BEST Homemade soft pretzel bite recipe (2024)

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This is the BEST Homemade soft pretzel bite recipe you are going to find! These soft pretzel bites are a perfect Auntie Anne’s pretzel bites copy cat recipe! These easy homemade soft pretzels are one of my kid’s favorite snacks. I promise you these are the BEST soft pretzels you are going to find that you can make at home!

BEST Homemade soft pretzel bite recipe (1)

Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

We originally shared this amazing recipe back in 2014, however we were just getting started with our blogging adventure and learning how to use our camera so our photos were not as pretty. We have since updated the photos and added some information that covers questions people have asked about how to make homemade soft pretzels.

Homemade soft pretzel bites are one of our favorite snacks to make. There really isn’t a time that is best to enjoy them, we like to make them just because they are amazing and seriously the best snack ever.

BEST Homemade soft pretzel bite recipe (2)

If you have been following us for a long time, this is the same pretzel recipe you have loved for years. We just thought it was time to update the photos and some helpful questions that you have all asked. If you are new, I am telling you that you are going to LOVE this homemade pretzel bites recipe as it is the BEST one you are going to find!

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Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Bites Copycat

My mom and I always stop at Auntie Anne’s whenever we are at the mall to split a yummy snack, which is why it was important to me to come up with an amazing homemade pretzel recipe. This soft pretzel recipe tastes just like theAuntie Anne’s Pretzel Bites!

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I have tried many homemade soft pretzel bites recipes thinking that it is the homemade soft pretzel bites recipe. Come to find out the were gross so I gave up trying to use other people’s recipe and came up with one on my own instead! I promise you, this is the BEST homemade soft pretzel recipe ever!

My household including myself are picky when it comes to making any food at home. We want GREAT food and while it might have taken a long time to perfect this homemade cinnamon sugar pretzel recipe it was well worth it!

The printable directions for this homemade soft pretzel bites recipe can be found below to make your life easier.

Easy Copy Cat Recipes

  • Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Dogs
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  • Copy Cat Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice
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  • Shamrock Shake
  • Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
BEST Homemade soft pretzel bite recipe (5)

What kind of dip goes with pretzels?

I can sit and pop these homemade pretzel bites in my mouth and not dip them in anything because they are THAT good, however if you are a dipper there are lots of amazing things to dip homemade pretzels in. You have your normal dips like cheese dip, mustard, chocolate, but if you think outside of the box you may even shock your own taste buds!

When I am dipping mine I lovehomemade white cheddar queso. It is super easy to make and tastes amazing paired with homemade pretzels.

Looking for other amazing dips to dip your pretzels in? Check these out!

  • Peanut butter cup dip
  • Spinach Artichoke dip
  • French Onion Dip
  • S’mores Dip
  • Bacon Ranch Crack Dip
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Tips for making homemade soft pretzels

Use a stand mixer! I use my KitchenAid Mixerwhen making these Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Bites Copycat, really I use my mixer for just about everything I do in the kitchen, if there is a use for it then I am using it! But it really does make it easier when making the pretzel dough. This is the mixer I have and not only is it awesome for when I need to mix things, or anything I am doing they come in a large variety of colors so you can easily match your kitchen.

Use Measuring cups. I find that when warming the milk is a lot easier to do when I use my pyrex measuring cups and then pour it into the mixing bowl. I have a smaller microwave so large bowls don’t fit and since I use my KitchenAid to mix it all that bowl is metal and well it really is a bad idea to stick metal in the microwave.

Melted Butter is a MUST! I learned that a BIG part of making Auntie Anne pretzels at home is getting the butter and doing it the same way they do. When the pretzels are hot out of the oven the get a nice bath in melted butter!

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How to store leftover soft pretzel bites

If for some reason you have leftovers you can store them in an air tight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.

Can you Freeze soft pretzel bites?

Yes. If you have leftover pretzel bites you can store them in the freezer to enjoy later.

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How to Freeze Pretzel Bites

Allow the pretzel bites to cool completely and then put them on a baking sheet and place the baking sheet in the freezer. Once the pretzels are frozen, remove them from the baking sheet and place them in an airtight container or in to zipclose bags. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to reheat Frozen soft pretzels

You do not need to reheat the pretzels unless you want to. You can remove them from the freezer and place on a tray and allow to thaw at room temperature for about an hour. If you want to reheat them, once they are thawed place in the oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.

