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Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites

These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack, featuring a perfectly salty, golden-brown crust and a pillowy, chewy center. Ready in just about an hour, this recipe is much faster than making traditional twisted pretzels and requires only simple pantry staples.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 14 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 1 1/2 cups milk or water warm (110-115°F)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast 0.25-ounce
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
Soda Bath
  • 9 cups water
  • 1/3 cup baking soda
Toppings
  • 1 large egg whisked with 1 tbsp water
  • pretzel salt or coarse sea salt
  • melted butter for finishing

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Stockpot
  • Slotted Spoon
  • Baking Sheets
  • Parchment Paper

Method
 

  1. 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 foamy and activated.
    1 1/2 cups milk or water, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 packet active dry yeast
  2. Add the flour, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and fine sea salt. Use a spoon to combine, then knead by hand for about 4 minutes until smooth (or use a stand mixer with dough hook).
    4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp fine sea salt
  3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot for 20 to 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Preheat your oven to 450°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large stockpot, bring 9 cups of water and 1/3 cup of baking soda to a boil.
    9 cups water, 1/3 cup baking soda
  5. Turn the dough onto a lightly oiled surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a rope about 3/4-inch wide, then use a knife to cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces.
  6. Carefully drop the bites into the boiling water in batches. Boil for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon or spider strainer and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  7. Brush the tops of the boiled bites with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
    1 large egg, pretzel salt
  8. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until they reach a deep golden brown.
  9. Remove from the oven and immediately brush with additional melted butter for maximum flavor.
    melted butter

Notes

Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. To restore the fresh texture, reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes.