Description
These homemade Pretzel Bites are soft, chewy, and golden brown — the perfect snack for any occasion. Made with a simple 6-ingredient dough and minimal rise time, they’re easy enough for beginners and loved by all ages. Serve with your favorite dips or coat in cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 and 1/2 cups warm water (about 100°F / 38°C)
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3 and 3/4 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Coarse salt for topping
- 1/2 cup baking soda (for baking soda bath)
- 9 cups water (for baking soda bath)
Instructions
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add salt, melted butter, and 3 cups of flour. Mix on low speed until combined. Add remaining flour gradually until dough is soft and pulls from sides.
- Knead for 5 minutes by hand or mixer. Let the dough rest for 10–30 minutes covered.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line baking sheets with silicone mats or greased parchment.
- Divide dough into 6 pieces. Roll each into 20-inch ropes and cut into 1.5–2 inch pieces.
- Bring 9 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Boil pretzel bites in batches for 10–15 seconds.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer to baking sheets. Sprinkle with coarse salt while still wet.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with dips or sweet toppings as desired.
Notes
- For cinnamon sugar version, skip salt before baking. After baking, brush with butter and dip in cinnamon-sugar mix.
- Do not skip the baking soda bath — it gives pretzels their signature color and texture.
- To freeze, bake without salt, cool completely, and store in airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat frozen bites at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes, adding salt just before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 bites
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: pretzel bites, soft pretzels, easy pretzel recipe, baking soda bath, homemade pretzels