If you are craving a snack that is delightfully soft, packed with buttery goodness, and irresistibly fun to munch on, this Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe is going to become your new go-to. These golden bites combine a perfectly tender inside with a slightly crisp, savory exterior that will have you reaching for more. Whether you’re hosting a game night, need a cozy treat on a chilly day, or just want an easy yet impressive homemade snack, these bite-sized pretzels offer a wonderful balance of flavor and texture that’s tough to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from creating the dough’s perfect texture to delivering the classic pretzel flavor and appearance. These simple staples combine effortlessly to give you an unbeatable snack.
- Warm milk (1 1/2 cups): This activates the yeast and helps create a tender dough.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds a hint of sweetness and helps feed the yeast for a good rise.
- Coarse sea salt (2 teaspoons plus extra): Essential for flavor, both inside the dough and sprinkled on top for that authentic pretzel taste.
- Active dry yeast (1 package, 0.25 ounces): The magic ingredient that makes your dough rise with airy softness.
- All-purpose flour (4 1/2 cups plus extra if needed): The backbone of your dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons plus extra for brushing): Creates that irresistible rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb.
- Water (9 cups): For the boiling bath that gives pretzels their signature chewy crust.
- Baking soda (1/2 cup): Essential in the boiling water to help develop the pretzel’s deep golden color and slight tang.
- Large egg (whisked with 1 tablespoon water): Adds shine and helps the salt stick to the pretzel bites.
How to Make Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking warm milk, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it starts to bubble and activate. This step wakes up the yeast and ensures your dough will rise beautifully.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Next, add the flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture and combine everything until a shaggy dough forms. Then knead the dough by hand for a smooth, elastic texture or use a stand mixer for about 4 minutes. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour until it’s manageable but still soft.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer your dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and place it in a warm spot to rise for 20-30 minutes. Your dough will nearly double in size, becoming airy and light — the perfect base for your pretzel bites.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising, heat your oven to 450°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This preparation ensures your pretzel bites bake evenly with no sticking.
Step 5: Prepare the Boiling Solution
In a large stockpot, bring 9 cups of water and 1/2 cup baking soda to a boil. This baking soda bath gives the pretzels their characteristic crust and golden-brown color, so don’t skip this step.
Step 6: Shape the Pretzel Bites
Turn out the risen dough onto a lightly oiled surface and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into ropes about 3/4 inch thick, then slice into 1-inch bite-sized pieces — these little guys are ready to become delicious treats!
Step 7: Boil the Pretzel Bites
Gently drop around a dozen pretzel bites at a time into the boiling water bath for 30 seconds each. This step creates the unique density and chew we all love in pretzels. After boiling, transfer them carefully to your prepared baking sheets.
Step 8: Add Egg Wash and Salt
Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash to achieve that beautiful shiny finish and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt for bursts of savory goodness.
Step 9: Bake and Finish
Bake the bites for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Once out of the oven, brush them with extra melted butter for that final luscious touch. Serve warm and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth magic.
How to Serve Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling your buttery soft pretzel bites with additional coarse sea salt right after brushing with butter elevates their flavor and offers a delightful crunch. You can also experiment with garlic powder, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary for unique twists.
Side Dishes
These pretzel bites pair perfectly with an array of dipping sauces. Classic mustard, gooey cheese dips, or even a sweet honey mustard will impress your guests and add a new dimension to each bite. Feel free to offer some tangy ranch or spicy sriracha mayo to keep things interesting.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bites in a festive bowl or stack them on a decorative platter for parties or casual gatherings. You can even thread a few on skewers alongside cubes of cheese and olives for a snack skewer platter. Presentation is half the fun, and these bites are versatile enough to impress in any form.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover buttery soft pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and chewy, although they are best enjoyed fresh or reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze pretzel bites before baking by arranging them on a parchment-lined tray, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive stored or frozen pretzel bites, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warm and soft again. Avoid the microwave if possible, since reheating there can make them chewy rather than soft.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for the perfect texture in this recipe, but you could experiment with bread flour for a chewier bite or a gluten-free blend if necessary, although results may vary.
Why do the pretzel bites need to be boiled in baking soda water?
The baking soda bath is key to creating the distinctive pretzel crust. It helps the dough develop a deep golden color and that signature chewy yet crispy exterior.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, white granulated sugar will work in a pinch. Brown sugar adds a slight molasses flavor, so using white sugar might result in a slightly less rich taste.
How long can I store pretzel bites in the fridge?
While it’s best to keep pretzel bites at room temperature, you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat them properly to bring back their softness.
Can I add flavor variations to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding spices like cinnamon and sugar before baking can create a sweet version, or mixing in cheddar cheese gives a savory twist. The Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe is a fantastic base for your own creations.
Final Thoughts
With their golden crust, tender crumb, and that irresistible buttery finish, the Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe is a snack that truly feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or sneaking a batch just for yourself, these pretzel bites are a total crowd-pleaser worth making again and again. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are perfectly golden, chewy on the inside, and topped with coarse sea salt for a classic snack. Made with yeast dough, boiled briefly in a baking soda solution before baking, these pretzel bites are soft, buttery, and irresistible. Ideal for parties, game days, or anytime you want a warm, homemade snack.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm milk (110 to 115°F)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 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)
Boiling Solution
- 9 cups water
- 1/2 cup baking soda
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg (whisked with 1 tablespoon water)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, brown sugar, and salt. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast activates and becomes foamy.
- Knead the Dough: Add the flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined, then knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 4 minutes until smooth, or use a stand mixer on medium speed for 4 minutes. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 20-30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 450°F (232°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Boiling Solution: In a large stockpot, bring 9 cups of water and 1/2 cup baking soda to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly oiled surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 3/4 inch wide, then cut each rope into 1-inch long pretzel bites.
- Boil the Pretzel Bites: Using a spatula or wire strainer, gently place about a dozen pretzel bites at a time into the boiling baking soda water. Boil for 30 seconds, then remove and transfer to the parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Add Egg Wash and Salt: Brush the tops of the pretzel bites with the egg wash (whisked egg and water) and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp on the outside. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack.
- Optional – Brush with Extra Butter: For an extra buttery finish, brush warm pretzel bites with melted butter before serving.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy these soft, buttery pretzel bites best when served fresh and warm from the oven.
Notes
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- If the dough is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time until manageable.
- Boiling in baking soda water gives pretzels their signature chewy texture and distinctive flavor.
- Use coarse sea salt for authentic pretzel taste and texture on top.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