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Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites Ingredients

  • milk
  • active dry yeast
  • brown sugar
  • butter
  • flour
  • fine salt
  • baking soda
  • warm water
  • Coarse Salt

How to Make Homemade Pretzels

Warm up the milk in the microwave for just about one and a half minutes. I use my pyrex measuring cups to heat it in. It should be about 110º. If it’s too hot it will kill the yeast. You should be able to comfortably keep your finger in it.

Stir in the yeast and one tablespoon of the brown sugar and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

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Now grab a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer and pour the yeast mixture into the bowl.

Add 4 tablespoons of melted butter and remaining brown sugar.

Add the flour about 1 cup at a time and then add the fine salt.

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Knead for about 10 minutes with a stand mixer or by hand.

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Put it in a greased bowl and cover it with greased cling wrap.

Let rise for 1 hour in a moist, warm place until doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 450º.

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Punch down dough and divide into 12-14 lumps.

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Roll each piece with your hands to form a rope as thin as you can.

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Combine the warm water and baking soda in a wide bowl.

Cut the dough into 1 1/2″ pieces, then dip in the baking soda water.

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Place on a greased baking sheet and sprinkle with coarse salt.

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Bake for about 6-10 minutes or until browned.

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Melt the remaining 8 tablespoons of butter in a microwave safe bowl right after removing the pretzel bites from the oven.

Dip each homemade pretzel in the melted butter while hot.

Love making things homemade? Check out these other amazing recipes!

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Baking Supplies

Love to bake? Here are some of our favorite tools to make it easier!

BEST Homemade soft pretzel bite recipe (19)

Homemade Pretzels – Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Bites Copycat Recipe

3.81 from 773 votes

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings 40 pretzel bites

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

Homemade Copy Cat Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. This homemade pretzel recipes tastes just like Auntie Anne’s Pretzels!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast 2 packets
  • 6 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted
  • 5 to 5 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/3 cup baking soda
  • 3 cups warm water
  • Coarse salt
  • 8 tablespoons butter melted

Instructions

  • Warm up the milk in the microwave for just about one and a half minutes. I use my pyrex measuring cups to heat it in. It should be about 110º. If it’s too hot it will kill the yeast. You should be able to comfortably keep your finger in it.

  • Stir in the yeast and one tablespoon of the brown sugar and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

  • Now grab a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer and pour the mixture in it.

  • Add 4 tablespoons of butter and the remaining brown sugar.

  • Add the flour about 1 cup at a time and then add the fine salt.

  • Knead for about 10 minutes with a stand mixer or by hand.

  • Put it in a greased bowl and cover with greased cling wrap.

  • Let rise for 1 hour in a moist, warm place until doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 450º.

  • Punch down dough and divide into 12-14 lumps.

  • Roll each piece with your hands to form a rope as thin as you can.

  • Combine the warm water and baking soda in a wide bowl.

  • Cut the dough into 1 1/2″ pieces, then dip in the baking soda water.

  • Place on a greased baking sheet and sprinkle with coarse salt.

  • Bake for about 6-10 minutes or until browned.

  • Melt the remaining 8 tablespoons of butter in a microwave safe bowl right after removing the pretzel bites from the oven. Dip each homemade pretzel in the melted 8 tablespoons of butter while hot.

Serving: 12pieces | Calories: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 427mg | Potassium: 38mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 125IU | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg

homemade pretzels, pretzel bites, soft pretzels

Snack

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BEST Homemade soft pretzel bite recipe (20)

Did you make this?

Make sure to follow MM on Instagram and Pinterest for more creative ideas!

This homemade soft pretzel bites recipe are a great snack to have on hand when the kids get home from school or to have as a family movie night snack!

Looking for more snack recipes? Check these out!

  • BBQ Bacon Lil’ Weenies
  • Easy Layered Taco Dip
  • Baked BBQ Chicken Wings
  • Chicken Bacon Ranch Cheese Fries
  • Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

BEST Homemade soft pretzel bite recipe (21)

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BEST Homemade soft pretzel bite recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret ingredient which makes a pretzel taste like a pretzel? ›

On the one hand, lye gives pretzels their distinctive flavor, kind of a sharp flatness, if that makes sense. It's what keeps a pretzel from tasting like pretzel-shaped bread.

Is baking soda or lye better for pretzels? ›

For baking newbies, the Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction that happens between the amino acids and sugars in bread dough that gives bread products their color while also imparting flavor. You can achieve similar pretzel results with this trick using baked baking soda—but a lye solution is best.

Why do you put baking soda in water when making pretzels? ›

Like lye, baking soda is an alkaline substance, and when mixed with water and brushed over the pretzel dough, it changes the pH of the dough and gelates the surface starch. In the oven, the starch gel hardens and the alkaline baking soda makes browning happen fast.

What is the secret solution for Auntie Anne's pretzels? ›

Whisk together 2 cups (454 grams) of warm water and the 1/3 cup (90 grams) baking soda in a shallow dish. Dip the pretzels into the baking soda bath. Flip and dip the other side. Place the dipped pretzels onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

What makes Auntie Anne's pretzels sweet? ›

Bite-size pretzel pieces tossed in sugar and cinnamon make these little twists impossible to resist.

How long do you soak pretzels in lye? ›

Fifteen seconds in a lye bath plus a hot bake equals deeply bronzed, distinctly saline pretzels that shine like polished mahogany. Of course, lye is caustic stuff that can burn your skin and discolor surfaces, so it's important to approach the dipping process with respect and caution.

What is a substitute for lye in pretzels? ›

The most benign substitute for lye is baking soda. You'll get a little bit of browning and some chew, but don't expect it to taste very pretzel-y. You can also used baked baking soda, which is a stronger alkali than baking soda but not as caustic as lye.

What is the traditional dipping liquid for pretzels? ›

Traditional Bavarian pretzels are dipped in a lye solution before they are baked. Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide, is essentially the same stuff that's used to make soap and clean drains. It can even dissolve glass.

Why do you boil pretzel dough before baking? ›

The answer lies in a brief dip in an alkaline water bath before baking. This bath essentially gelatinizes the outside of the pretzel, preventing it from fully “springing” during baking (as bread does) and giving pretzels their signature chewy crust. It also gives them their unique and indelible “pretzel” flavor.

Can you let pretzel dough rise overnight? ›

Choose a bowl that will be large enough to contain the dough after it has doubled in size, and grease it lightly with butter. Transfer the dough to the greased bowl and cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Put the dough in the refrigerator to rise for at least 8 hours, and up to 24 hours, for optimal flavor.

Can you substitute baking powder for baking soda when making pretzels? ›

Substitutions for baking soda

Baking powder: Baking powder can be used to replace baking soda, though not at a 1-to-1 ratio. Because the former is not as strong as the latter, it's important to use three times the amount of baking powder as baking soda.

How do you keep soft pretzels from getting hard? ›

Room Temperature: The best way to store your pretzels at room temperature is by using a bread box. Bread boxes let the right amount of air circulate so your bread (or pretzels!) remain moisture-free without going stale. If you don't have a bread box, you can opt for a paper bag or a storage container.

How do you get salt to stick to pretzel bites? ›

A: Simple. Wet your fingers and moisten the surface of the pretzel. Sprinkle salt immediately and it will stick. I put mine in a 375 degree oven for 6 to 8 minutes.

What makes soft pretzels shiny? ›

Lye is primarily used to make pretzels, and it's the reason for their unmistakable shiny, mahogany color. To prepare, shaped pretzels are dipped in a lye bath, then baked in the oven.

What gives pretzels their unique taste? ›

The answer lies in a brief dip in an alkaline water bath before baking. This bath essentially gelatinizes the outside of the pretzel, preventing it from fully “springing” during baking (as bread does) and giving pretzels their signature chewy crust. It also gives them their unique and indelible “pretzel” flavor.

What makes a pretzel bun taste like a pretzel? ›

Lye-dipped pretzels, or in this case, pretzel buns, have a distinctive flavour that is both savoury and slightly bitter. The lye, a strong alkaline solution, is used to give the pretzels their characteristic dark brown colour and chewy exterior.

Why does pretzel bread taste different? ›

They're Boiled, Not Baked.

The dough is first shaped into a long rope and then boiled in water before being baked at a higher temperature than bread. This process creates a distinctive pretzel shape and gives them their unique taste.

What is unique about pretzel dough? ›

Soft pretzels are just a yeast bread is that formed into a pretzel shape. The one big difference in pretzel making, as opposed to a regular bread, is that pretzels are boiled and then baked. It is the boiling that gives the outside of the pretzel its beautiful golden brown color and uniquely crisp and chewy texture.

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