Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

A hand dipping pretzel bites into a creamy white sauce.

5 from 2 votes

Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

Bite-sized, soft, and full of mall-style pretzels flavor, these Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites are perfect for snacking. Golden brown, chewy, and easy to customize with a salty or sweet finish.

Prep Time20

Cook Time15

Total Time35

Course: Appetizer, Bread

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: bites

Calories: 39kcal

Author: Andrea

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 1/2 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

Recipe Source: Method adapted from Epicurious

-For a quick and easy cream cheese dip: Beat 8 oz. room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add ¾ stick room temperature butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ cup milk, and 2 cups powdered sugar. Beat until smooth, then warm until it reaches dipping consistency.

-For a quick and easy spicy cheddar sauce: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour until bubbling. Add 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half, then whisk constantly. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon cayenne. Add an 8 oz. block of shredded medium or sharp cheddar tossed in 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Whisk until smooth.

-This recipe can easily be doubled.

To STORE, keep leftover homemade pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, FREEZE them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag—they'll keep for up to 3 months.

To REHEAT, warm them in a 300-degree Fahrenheit (150-degree Celsius) oven for about 5 minutes, or use the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If reheating cinnamon sugar pretzels, you may want to brush them with a little extra butter to refresh the flavor.

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