickiness while maintaining a soft, elastic texture that ensures perfect pretzel results.
• Adjust oven temperature and baking time slightly to achieve golden-brown exteriors with soft, chewy interiors – watch closely to prevent burning.
• Pair homemade pretzels with classic mustard, cheese sauce, chocolate ganache, or caramel for delightful complementary flavor combinations that elevate the snacking experience.

Serving Warm Soft Pretzels

• Dip into Delicious Dips: Serve these soft pretzels with classic mustard, creamy cheese sauce, or tangy ranch for an extra flavor punch.
• Create Snack Platters: Arrange pretzel bites alongside charcuterie meats, pickles, and olives for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread that'll have everyone grabbing for more.
• Pack Perfect Lunch Companions: Slice pretzels in half and stuff with deli meats and cheese for a gourmet sandwich alternative that breaks the boring lunch routine.
• Host Game Day Treats: Break pretzels into bite-sized pieces and pair with cold beer or soda during sports events, making them the ultimate finger food for watching the big game.

Pretzel Storage & Leftover Notes

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store cooled pretzels in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain softness and prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for 2-3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and quality.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual pretzels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 1 month for quick snacks. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in oven for crispy exterior.
• Reheat with Care: Warm pretzels in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore original texture. Microwave works in a pinch, but might slightly soften the crust. Brush with melted butter before reheating to refresh flavor.
• Plan Ahead Smartly: Prepare dough in advance and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor development. Allow dough to come to room temperature before shaping and baking. Perfect for meal prep and spontaneous pretzel cravings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 9 minutes

Total Time: 39 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Buttery Soft Pretzels & Bites

• Active Dry Yeast: Magical ingredient that makes dough rise and develop delightful tangy undertones, choose fresh packets with recent expiration dates.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast and promotes beautiful golden color, select pure white sugar for consistent results.
• Warm Water: Crucial catalyst for yeast activation, use temperature between 110-115°F to wake up yeast without killing it.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy foundation for pretzels, look for unbleached varieties with consistent protein content.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and controls yeast growth, kosher salt works best for even distribution.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and softness, opt for high-quality butter with creamy texture.

• Baking Soda: Creates authentic pretzel shine and deep brown exterior, use fresh box for maximum chemical reaction.
• Coarse Salt: Provides classic pretzel topping with delightful crunch, choose larger crystal sea salt for best visual appeal.

What You’ll Need for Pretzel-Making Fun

• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: Essential for kneading and mixing pretzel dough smoothly and efficiently.
• Large Shallow Dish: Perfect for the baking soda bath that gives pretzels their signature golden color and texture.
• Baking Sheets: Line these with parchment paper for easy pretzel removal and cleanup.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking of pretzels.
• Large Pot: Used for boiling water and baking soda bath.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Damp Towel: Helps the dough rest and prevent drying out.
• Knife or Dough Cutter: Helps divide dough into equal portions for shaping.

Golden Soft Pretzels Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 39 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Freshly baked German-style homemade buttery soft pretzels invite warm nostalgia from Bavarian bakeries. Salt-sprinkled golden twists deliver comforting flavors you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm water
• 2.25 tsp (7 g) active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 2 tbsps baking soda
• 6 tbsps salted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp coarse salt

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Combine yeast, warm water, and sugar in a stand mixer, allowing the mixture to become foamy and bubbly, signaling active yeast.
2. Dough Formation: Integrate melted butter and salt into the yeast mixture, then gradually add flour. Knead using the dough hook until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Resting Period: Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to develop flavor and texture.
4. Baking Soda Bath Preparation: Create a boiling water bath with baking soda in a shallow dish, allowing it to cool slightly.
5. Shaping and Coating: Divide dough into 8 portions, roll into 18-20 inch ropes, and shape into traditional pretzel forms. Dip each pretzel into the baking soda solution for 20-30 seconds to develop the characteristic crust.
6. Seasoning and Baking: Arrange pretzels on parchment-lined baking sheets, sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 475°F (246°C) for 8-10 minutes until deep golden-brown.
7. Finishing Touches: Immediately brush freshly baked pretzels with melted butter for a glossy, rich exterior. Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Storage and Serving: Keep pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly to restore softness and serve warm for the best experience.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Precisely: Ensure water temperature is exactly 110°F to wake up yeast without killing it, creating perfect pretzel dough rise.
• Knead with Confidence: Develop gluten by kneading 5-7 minutes until dough becomes smooth and elastic, preventing tough pretzels.
• Baking Soda Bath Magic: Submerge pretzels for 20-30 seconds to create authentic golden-brown crust and signature pretzel flavor profile.
• Butter Brush Brilliance: Immediately coat warm pretzels with melted butter for irresistible shine and extra-rich taste that elevates the entire recipe.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg