These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are chewy, golden brown, and brushed with butter for the perfect snack or appetizer. Serve warm with your favorite dips for a homemade treat that’s impossible to resist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Buttery – A chewy, golden crust with a delicious buttery finish.
- Perfect for Sharing – Great for parties, game days, or snacking.
- Fun to Make – Enjoy the classic pretzel-making process at home.
- Customizable – Add cinnamon sugar, cheese, or different seasonings.
Ingredients
- Warm milk or water – 1 1/2 cups (110 to 115°F) to activate the yeast.
- Brown sugar – 1 tablespoon, for a touch of sweetness.
- Active dry yeast – 1 (0.25-ounce) package, for dough rising.
- All-purpose flour – 4 1/2 cups, plus extra if needed.
- Melted butter – 2 tablespoons, plus extra for brushing.
- Fine sea salt – 1 teaspoon, for flavor.
- Water – 9 cups, for boiling the pretzels.
- Baking soda – 1/3 cup, to give pretzels their classic texture.
- Large egg – 1, whisked with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash.
- Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt – For sprinkling on top.
Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below!
How to Make Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites
Step 1: Mix the Dough
- Whisk together warm milk (or water) and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Add flour, melted butter, and salt.
- Mix until combined, then knead by hand for 4 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 4 minutes on medium speed).
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
- Transfer dough to a lightly-oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 20-30 minutes until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large pot, bring 9 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
Step 5: Form the Pretzel Bites
- Turn dough out onto a lightly-oiled surface and divide into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ¾-inch wide rope and cut into 1-inch long bites.
Step 6: Boil the Pretzel Bites
- Using a spatula or strainer, transfer batches of pretzel bites into the boiling water for 30 seconds each.
- Remove and place on the parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.
Step 7: Add Egg Wash & Salt
- Brush each pretzel bite with egg wash.
- Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Step 8: Bake
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
- Transfer to a wire cooling rack.
Step 9: (Optional) Brush with Butter
- For extra buttery pretzels, brush warm pretzel bites with melted butter immediately after baking.
Step 10: Serve Warm
- These pretzel bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!
- Serve with mustard, cheese sauce, or your favorite dip.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Warm Liquid – Ensures the yeast activates properly.
- Boil with Baking Soda – This gives pretzels their signature chewiness.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Boil – Work in batches to prevent sticking.
- Customize the Flavor – Add cinnamon sugar, garlic butter, or cheddar cheese.
How to Serve
- With Cheese Sauce – A classic pairing for soft pretzels.
- With Mustard – Perfect for a tangy kick.
- As a Party Snack – Serve on a platter for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked pretzel bites in a single layer. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 15-18 minutes.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for a few minutes or microwave in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter or substitute with olive oil.
Can I add different toppings?
Absolutely! Try sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or cinnamon sugar.
Do I have to use an egg wash?
No, but it helps the salt stick and gives a glossy finish.
These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are golden, chewy, and perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or party favorite, they’re always a hit!
Print
Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack/Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are delightful, bite-sized treats that offer the classic taste of traditional soft pretzels in a convenient form. Perfect for snacking, parties, or gatherings, these pretzel bites are soft on the inside with a golden, buttery exterior, making them irresistible to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
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For the Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm milk or water (110 to 115°F)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 (0.25-ounce) package active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus extra for brushing
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
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For the Boiling Solution:
- 9 cups water
- 1/3 cup baking soda
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For the Topping:
- 1 large egg (whisked with 1 tablespoon water)
- Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
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Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk (or water) and brown sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
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Prepare the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, melted butter, and fine sea salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until the ingredients are well combined. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. Knead the dough for approximately 4 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and place it in a warm area. Allow the dough to rise for 20 to 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
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Preheat the Oven and Prepare Boiling Solution: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. In a large stockpot, combine 9 cups of water and ⅓ cup of baking soda. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Shape the Pretzel Bites: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly oiled work surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope approximately ¾-inch wide. Using a knife, cut each rope into 1-inch long segments to form the pretzel bites.
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Boil the Pretzel Bites: Carefully place the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda solution, about a dozen at a time. Let them boil for around 30 seconds per batch. Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, remove the bites and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are not touching.
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Apply Egg Wash and Salt: Brush the top of each pretzel bite with the egg wash (the whisked egg and water mixture) and sprinkle them with pretzel salt or coarse sea salt.
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Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are golden brown.
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Optional Butter Glaze: For an extra buttery flavor, immediately brush the hot pretzel bites with additional melted butter after removing them from the oven.
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Serve: These pretzel bites are best enjoyed warm. Serve them on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces such as cheese sauce, mustard, or marinara.
Notes
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Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky during preparation, add a small amount of flour incrementally until the desired consistency is achieved.
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Boiling Solution Caution: Exercise caution when working with the boiling baking soda solution, as it can be quite hot and may splatter.
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Storage: While these pretzel bites are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 servingApproximately 5 pretzel bites
- Calories: 237kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 4681mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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