Dine and Dish

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Mall Food (Recipe: Homemade Pretzel Bites)

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Homemade Pretzel Bites using the Bread Machine

I have a confession to make. I love mall food court food…

There, I said it. Do you think less of me now? I understand if you do… truly… guess we won’t be hanging out at the mall together anytime soon then, which is a bummer.

I bribe my kids to be good at the mall with the promise of Pretzel Bites once we are done. Then, I am the most lenient mom ever just so we can get to the pretzel bite reward at the end.

Knockdown a rack of clothes? I’ll turn my head and pretend I didn’t see it happen. Run away from me and head down the escalator? That’s fine… we’ll meet up with you at the bottom like it was totally planned. Have a screaming meltdown in the middle of Ann Taylor? Pure entertainment… isn’t she just the cutest little thing?

As long as we can get the pretzel bites at the end, I’m a happy camper.

Now I don’t have to go to the mall to get pretzel bites anymore. I’m thrilled to share that I can make these babies right here in my very own home and I can use my bread machine, which gives me more time to be a good mother and to teach my beloved children how to act in public. I’m working on it… I promise.

Homemade Pretzel Bites

Homemade Pretzel Bites

Pretzel Bites
Print Pin
4.86 from 7 votes

Homemade Pretzel Bites for the Bread Machine

Pretzel Bites just like from the mall! Made your own at home using the bread machine.
Author Dine & Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 1/8 cups water 70 to 80 degrees F
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 quarts water
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • coarse salt
  • melted butter – not in the original recipe but a must for mall food pretzel like experience

Instructions

  • In bread machine pan, place the first four ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons water or flour if needed).
  • When cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough into eight balls. Roll each into a 20-in. rope and cut into 1-2 inch bites. In a saucepan, bring water and baking soda to a boil. Drop pretzel bites into boiling water, two at a time; boil for 10-15 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels.
  • Place pretzel bites on greased baking sheets. Bake at 425 degrees F for 8 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with salt.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • suzi says

      you say ‘bites’ but the recipe says to roll into a log or rope. if you cut those into bites wouldn’t you need to bake for a little less time? what size do you cut your ‘bites’? how many would you say this makes? sorry for the dumb questions. just want to get it right.

      • Kristen says

        I can’t believe I published that post in 2011 and no one ever caught my mistake. Thank you so much for letting me know! Cut the ropes into 1-2 inch bites, boil the same, but bake for about 8 minutes. (But still watch to make sure they don’t get too brown). Thank you sooo much!

          • Rachel says

            5 stars
            My bread machine broke in the middle of making these so I just transferred to my kitchen aid mixer and using the bread hook just mixed like the bread machine does. Meaning mix for a few minutes then off to let rise for a bit then mix again for a few and so forth. Did that for about 30-45 minutes then followed the recipe. They came out amazing!!

    • Julie says

      5 stars
      I have made these bites before and they were amazing!! I plan on bringing them to an event but wanted to know if you have tried to freeze them? If so, I am wondering if you tried freezing them after you boiled them and bake them right before serving or after you baked them and just heat them up prior to serving? Thank you.

  7. Caroline says

    If you’re feeling ambitious, you can stuff them with ham and chedder. I posted those right around the Super Bowl time, and they were a hit at the party I took them to. I walk past an Auntie Annie’s every single day, and it takes every bit of willpower not to buy a pretzel (or pretzel dog) from there, so I know your plight!

  10. Cookbook Queen says

    Oh. My. Gosh.

    Love the pretzel bites,but I think I love the post even more. It SOOO sounds like something I would do!!

    These look absolutely amazing. Lucky for me, I own snazzy bread machine!!

  12. marla {family fresh cooking} says

    I am so happy that you can now feast on these pretzel bites in the comfort of your own home. I do believe they will be tastier, fresher & way healthier than anything you can get at the mall! Enjoy, and bake some up for me! xo

  13. Joy says

    I actually meet up with friends in the middle of the week so we can have our food court pretzels and coffee. Love, love it! I’ll have to take out the bread machine from the garage to try this. Or I can attempt to make this with a stand mixer. Should I even risk it?

  14. Nancy@acommunaltable says

    It’s a very good thing that I don’t own a bread machine…. so if I really want these, I am gonna have to do the work myself – which is a good thing otherwise I’d be making these every day!!

    P.S. – I know you are a fabulous mom!!!

  16. Shaina says

    Ha. I have similar feelings about the mall a lot of the time. Funny how having four of them makes you a bit insane, and pretzel bites really make it worth all the effort.

  17. theurbanbaker says

    love your honesty! I am guilty of loving the “mall” food as well! Pretzel bites, doughnuts, and sees candy – all those wonderful little treats that can add up to hundreds of calories! I guess that is why I no longer sport a bikini! Yours look so good that they could keep me out of the malls for a while. Not great for the economy, but terrific for my waist line!

