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Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites – Pillowy Inside, Golden Outside & Irresistibly Snackable

Few snacks deliver instant joy like Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites—warm, golden, and perfectly chewy with a tender, pillowy center. These bite-sized pretzels are everything you love about classic soft pretzels, made easier and more fun to share. Whether you’re hosting a game night, setting up a party spread, or craving a cozy homemade snack, these pretzel bites hit the sweet spot between comfort food and crowd-pleasing appetizer. What makes these pretzel bites exceptional is their texture contrast: a lightly crisp, golden exterior from the baking soda bath, and a soft, fluffy interior enriched with milk and butter. Finished with coarse salt and a buttery glaze, each bite is simple, satisfying, and endlessly dunkable. Best of all, the dough is straightforward and forgiving—perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
bake & rest Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 40 pretzel bites
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • These pantry staples come together to create soft chewy pretzel perfection.
  • Active dry yeast
  • Warm milk or water 110–115°F
  • Brown sugar
  • All-purpose flour
  • Fine sea salt
  • Baking soda
  • Water for boiling bath
  • Large egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • Butter melted
  • Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or dough whisk
  • Clean work surface
  • Bench scraper or knife
  • Large pot (for water bath)
  • Slotted spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Activate the yeast
  1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk or water with brown sugar.
  2. Sprinkle in the active dry yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  3. This step ensures a light, airy dough.
Step 2: Make the dough
  1. Add fine sea salt to the yeast mixture.
  2. Gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Rest the dough
  1. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl.
  2. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes, allowing the dough to relax and puff slightly.
Step 4: Shape the pretzel bites
  1. Divide the dough into portions.
  2. Roll each portion into a long rope, about the thickness of a finger.
  3. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Prepare the baking soda bath
  1. Bring 9 cups of water to a gentle boil in a large pot.
  2. Carefully add the baking soda (add slowly to avoid bubbling over).
Step 6: Boil the bites
  1. Drop pretzel pieces into the water bath for about 20–30 seconds.
  2. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Egg wash and salt
  1. Brush each pretzel bite with beaten egg.
  2. Sprinkle generously with pretzel salt or coarse sea salt.
Step 8: Bake
  1. Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for 12–15 minutes, or until deeply golden.
Step 9: Finish with butter
  1. Brush hot pretzel bites with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
  2. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked pretzel bites for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven for a few minutes to restore softness and chew.
🥄 Variations
Customize your pretzel bites to match any craving:
Cheese-Stuffed: Add small cubes of cheese inside each piece before boiling.
Garlic Butter: Mix garlic powder into the melted butter.
Cinnamon Sugar: Skip salt and toss baked bites in cinnamon sugar.
Whole Wheat: Replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour.
Mini Pretzel Rolls: Shape into small buns instead of bites.
❓ 10 FAQs
Why use a baking soda bath?
It gives pretzels their signature chewy crust and color.
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, but reduce proofing time slightly.
Do I have to use milk?
Water works too, but milk adds softness.
Why brush with egg wash?
It creates a shiny, golden finish.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes, refrigerate overnight and bake fresh.
Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely—soft, mild, and fun to eat.
Can I skip butter?
You can, but butter adds classic pretzel flavor.
What salt works best?
Coarse pretzel salt gives the best crunch.
Why are my pretzels pale?
Ensure the baking soda bath is strong and brief.
Can I make larger pretzels?
Yes, just increase baking time slightly.
🏁 Conclusion
These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are the ultimate homemade snack—warm, chewy, and brushed with buttery goodness. Easy to make and even easier to love, they’re perfect for parties, family nights, or anytime you want a comforting, bakery-style treat at home. Once you try them fresh from the oven, they’re sure to become a repeat favorite.