Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & easy – You get soft, tender pretzel bites in around an hour, no stand mixer required
Perfect texture – Crispy golden exterior with a soft, chewy center
Highly customizable – Top with everything from coarse salt to cinnamon sugar, herbs, or cheese

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1½ cups warm (110–115 °F) milk or water
1 Tbsp brown sugar
¼ oz active dry yeast (1 packet)
4½ cups all‑purpose flour, plus extra if needed
2 Tbsp melted butter, plus more for brushing
1 tsp fine sea salt
9 cups water
⅓ cup baking soda
1 large egg, whisked with 1 Tbsp water
Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

directions

Activate the yeast: Stir warm milk/water and sugar in a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast, wait ~5 min until foamy.
Knead the dough: Add flour, melted butter, and salt.
- By hand: Mix, then knead ~4 min until smooth.
- Or use a stand mixer with a dough hook ~4 min.
Rise: Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let double (~20–30 min).
Prep: Preheat oven to 450 °F. Line baking sheets with parchment. Boil water and baking soda.
Shape: Divide dough into 12 pieces. Roll into ¾‑in ropes, cut into 1‑in bites.
Boil: Drop batches (~12 at a time) into boiling soda bath for ~30 sec, then transfer to baking sheet.
Egg wash & salt: Brush bites with egg wash and sprinkle with salt.
Bake: About 12–14 min until golden.
Butter finish: Optional—brush with extra melted butter post‑bake.
Serve: Best warm, straight from the oven.

Servings and timing

Yield: ~12 servings (about 60 bites)
Prep: 45 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: ~1 hour

Variations

Sweet cinnamon sugar – Skip salt, brush with butter after baking, toss in cinnamon sugar
Everything bites – Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning in place of salt
Herbed or cheesy – Mix herbs into dough or top with Asiago/Parmesan before baking
Stuffed bites – Insert small cheese chunks, peanut butter, or Nutella before boiling
Vegan option – Use non‑dairy butter and plant‑based milk or water

storage/reheating

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 1–2 days
Refrigeration: Keeps up to 3 days; reheat in oven to restore softness
Freezing: Dough or baked bites can be frozen up to 2–3 months. Thaw and reheat in oven
Reheat tip: Pop in a 350 °F oven for a few minutes; avoid microwave to preserve chewiness

FAQs

What if my yeast doesn’t foam?

If there’s no foaming after 5–10 minutes, your yeast may be inactive—start over with fresh yeast and ensure the water is around 110–115 °F.

Can I use water instead of milk?

Yes. While milk adds richness, water works fine too—dough will just be slightly less tender.

Can I skip the baking soda bath?

No—the alkaline bath is essential for that golden crust and chewy texture. Skip it, and they’ll taste like basic bread bites.

Do I need an egg wash?

Egg wash gives shine and helps salt adhere, but you can skip it if desired; bites will still taste great.

Can I make full‑size pretzels instead?

Yes! Simply shape ropes into classic pretzel shapes instead of cutting into bites.

Can I use bread flour instead of all‑purpose?

Absolutely—bread flour yields a chewier texture, though all‑purpose works beautifully too.

How can I make them vegan?

Use vegan butter and water or plant‑based milk instead of dairy, then proceed as usual.

How long do leftovers last?

1–2 days at room temp or 3 days refrigerated. Freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months).

What’s the best reheating method?

For crispness, reheat in a 350 °F oven for a few minutes. Avoid microwave as it ruins texture.

Can I prepare ahead?

Yes—make and refrigerate/freeze the shaped dough or baked bites. Thaw/reheat when ready; dough may need extra rise time.

Conclusion

These buttery soft pretzel bites offer a perfect balance of ease, flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re craving a savory snack or experimenting with cinnamon sugar or cheesy variations, this recipe delivers. They’re great fresh, but also store and reheat beautifully for a quick treat any time. Enjoy the baking—and the delightful bites!