Surely I’m not the only who contemplates driving to the mall to get just to get pretzel bites. Someone tell me I’m not alone! However, I’d much rather save my money and bake up a batch of these super easy homemade soft pretzel bites! I’ve done a little research and I’ve adapted my soft pretzel recipe to be bite-size, slightly more crisp, and way more golden brown. It’s all in the method! And in case you haven’t noticed, I’ve got a salty version and a sweet one! Brace yourself 🙂
Don’t get intimidated when you look at the recipe. I know it’s kind of awkward and long, but I promise it’ll all make sense once I walk you through it! The very first thing you’re going to want to do is get your oven preheated to 450 degrees. That sounds pretty hot, but we want the pretzels to dry out and get nice and brown. Next, line a standard size baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat so your pretzels don’t stick! Once you’ve got those two things done, it’s time to get your hands dirty!
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add ¾ cup of warm water. Sprinkle in a teaspoon of dry active yeast and allow it to dissolve for 2-3 minutes. When it’s nice and foamy add the brown sugar, melted butter and salt. With the mixing speed set on low add the flour a half cup at a time. When all of the flour is gone sprinkle in the cornstarch, switch to the dough hook attachment (or place dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 4 minutes), mix on low for 4 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow dough to rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile bring a large pot of water to a boil (about 8 cups total) and add ½ cup of baking soda (who knew that was the trick to getting awesome pretzel bites? It totally reminds me of bagels!). The water will be foamy but that will die down after a few minutes.
Divide dough into 6 equal size pieces. Roll each ball into a long rope, about 18-22 inches in length. I like to wet my hands a bit for this if my dough isn’t tacky. It really helps! Cut each of the ropes into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Place about 10 bites into the boiling water. Allow the bites to cook for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon or spider. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Now, if you want to make salted pretzel bites, brush them with the egg wash and salt immediately. Place them in the oven and bake them for about 8-10 minutes or until the bites are golden brown, just make sure to watch them so they don’t burn! If you want to do the sweet cinnamon sugar version, you’ll do the same thing, except when they come out of the oven, dip the tops in some melted butter and then into the cinnamon sugar mixture. If you want to can return them to the oven for a few minutes but that’s totally optional. And that’s it! Easy right?
These homemade pretzel bites are perfect for dunking in a spicy cheese sauce, a sweet cream cheese dip or eating plain! They were a huge hit at our house- I’m sure you’ll love them too!
Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tsp dry active yeast
- 2 cups + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp butter - melted
- 1/4 tsp salt
Water Bath
- 8 cups water
- 1/2 cup baking soda
Egg Wash
- 1 egg - (lightly beaten)
- 1 Tbsp cold water
Toppings
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt
- 2 Tbsp sugar + 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp butter - melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat, then set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it dissolve for 2–3 minutes. Add the brown sugar, butter, and salt. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour ½ cup at a time. Once all the flour is added, sprinkle in the cornstarch. Switch to the dough hook attachment (or transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface) and knead for 4 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about ½ inch wide. If the dough isn’t tacky, slightly dampening your hands can help. Cut into 1½-inch pieces.
- Drop 10 pieces of dough into a pot with boiling water and baking soda. Allow the bites to cook for about 30 seconds, then remove and place on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and salt immediately (if doing salted). Place in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown—just watch them so they don’t burn! If doing the cinnamon sugar version, immediately dip the tops of the bites into the melted butter and then into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
NOTES
Nutrition
Recipe source: Life Made Simple, method adapted from Epicurious
Made these today—SO GOOD! They taste just like mall-style pretzels but even better!
Mmm these do look perfect. And i definitely need to try a cinnamon sugar version soon!