Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are chewy on the inside, golden brown on the outside, and coated in melted butter for the ultimate snack. Perfect for dipping in cheese sauce, mustard, or even cinnamon sugar, these bite-sized pretzels are a hit at parties, game days, or anytime you’re craving a warm, homemade treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, chewy, and buttery – Just like classic soft pretzels but in bite-sized form.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients with no special equipment needed.
- Perfect for dipping – Serve with cheese sauce, mustard, or even a sweet dip.
- Great for parties – A crowd-pleasing snack that disappears fast.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Dough:
- Warm water
- Active dry yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- All-purpose flour
- Butter, melted
Baking Soda Bath:
- Water
- Baking soda
Topping:
- Butter, melted
- Coarse salt (pretzel salt or sea salt)
Directions
- Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: Add salt, flour, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix and knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Preheat Oven: Set to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Roll dough into ropes and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Baking Soda Bath: Bring water to a boil, add baking soda, and briefly dip the pretzel bites (about 30 seconds each). Drain well.
- Bake: Place on the baking sheet, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Butter Coating: Brush warm pretzel bites with melted butter. Serve immediately!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 40 bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Sweet Cinnamon Sugar: Toss in cinnamon sugar after buttering.
- Cheesy Pretzels: Mix shredded cheese into the dough.
- Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper or jalapeños for heat.
- Garlic Parmesan: Sprinkle with garlic powder and Parmesan before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! No need to proof—just mix it directly into the flour.
Why do I need a baking soda bath?
It gives pretzels their classic chewy texture and deep brown color.
Can I skip the butter topping?
You can, but it adds amazing flavor and helps the salt stick.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly denser.
How do I keep them soft?
Store in an airtight container and reheat slightly before serving.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the dough, refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh the next day.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Cheese sauce, honey mustard, ranch, or chocolate sauce for sweet versions.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary.
How do I make them extra golden?
Brush with an egg wash before baking.
Can I shape these into full-sized pretzels?
Absolutely! Just shape into pretzels instead of bites and adjust the baking time.
Conclusion
Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are the ultimate homemade snack—chewy, buttery, and perfect for dipping. Whether you make them for a party, game night, or just because you’re craving pretzels, this easy recipe delivers amazing flavor and texture every time. Try different variations, pair with your favorite dips, and enjoy these irresistible, bite-sized treats!
Print
Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 50–60 bites 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are golden brown on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and brushed with melted butter for a delicious finish. They’re perfect for dipping in cheese sauce, mustard, or just enjoying on their own!
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Baking Soda Bath:
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
For Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Coarse salt (pretzel salt or sea salt)
Instructions
-
Activate the yeast:
- In a large bowl, whisk warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
-
Make the dough:
- Stir in salt, melted butter, and flour one cup at a time.
- Knead for 5-7 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
-
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Shape the bites:
- Punch down the dough and divide into 4 sections.
- Roll each section into a long rope (about 1-inch thick).
- Cut into 1-inch pieces for bite-sized pretzels.
-
Prepare the baking soda bath:
- Bring 4 cups water to a simmer in a pot. Stir in ¼ cup baking soda.
- Drop pretzel bites in batches, letting them sit for 15-20 seconds.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the baking sheet.
-
Bake the pretzel bites:
- Sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
-
Brush with butter & serve:
- Immediately brush with melted butter for extra flavor.
- Serve warm with cheese sauce, mustard, or honey butter.
Notes
- Cinnamon Sugar Version: Skip the salt and toss baked bites in cinnamon sugar instead of butter.
- Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bites: Wrap dough around small cheese cubes before baking.
- Make Ahead: Freeze unbaked bites, then bake when needed.