Description
Warm, fluffy buttery soft pretzels and pretzel bites with a slightly crisp crust and tender interior. These versatile snacks are perfect for sharing or indulging solo, offering rich plant-based buttery flavor and an irresistible chewy texture, ideal for dipping or enjoying plain.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (100-110°F)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Baking Soda Bath
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
Toppings and Finish
- 1/4 cup plant-based buttery spread, melted
- Coarse salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then sprinkle with active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, showing the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic with a gentle bounce when pressed.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean towel. Place in a warm spot and allow to rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Pretzels: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope and twist into a classic pretzel shape, or cut into smaller pieces to form pretzel bites.
- Baking Soda Bath: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Working quickly, dip each pretzel or pretzel bite into the boiling baking soda water for about 20-30 seconds, then remove and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake and Butter: Sprinkle the pretzels generously with coarse salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and immediately brush each pretzel with melted plant-based buttery spread to add shine, moisture, and rich flavor.
Notes
- Keep water temperature between 100-110°F for optimal yeast activation.
- Do not skip the baking soda bath; it is essential for the pretzels’ chewy crust and deep brown color.
- Brush generously with plant-based buttery spread right after baking to lock in moisture and boost flavor.
- Use coarse salt to add crunch and prevent pretzels from becoming too salty.
- Allow the dough to fully rise for airy softness; patience improves texture greatly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel (approx. 85g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: soft pretzels, pretzel bites, plant-based, buttery pretzels, snack, appetizer, baking
