Description

These Buttery Soft Pretzels and Pretzel Bites offer a warm, soft, and irresistibly buttery snack made with fluffy dough enriched with plant-based butter. Perfectly golden with a chewy crust, this recipe is easy to prepare using simple pantry staples and is ideal for sharing at any gathering or enjoying as a versatile snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups warm water (105°F to 110°F)
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
3 tbsp plant-based butter, melted
1 tbsp natural sugar
1 tsp salt

Baking Soda Bath

10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda

Topping

2 tbsp plant-based butter, melted (for brushing)
Coarse salt or flaky salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Dissolve the natural sugar pinch and yeast in warm water between 105°F and 110°F. Let sit until bubbly and active. In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining natural sugar, salt, melted plant-based butter, and activated yeast mixture. Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm bowl until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
Shape the Pretzels and Bites: Punch down the risen dough and divide into portions. Roll each portion into long ropes for pretzels or cut into small chunks for pretzel bites. Shape the ropes into traditional pretzel forms or roll the bites into small balls.
Boil in Baking Soda Water: Bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a gentle boil. Dip each pretzel or bite into the boiling solution for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place onto a greased baking sheet.
Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush each pretzel with melted plant-based butter and sprinkle coarse or flaky salt on top. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and inviting.
Final Butter Brush: Immediately after baking, brush the pretzels again with warm melted plant-based butter to lock in moisture and richness. Serve warm for the best experience.

Notes

Keep water temperature between 105°F and 110°F to activate yeast effectively.
Do not skip the baking soda bath; it is key for the classic pretzel crust and flavor.
Use fresh, active yeast for the dough to rise and become fluffy.
Maintain even thickness when shaping dough ropes for consistent baking.
Brush plant-based butter both before and after baking to enhance flavor and softness.

Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 large pretzel or 5 pretzel bites
Calories: 220
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: soft pretzels, pretzel bites, plant-based butter, snack, homemade pretzels, baking