  19. bridget {bake at 350} says

    “Knock down a rack of clothes? I’ll turn my head and pretend I didn’t see it happen. “…ahahahaha! Don’t you LOVE pretending not to see something so YOU can get the reward? 🙂

    PS….I love mall court food, too. Hangs head in shame.

  20. The Lucky Wife says

    I “discovered” “mall pretzels” a few years ago… sooo addictive! Haven’t had them in waaaay too long. Maybe it’s time for a mall visit (since I don’t have a bread machine… yet)!

  25. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says

    I love pretzel bites! I guess I’m a mall food lover too then, we can hang out there together 😀 I was so excited the first time I made pretzels at home because I realized that I could make my very favorite bites at home and it was so much easier than twisting it into the traditional pretzel shape.

  28. Nuts about food says

    First of all I love pretzels and can find them nowhere in a 400km radius. Secondly, that scene with the kids is all too familiar…feigning indifference and nonchalance whilst cringing inside!

  29. camille says

    Not so much pretzels, but food court food, omg, yes. Particularly the free samples. Why, no, Mr. Chicken Teriyaki man, you don’t recognize me from 5 minutes ago, whyever would you think that?

  32. envie recipes says

    We used to purchase the boxed “make pretzels at home” kit from Aunt Annies at the mall. Pretty good, and a fun activity for kids, but I would much rather make them from scratch. I’m looking forward to trying this recipe. Thanks!

  33. Kim- Liv Life says

    Saw your photo on Foodgawker and couldn’t help but tell you that these little guys made my mouth water. My kids are always begging for pretzels at the mall and I have to say that I catch the pretzel aroma from miles away. What a treat to have at home!!

  35. Alison Moore Smith says

    Oh, yum. So glad you did the water drop. Pretzel recipes without that are just wrong.

    I’m trying really hard to figure out how to make these fit in my lowish-carb diet. Look so good!

  37. stephchows says

    OMG I’m in love with those things too. It took all my will power not to get any last night and now I just want to go home and make my own LOL

  39. Sammie says

    When it comes to the mall I’m a sucker for two things: pretzels and cinnabons. I swear it’s like I’m on vacation and calories no longer count… or walking the mall counteracts everything I ate. After seeing the pictures- I’m definitely in the mood for these pretzels!

  40. A Canadian Foodie says

    These look like fun! I am surprised to see no soda in the boiling water… I find that makes a huge difference. My students LOVE making these in class at school!
    🙂
    valerie

  41. Michelle says

    We just made soft pretzels during the kids’ snow day. There’s nothing as amazingly delicious as eating a pretzel fresh from the oven. Yum.

  45. Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says

    I have never had pretzel bites. And now I’m feeling like I’ve really missed out on something! My daughters love their big pretzel twists – I’ll have to seek out the bites next time we’re at the mall. Or buy a bread machine…yours look awesome!

  48. naomi says

    I love this recipe. My son begs to go to the mall just to have pretzels, so now I have another excuse to pull out my clunky ol’ bread machine.

    And for the record, I would totally race down the escalator with you for some pretzel bites. 🙂

  49. Donna says

    Thank you for sharing this recipe. These babies got gobbled up so fast I was only able to get two pictures. Question: In your picture, you have bites, but in your recipe it seems as if you’re making traditionally shaped pretzles. How many bites were you able to make with your recipe. I was able to make about 40 rounds. Thanks for sharing. What a great idea!

  50. Jo says

    Wow, I love the recipe, pretzel bites have got to be one of my favourite snack foods ever.

    Also love the whole post in general, is so true though, shame that my kids are too old now to fall for that trick.
    They know that we’ll buy the snack at the end regardless.

    But there you go, don’t need them now 🙂

  51. Elodie says

    Just wanted to let you know I made these twice now and they’re SOOO delicious! so easy too! really fantastic recipe. 🙂

  52. Lori says

    I want to make these for guests. Can I get them all done except baking before they arrive???

    • Kristen says

      Hi Lori –
      I’ve never tried that but as long as you keep them cool (so maybe in the fridge so they don’t rise out of control) I would think it would be fine. Take them out prior to baking to let them rise a bit and then bake them. I can’t guarantee that will work, but it sounds like a great idea for serving these hot and fresh for guests!

  53. Kathy D. says

    Made the dough once and had the friends make their own pretzels (any shape they liked) …was so much fun! Some people have a strange relationship with food! Cheers!

  55. Katie says

    Lovely! Can’t wait to make these! One question – these appear to be displayed on parchment paper. Did you bake them on parchment, as opposed to on a greased baking sheet? Would love to see some flawless pretzel bites on my kitchen counter!

  56. Amy says

    These look wonderful! Where did you get your salt pig that’s in the background of the second picture? I’m on the prowl for a good salt pig.

  57. Kati says

    Love these. I found the recipe through Pinterest and made them this morning. I have a weakness for the mall pretzels as well. These really taste just like them and are way cheaper and easier than a trip to the mall with my kids! The recipe worked perfectly.

