Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into warm, buttery soft pretzel bites fresh out of the oven. These bite-sized treats are not only incredibly delicious, but they’re also perfect for parties, game-day snacks, or a fun baking project with the family. In this recipe, I’ll walk you through each step so you can recreate these soft and flavorful pretzel bites in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of soft pretzels, this recipe is for you! These pretzel bites are soft, chewy, and slightly crispy on the outside, with a rich buttery flavor. They’re easy to make, customizable, and great for sharing (if you don’t end up eating them all yourself). Whether served plain, with a sprinkling of coarse sea salt, or dipped into your favorite sauces, they’re bound to be a hit.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s everything you need to make these delicious buttery soft pretzel bites:

• 1 ½ cups warm milk (110 to 115°F): The warmth helps activate the yeast, giving your pretzel bites a perfect rise.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness, balancing the saltiness and enhancing the pretzel flavor.
• 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt: You’ll mix some into the dough and sprinkle more on top of the pretzels for that classic salty finish.
• 1 package active dry yeast (0.25 ounces): Helps the dough rise and gives the pretzels their airy, chewy texture.
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the dough; you may need a little more if your dough is sticky.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough and keeps it soft.
• 9 cups water + ½ cup baking soda: This combination is for the boiling step, which gives the pretzels their signature chewy crust.
• 1 large egg (whisked with 1 tablespoon water): For the egg wash, giving the pretzels a beautiful golden brown color when baked.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make these buttery soft pretzel bites, you’ll need the following tools:

• Mixing bowl (or stand mixer with dough hook)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Stockpot or large saucepan
• Spatula or large wire strainer
• Baking sheets
• Pastry brush for egg wash and butter

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pretzel Bites

1. Mix the Dough

Start by whisking together the warm milk, brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons of coarse sea salt in a large bowl. Then, sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast begins to foam. This step is crucial to ensure the yeast activates properly, giving the dough the rise it needs.

2. Knead the Dough

Once your yeast is activated, add the flour and melted butter. If you’re mixing by hand, stir until the ingredients are combined, then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 4 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and mix on medium speed for 4 minutes. You may need to add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky.

3. Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for 20 to 30 minutes. The dough should double in size during this time, becoming soft and airy.

4. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set them aside for when your pretzel bites are ready to be baked.

5. Prepare the Boiling Water Solution

In a large stockpot or saucepan, bring 9 cups of water and ½ cup of baking soda to a boil. This baking soda bath will help give the pretzel bites their chewy texture and golden-brown exterior.

6. Form the Pretzel Bites

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly oiled work surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope, about ¾ inch thick. Use a knife to cut the dough into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch long.

7. Boil the Pretzel Bites

Carefully place about a dozen pretzel bites into the boiling water at a time. Let them boil for 30 seconds before using a spatula or large wire strainer to remove them. Place the boiled bites onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they have enough space between them to bake evenly.

8. Add Egg Wash and Salt

Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash to give them a beautiful, shiny crust as they bake. Sprinkle them generously with coarse sea salt to capture that iconic pretzel flavor.

9. Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pretzel bites in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they reach your desired shade of golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake.

10. Optional: Brush with Extra Butter

For an extra buttery finish, brush the pretzel bites with additional melted butter right after they come out of the oven. This gives them a rich, indulgent flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serve these buttery soft pretzel bites warm, straight from the oven. They pair wonderfully with a variety of dips such as mustard, cheese sauce, or a creamy ranch dip. Arrange them on a large serving platter with small bowls of dips in the center for easy sharing at parties or gatherings. The golden-brown exterior with coarse salt sprinkled on top makes them visually appealing, and the extra butter will add a glossy, mouthwatering finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overproofing the Dough: Letting the dough rise for too long can result in an overly puffy texture. Stick to the 20-30 minute rising time.
• Skipping the Baking Soda Bath: Boiling the pretzel bites in the baking soda solution is essential to achieving the chewy crust, so don’t skip this step.
• Under-boiling the Pretzel Bites: Make sure to boil each batch for a full 30 seconds to ensure they develop the right texture.

How to Store Leftover Pretzel Bites

Although these pretzel bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until they’re warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. You can also freeze them for up to a month; just thaw and reheat in the oven when ready to eat.

Pretzel Bite Variations and Swaps

If you’re looking to get creative with this recipe, there are plenty of variations to try:

• Cheese Pretzel Bites: Add shredded cheese to the dough or sprinkle grated cheese on top before baking.
• Herb-Infused Pretzel Bites: Mix dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder into the dough for an extra burst of flavor.
• Sweet Pretzel Bites: Skip the salt and brush the baked bites with melted butter, then toss them in cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat.

FAQs about Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking the pretzel bites.

Why do I need to boil the pretzel bites in baking soda water?
Boiling the dough in the baking soda solution gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture and golden brown crust. It’s an essential step!

Can I freeze the pretzel bites?
Absolutely! You can freeze baked pretzel bites for up to one month. Reheat them in the oven to restore their texture and flavor.

Conclusion

These buttery soft pretzel bites are easy to make, fun to eat, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Try them out, experiment with variations, and most importantly, enjoy them warm and fresh from the oven. If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and subscribe to the blog for more delicious homemade treats.

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