Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, soft pretzel bite that’s not only chewy but also bursting with the rich flavor of creamy peanut butter! These Peanut Butter Soft Pretzel Bites are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them an irresistible snack for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a game night, looking for a fun treat for the kids, or simply indulging your cravings, these delightful bites are sure to impress. Get ready to elevate your snack game and discover the secret to making these mouthwatering pretzel bites right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water (about 110°F), sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and creamy peanut butter. Mix them together until the peanut butter is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the flour and peanut butter mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 10 minutes, or until it has slightly puffed up.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, bring about 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the baking soda to the water. Be cautious, as it may bubble up.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece of dough into a small ball, then shape it into a bite-sized pretzel shape or simply keep them as balls.
- Once shaped, carefully drop a few pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. This will give them that classic pretzel flavor and texture.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the pretzel bites from the water and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them out evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk the large egg and brush it over the tops of the pretzel bites. This will give them a nice golden color as they bake.
- Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the top of each pretzel bite to enhance the flavor.
- Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the pretzel bites from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
- Enjoy your Peanut Butter Soft Pretzel Bites warm, perhaps with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping!
Tips
- Perfect Yeast Activation: Ensure your warm water is around 110°F. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate. A frothy mixture is your green light to proceed!
- Knead with Care: Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 5 minutes. If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little more flour to make it easier to handle.
- Shape with Ease: When forming the pretzel bites, don’t worry about perfection. Whether you shape them into classic pretzels or keep them as balls, they’ll still taste amazing!
- Boiling Soda Bath: The baking soda bath is crucial for that authentic pretzel flavor and texture. Just be cautious when adding the baking soda to boiling water, as it can bubble up!
- Golden Finish: Brushing the tops with egg wash not only gives your pretzel bites a beautiful golden color but also helps the salt stick. Don’t skip this step for that perfect presentation!
- Serve Warm: These pretzel bites are best enjoyed warm. Pair them with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat that will have everyone coming back for more!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 10mg