A fun and easy Copycat Auntie Anne’s pretzel recipe, today’s Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites are a dead ringer for the chain’s pretzel nuggets. They are perfect for a family movie night, bringing to a potluck event or serving on game day!

Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe/Craft

There is something so irresistible about these buttery, salty, chewy golden pretzel nuggets.

I think I said “okay, this is my last one” about 10 times the last time I made them… but who can blame me?

These bite-sized soft pretzels are perfect for dipping in a variety of sauces and dips and give you even more of that gorgeous, chewy crust that is my personal favorite part of any pretzel. Not to mention, pretzel bites are easier to serve to a crowd or exercise portion control than with full-sized pretzels.

I have used this base recipe to make a variety of homemade pretzel bites:

• cinnamon sugar pretzel bites
• pecan crunch pretzel bites
• jalapeno pepper and cheese pretzel bites
• cheddar cheese pretzel bites
• and, pumpkin spice pretzel bites

Once you get the hang of making this super easy yeasted dough, you’ll be able to give it your own twist and come up with a variety of unique ways to enjoy it.

This is a great recipe to try if you’d like to make homemade pretzels but are a bit intimidated. Although it’s extremely easy to do a traditional pretzel twist, this method of making pretzel nuggets skips the need for that so you can just focus on making the dough and the easy baking soda bath that is essential to achieving that salty, golden exterior and light, fluffy interior.

Just like with the pretzels you can get at the mall, homemade pretzel bites are best enjoyed soon after making – ideally within a couple of hours, or at least the same day.

However, they can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. I recommend storing them in a paper bag as the bag doesn’t trap moisture in like a sealed plastic or glass container would. Trapped moisture will cause these pretzel bites to become soggy quickly.

Your best bet if needing to make ahead of time is to either freeze the baked pretzel bites OR to pre-make the dough and refrigerate that for up to 2 days before baking.

How to freeze pretzel bites: Pretzel bites can be frozen for up to 2 months in airtight ziptop freezer bags or your favorite freezer containers. (This set of freezer containers is a crazy bargain.)

How to make vegan pretzel bites (or dairy-free pretzel bites): Swap out the butter called for in our recipe for margarine (or your favorite “plant-based butter”) and use water instead of milk. The texture will be slightly different, but only slightly.

Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda for the baking soda bath? In a pinch, you can use baking powder for this step but you will need 2-3 times the amount to achieve the same result, about 3/4 cup of baking powder.

Is active dry yeast the same as instant yeast? You can use either yeast in this recipe. Active dry yeast needs to be dissolved in water or a liquid to activate, while instant yeast does not. Instant yeast then removes the need to proof the yeast for 5 minutes in the warm water – but I still always allow it to sit and bubble while I work on measuring out and preparing my other ingredients.

Soft Pretzel Bites Ingredients

• Yeast
• Warm Water (between 90-110F)
• Melted Butter
• White Sugar
• Salt
• All-Purpose Flour, as needed
• Water
• Baking Soda
• Flaked Salt or Kosher Salt <– this is my all-time favorite

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.

Tip: read the recipe fully before making the pretzels – note that the baking soda is not meant to be added to the pretzel dough, it is used to make a baking soda bath to soak the pretzels before baking.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Mixing Bowl
• Saucepan
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula <– I like these spatulas because they are one solid piece and don’t have removable heads for bacteria to get trapped underneath. Plus they are heat-resistant and have a lifetime warranty
• Spider Strainer
• Pastry Brush <– I like these for the same reasons I mentioned for the spatulas above (and they also have a lifetime warranty)
• Cookie Sheet
• Silicone Baking Mat

How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites

In a large bowl, combine yeast, warm water, melted butter, sugar and salt. Stir and let yeast bubble for 5 minutes.

Stir in the flour, as needed to form a cohesive dough.

Fold the dough out onto a clean surface and knead for 5 minutes.

Place dough back in bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Set in a warm spot of your kitchen and allow dough to rise until doubled, about 15-20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 475F.

Boil 4 cups of water and dissolve baking soda in it. Remove from heat and allow to cool until just warm.

Divide pretzel dough into 8 equal pieces, then roll pieces into 1″ thick ropes.

Use a sharp knife to cut the ropes into 1 1/2″ long pieces.

Place pretzel bites in the warm baking soda water for 2 minutes then move to a lined baking sheet.

Sprinkle pretzels with salt and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.

Pin this Easy Homemade Soft Pretzel Bite recipe for a delicious snack the whole family will love:

Grab your free printable recipe card for our homemade soft pretzel nuggets recipe:

I hope your family loves this easy pretzel bite recipe as much as mine does!

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