Sourdough Pretzel Nuggets for a Snow Day

Jan 25, 2026

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by

They were calling for a heck of a snowstorm this weekend. It’s now mid-Sunday, the snow is still coming down, and I honestly couldn’t tell you how much we have—just that it’s enough to make everything quiet and white.

Snow days make great kitchen days. I woke up, added wood to the fire. My day has consisted of this rhythm of alternating between being snuggled up on the couch in front of the fire with my book and hopping into the kitchen to make something….So far I’ve made bread, pretzels, and chili, and there are cinnamon pecan muffins on deck.

I like pretzels but rarely buy them. Meanwhile the fellow loves Auntie Anne’s in the mall. These pretzel nuggets hit that same soft, buttery, salty spot and are perfect for snacking—especially on a snow day.

Sourdough Pretzel Nuggets

Ingredients

Dough

200g active sourdough starter (fed, bubbly)
240g warm water
20g brown sugar
10g salt
500g bread flour
30g unsalted butter, melted (for the dough)

Baking Soda Bath

6 cups water
2 tablespoons baking soda

Finish

60g unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Coarse salt (or pretzel salt), to taste

Directions

1. Make the Dough

Whisk the starter, warm water, and brown sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Add melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead 8–10 minutes by hand (or 5–6 minutes in a mixer) until smooth and elastic. Dough should be soft and slightly tacky.

Cover and rest at room temp 4–6 hours until puffy—no need to double.

2. Shape the Nuggets

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 pieces. Roll each into a rope about ¾-inch thick. Cut into 1–1½-inch nuggets. Place on a parchment-lined sheet.

3. Baking Soda Bath

Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Bring water to a boil, carefully add baking soda (it will foam). Drop nuggets in batches for 20–30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and return to the sheet.

4. Bake

Bake 12–15 minutes until deep golden brown and puffed.

5. Finish

While hot, brush generously with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt. Serve warm.