Name: Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 9 cups water; 1/3 cup baking soda; 1 large egg (whisked with 1 tablespoon water) for egg wash; Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 1 review

If you’re craving a warm, irresistible snack that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing, look no further than this Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe. These little nuggets of soft, golden dough are delightfully chewy on the inside with a lightly crisp exterior, finished with a generous buttery brush and a sprinkle of coarse salt. Making them at home is surprisingly simple, and trust me, once you bite into one, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought! Whether it’s game day, movie night, or just a cozy afternoon, these pretzel bites are the perfect treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven bowls of ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center, a large brown-rimmed white bowl filled with white flour has a small dip in the middle. Above it, a speckled bowl holds a brown egg. To the right, a red-rimmed white bowl contains light brown sugar crystals, and next to it is another brown-rimmed white bowl holding white baking powder with a wooden spoon resting inside. To the left of the flour bowl, there is a red-rimmed white bowl full of coarse white salt, a small beige bowl with yeast, a small beige bowl with a pat of yellow butter, and a white jug filled with milk positioned in the bottom left corner. The arrangement is neat and well-lit, with soft shadows, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting these buttery soft pretzel bites just right is all about using simple ingredients that each play a key role. From the yeast that creates the perfect rise to the baking soda that gives the crust its signature texture, every addition matters — and there’s nothing fussy here!

Warm milk or water (1 1/2 cups): The cozy base to activate the yeast and start your dough off right with the perfect temperature for fermentation.
Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors and feeds the yeast for a beautiful rise.
Active dry yeast (0.25-ounce package): The magic ingredient that makes the dough puff up soft and airy.
All-purpose flour (4 1/2 cups plus more if needed): Gives structure and body to the dough, achieving that chewy, soft texture you expect.
Melted butter (2 tablespoons plus extra for brushing): Used both in the dough and brushed on top to inject scrumptious richness and that inviting sheen.
Fine sea salt (1 teaspoon): Essential to enhance flavor throughout the dough for balance and depth.
Water (9 cups): For boiling the pretzel bites in a baking soda bath, helping create their golden, chewy crust.
Baking soda (1/3 cup): Raises the pH of the boiling water, resulting in that classic pretzel exterior everyone loves.
Large egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water: An egg wash to ensure a shiny, mouthwatering finish before baking.
Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt: For that irresistible, crunchy sprinkling on top that takes every bite up a notch.

How to Make Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Begin the Dough

Start by whisking together warm milk and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes—watch as it foams up, signaling it’s alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Knead

Once the yeast is activated, add the flour, melted butter, and fine sea salt. Mix everything together either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead the dough for about 4 minutes until smooth, adding a little extra flour if needed to keep it from sticking.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer your dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Place it somewhere warm to rest and rise for 20 to 30 minutes—or until doubled in size—creating that soft and tender crumb inside each bite.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking and Boiling

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Then bring a large pot of water mixed with baking soda to a boil—this step is key for achieving the perfect chewy crust.

Step 5: Shape the Pretzel Bites

Turn the risen dough onto a lightly oiled surface and split it into 12 equal sections. Roll each into a thin rope about 3/4 inch wide, then slice each rope into 1-inch bite-sized pieces—the perfect size for munching!

Step 6: Boil the Pretzel Bites

Carefully drop a dozen pretzel bites at a time into the boiling baking soda water. Let them bubble for about 30 seconds before removing them gently with a slotted spatula or spider strainer. Place the boiled bites on the parchment-lined baking sheets, spaced out so they don’t stick.

Step 7: Add Egg Wash and Salt

Brush each pretzel bite with the whisked egg and water mixture, then generously sprinkle with pretzel salt or coarse sea salt for that authentic, glittering finish.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Pop your trays into the hot oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes until your bites turn gorgeous golden brown. Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool just slightly.

Step 9: Optional Buttery Brush

If you adore that melt-in-your-mouth buttery flavor, brush the warm pretzel bites immediately with extra melted butter. This extra step makes the Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

The image shows a close-up of multiple small, square-shaped baked pretzel bites spread on a silver baking tray. Each pretzel bite has a deep golden brown top layer with a slightly cracked texture and is sprinkled with white coarse salt crystals. The sides of the pretzel bites are a lighter golden color, smooth and soft-looking. The silver tray rests on a white marbled surface with a mustard yellow cloth partially seen in the lower left corner. The lighting highlights the glossy, baked tops and salt crystals, emphasizing the texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of additional coarse salt right after baking adds a satisfying crunch and enhances the buttery flavor. You can also toss some with a blend of garlic powder and Parmesan for a tasty twist.

Side Dishes

Pretzel bites love company! Serve them alongside classic mustard dips—try spicy brown or honey mustard—or a creamy cheese sauce. They also pair beautifully with a chilled beer or your favorite soda for a perfect snack combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, arrange your buttery soft pretzel bites on a wooden board with small bowls of different dips—ranch, beer cheese, even a sweet cinnamon glaze. Kids and adults alike will love the interactive dipping experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover pretzel bites, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep that fresh-baked softness, avoid refrigeration since it can dry them out.

Freezing

You can freeze your pretzel bites after baking. Lay them out on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and be ready whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or leftover pretzel bites in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving for best texture—oven heating revives that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

FAQs

Can I use water instead of milk in this recipe?

Absolutely! The recipe works great with either warm milk or warm water. Milk gives a slightly richer flavor and softer texture, while water keeps it lighter but still delicious.

Why do I need to boil the pretzel bites in baking soda water?

The baking soda bath causes a chemical reaction that helps develop the classic pretzel crust—it gives the outside a beautiful, chewy texture and deep brown color once baked.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and look puffy. A quick finger poke test helps—if the indentation springs back slowly, it’s ready for shaping.

Can I make these pretzel bites gluten-free?

Traditional pretzel recipes rely on gluten for that perfect chew, so gluten-free versions can be tricky. However, experimenting with gluten-free flour blends designed for bread baking might yield decent results if you’re up for a little kitchen adventure!

What dips go best with buttery soft pretzel bites?

The classics such as mustard (yellow, spicy brown, or honey) and cheese dips are winners. For variety, try ranch dressing, beer cheese sauce, or even a sweet cream cheese dip for a fun contrast.

Final Thoughts

This Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe is one of those gems you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. They’re simple enough for a casual kitchen adventure, yet impressive enough for guests or celebrations. I genuinely love sharing these warm, buttery bites with friends and family because they bring so much joy in every bite. So grab your ingredients, dive into the process, and get ready to enjoy a snack that’s pure comfort in every chewy, salty, golden morsel!