Description
Enjoy these buttery soft pretzels and pretzel bites featuring a tender, golden crust and rich plant-based butter flavor. Perfect for snacks, gatherings, or cozy nights in, they are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Baking Soda Bath
- 10 cups water
- 1/3 cup baking soda (natural)
Topping and Finishing
- 4 tbsp melted butter (plant-based)
- Coarse salt (natural), for sprinkling
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Dissolve the sugar in warm water, then sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it rest for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour (or gluten-free flour) and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture while stirring. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, creating a soft but shape-holding texture.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and allow it to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size, developing a light and airy crumb.
- Shape the Pretzels and Bites: Punch down the risen dough and divide into portions. Roll each into long ropes. Twist them into classic pretzel shapes or cut into bite-sized pieces for fun serving options.
- Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil, then add the baking soda (natural). Briefly dip each pretzel or pretzel bite into the boiling water for about 30 seconds to create the chewy crust and shiny appearance.
- Bake with Butter and Salt: Arrange the pretzels on a lined baking tray. Brush generously with melted plant-based butter and sprinkle with coarse salt (natural). Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Final Butter Brush: Immediately after baking, brush the pretzels again with melted plant-based butter to maintain softness and enhance the buttery flavor.
Notes
- Avoid adding excess flour during kneading to keep dough tender and soft.
- Do not skip or over-extend the baking soda bath to preserve the ideal crust texture.
- Brush with melted butter before and after baking for rich buttery flavor.
- Space pretzels evenly on the baking tray for even cooking.
- Use coarse salt sparingly to balance flavor bursts without overpowering.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel (approx. 85g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: buttery soft pretzels, pretzel bites, plant-based, snack, gluten-free option
