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Soft Pretzel Bites

Featured in Snacks Worth Making at Home.

You’ll love these bite-sized pretzels with a toasty golden crust and a chewy texture that’s full of flavor. The simple dough gets its softness from a butter-rich mix. After rising, you’ll cut and shape into bits, then boil briefly in a baking soda solution to lock in their signature chewiness. Egg washing gives their tops a nice crisp finish, while a sprinkling of coarse salt adds the final touch. Brush with butter at the end for extra appeal. These are great straight from the oven or dipped in your favorite sauce.
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Updated on Sat, 05 Apr 2025 22:17:35 GMT
Golden Brown Pretzel Bites Pin it
Golden Brown Pretzel Bites | kylierecipes.com

The moment home-baked pretzels start cooking, they fill your home with an amazing smell that gets everyone excited. I've tweaked this pretzel bites method many times, and now I can tell you these little golden nuggets give you all the yummy goodness of big soft pretzels in tiny, snackable pieces. The coolest thing? You don't need fancy kitchen tools - just your hands and stuff you probably already have.

I made a batch for friends watching the big game last weekend and they were all gone before the second quarter! The trick is that baking soda bath - it's what gives them that special pretzel taste and that awesome chewy outside.

Must-Have Ingredients Breakdown

  • Milk: Grab whole milk for softness, but water can work in a pinch
  • Active dry yeast: Double-check it hasn't expired!
  • Brown sugar: Gives a hint of sweetness and helps the yeast work better
  • All-purpose flour: Makes the texture just right
  • Butter: Use plenty - it makes them taste amazing
  • Baking soda: You really do need that full 1/3 cup for the perfect crust

Making Them Step By Step

Step 1:
Get the yeast going right: Warm milk to exactly 110-115°F (any hotter will kill it). You should see foamy bubbles within 5 minutes. No foam means start over with new yeast. Getting this temperature right matters a ton.
Step 2:
Work the dough correctly: Combine everything just until it comes together. Then knead with firm but gentle pressure for 4 minutes. You want a smooth, stretchy feel. It should be slightly tacky but not stick to your fingers. Add a bit more flour if needed.
Step 3:
Let it rise properly: Use a clean bowl with a bit of oil. Cover with a damp cloth instead of plastic. Find a warm spot away from drafts. Wait for it to double in size. Don't rush - taking your time here makes them taste better.
Step 4:
Shape them right: Cut the dough into even chunks. Roll each piece into long ropes. Slice into one-inch bits. Try to make them all the same size so they cook evenly. Keep the pieces covered while you work so they don't dry out.
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tasty Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites | kylierecipes.com

The Secret Baking Soda Trick

Getting this key step right: Keep your water bubbling. Do small batches at a time. A spider strainer makes it easy to handle them. Time it for exactly 30 seconds. They should look a little puffy when done.

I learned how important the baking soda bath is when my first try came out looking just like dinner rolls. Now I love watching them turn that beautiful golden color in the solution.

Fun Twists and Serving Suggestions

After making these for countless family get-togethers, I've found these combos work amazingly well:

Tasty Dipping Options

Beer cheese dip goes perfectly with these. Try honey mixed with spicy mustard. Warm pizza sauce works great too. Brush with garlic butter for extra flavor. Herb cream cheese dip tastes amazing with them.

Add Your Own Touch

Try these different toppings: Everything bagel mix for a breakfast feel. Sugar and cinnamon if you want them sweet. Italian herbs with grated Parmesan cheese. Cheddar and jalapeño bits. Sea salt with fresh rosemary.

Keeping Them Fresh

They're best right away, but you can: Keep them in a sealed container for a day. Warm them in the oven for 5 minutes before eating. Freeze the shaped dough before cooking. Let frozen dough thaw overnight before boiling. Keep cooked ones in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Tips For Gatherings

Make your dough early and stick it in the fridge. Let guests choose their own toppings. Keep them warm in a low oven. Fix your dips ahead of time. Think about making twice as many as you think you'll need - they go quick!

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mouthwatering Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites | kylierecipes.com

These little pretzel bites have become what I make for everything from sports parties to afternoon snacks. I still get excited pulling a golden batch from the oven, and seeing how happy they make everyone is totally worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why dunk them in baking soda?
This alkaline dip gives the pretzels their distinct taste and chewy crust.
→ Can I prep these in advance?
Eat them fresh for the best flavor, but uncooked bites freeze well for future baking.
→ Why is egg wash important?
It creates their shiny, golden top layer and adds a little crispiness.
→ What’s another topping idea?
Try garlic parmesan, funky everything seasoning, or sweet cinnamon sugar!
→ Why is warm water/milk crucial?
It activates yeast at just the right temp without causing any damage to it.

Simple Soft Pretzel Bites

Golden and salty on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, these bite-sized pretzels are sure to disappear fast. Perfect for gatherings or solo snacking!

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
14 Minutes
Total Time
59 Minutes
By: Kylie


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: German-American

Yield: ~

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough Base

01 110-115°F warm milk or water (1½ cups)
02 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
03 A 0.25-ounce packet of dry yeast
04 4½ cups of all-purpose flour (add more if too sticky)
05 2 tablespoons melted butter (extra for brushing if needed)
06 1 teaspoon of fine salt

→ Boiling Solution

07 9 cups of water
08 ⅓ cup baking soda

→ Topping

09 1 egg, whisked with a tablespoon of water
10 Coarse salt or pretzel salt to sprinkle on top

Instructions

Step 01

In a big bowl, mix sugar and warm milk, sprinkle yeast on top, and wait 5 minutes till it’s foamy.

Step 02

Mix melted butter, salt, and flour into yeast mixture. Knead for 4 minutes by hand or use a dough hook until smooth. Add more flour if it feels sticky.

Step 03

Pop the dough into an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 20-30 minutes until it’s doubled in size.

Step 04

Preheat your oven to 450°F, line baking trays with parchment, and get your boiling water with baking soda ready.

Step 05

Cut the dough into 12 chunks, roll into thin ropes (¾-inch), and slice into little 1-inch bites.

Step 06

Drop a few bites at a time into the boiling solution for 30 seconds. Scoop them out and place on your pans.

Step 07

Brush the tops with the egg wash, scatter salt over them, and bake for 12-14 minutes till golden and crisp.

Step 08

If you want, brush the freshly baked bites with a little extra butter while they’re hot. Serve right away!

Notes

  1. They taste best when warmed and eaten fresh.
  2. You can choose either milk or water for the dough.
  3. For a richer flavor, add extra butter after baking.
  4. Both hand-kneading and machine mixing work fine.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big bowl or a mixer with a dough hook
  • Large pot for boiling water
  • Baking trays
  • Parchment sheets
  • Slotted spoon or similar tool
  • Brush for spreading egg wash

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Uses flour, so it has gluten.
  • Has dairy if milk or butter are included.
  • Egg is used in the egg wash.