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Chewy Pretzel Bites with a Spicy Twist

These pretzel bites are a fun, handheld snack featuring a chewy, salty crust with a glossy finish. The dough is boiled briefly in baking soda water before baking to develop that characteristic pretzel exterior, then seasoned with smoked paprika or cheesy spice blends for added flavor. Once baked to golden perfection, they’re delightfully soft inside with a satisfying crunch on the outside.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 packet dry active yeast about 2 1/4 teaspoons
  • 1 cup warm water around 110°F (43°C)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup baking soda for boiling water
  • 1 egg egg beaten, for egg wash
  • to taste coarse salt for sprinkling
  • to taste smoked paprika or cheesy spice blend optional toppings

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Mix the warm water with yeast and sugar in a bowl, then let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy and bubbling—this activates the yeast and signals it's ready.
  2. Add the melted butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until smooth and slightly tacky, about 8-10 minutes, until it feels elastic and springs back when pressed.
  3. Divide the dough into small portions, rolling each into a ball roughly the size of a walnut; this makes the pretzel bites easy to shape and bake.
  4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the baking soda carefully—this water will be used to give the pretzels their shiny, chewy crust.
  5. Shape each dough ball into a small pretzel shape or simply leave as balls, then carefully dip each into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds, which helps develop that characteristic shiny, chewy exterior.
  6. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzel bites from the water, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
  7. Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg to give them a glossy, golden finish, then sprinkle generously with coarse salt and optional spices.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 430°F (220°C) for about 12-15 minutes, watching for a deep golden brown color that signals they’re perfectly baked.
  9. Once out of the oven, brush the pretzel bites with melted butter if desired for extra richness, and let them cool slightly before serving warm with your favorite dips.

Notes

For extra flavor, add smoked paprika or cheesy spice blends before baking. Be sure not to overbake to keep the pretzels soft inside. Use fresh ingredients for the best chew and shine.