  58. Joyce says

    I can’t believe how great these turned out. I don’t have a bread maker because I gave it away. I used my stand mixer on #2 with the dough hook for 5 minutes and followed the recipe. I will be making these again. Thanks for the tip with the melted butter that made all the difference in the world.

  59. Stacy says

    Found this through Pinterest and I would love to try and make the pretzel bites. However, your instructions seem to have you molding the dough into pretzel shapes and not bites. If you just kept them as mini pretzel ball bites, would the cooking time change??

  61. Suzi says

    Hi! I loooove, more than anything, Auntie Anne’s pretzels. I am so excited to try these out, but I don’t have a bread maker! So I was wondering what your dough cycle consists of.

    I was looking online, and I think on average it’s just mixing the ingredients, kneading it for several minutes and then letting it rise once, correct? Just wanted to know. Cannot WAIT to get my hands on these. 🙂

    Thanks!

  62. Carrie@My Favorite Finds says

    I am making these AGAIN tonight for our “appetizer” dinner menu. Every Friday we have appetizers for dinner and play games. Anyway, just a tip, I baked mine in my mini muffin pan last time, and they turned out great.

  64. chelle belle says

    Just wanted to confirm:
    “1/2 cup baking soda”????

    Just making sure before I start! Yummo!!!!

  65. Megan McPortland-Lucero says

    I don’t have a bread maker or a kitchen aid mixer can I make them by hand? Thanks 🙂 We don’t have Auntie Anne’s in Tucson. This will help my cravings, thanks again

  66. Sarah Coale says

    These are awesome! We made half just sea salt and the other half garlic. My son home from college helped with the boiling and putting on the baking sheet…it is kind of a 2 person job! Hope they make it until tomorrow for the party!

      • Kristen says

        Oh good – I was worried! 1/2 cups would make the dough bad, but its perfect for the water bath. I’m sorry you spent time making it and they didn’t turn out. That’s always frustrating!

  68. Allison says

    Found your recipe on pinterest. I accidently used the 1/2 cup baking soda (not knowing better) and they still turned out. Thanks for posting.

  69. Cylet says

    Do these freeze well? I would like to bake ahead for a reunion this weekend (of the 3rd) and want to freeze everything before we leave to the campground! Thanks in advance for your response! 🙂

    • Kristen says

      Oh sorry – you just roll the dough into the ropes and cut into 1-2 inch pieces. Then follow the directions in the recipe for cooking. Thanks!

  73. Joan N Uelese Vaaulu says

    Want too make these for Christmas but don’t have a bread machine so will it still turn out if we make by hand?

  74. Genevieve Graham-Sawchyn says

    Just made these – half with salt, half with cinnamon sugar. They’re great! The kids are going to love them.

      • Miya says

        I took a chance and used the bread flour. They came out great. Mine are less “round” than yours… more rectangle-ish. I also made a jalapeno beer cheese dip to go with them. Come on over for movie night. My 10 y/o daughter is picking the movie so I can’t be held responsible for it’s contents. There will be a blanket fort if that sweetens the deal. 🙂

        • Kristen says

          That dip sounds amazing!
          Your evening sounds great. I had movies picked out for tonight and was just reminded that there is basketball on, Boo!

    • Kristen says

      Hi Judy!
      It is 1/2 cup… It doesn’t go into the dough but does go into the water bath.
      Enjoy!
      Kristen

  77. Laura says

    I made these and I LOVE them! If I double the dough recipe, will it still work in the bread machine? Thanks!

  78. MaryAthenes says

    I don’t know about those, we don’t have them in Mall here (Greece) but I’ll try because I love anything “bites” and I always wanted to try bretzel.
    Thank you !

  80. Amanda Schuler says

    I am so excited to try these tonight! I can’t wait to see how wonderful they are! They would be the perfect appetizer at any Chocolate Tasting party with a Sweet’N’Spicy Cocoa Rub dip! YUM! THANKS! – Amanda, Dove Chocolate Discoveries

  81. Rachel says

    These are sooo good! Thank you for sharing this recipe with us! They are actually pretty easy to make.I love my bRead maker!!!

  82. Sheila says

    I don’t have a bread maker..have mixed my dough, do you let the dough rise before shaping? Have never used a bread maker before not sure if there is a rise included in the bread maker cycle.

  83. mentaltraining says

    Hi my family member! I want to say that this post is awesome, nice written and come with almost all vital infos.
    I’d like to peer extra posts like this .

  84. Kristy says

    So the recipe is for bites, but it tells me to make a rope and shape them like a pretzel. For bites do I just do little balls instead? Thanks!

  85. Krista bramlett says

    Great recipe, but dropping in two bites at a time was a pain so my suggestion is if you have a fry basket that will fit in your boiling water that will save you so much time. again these are better than Auntie Anne’s. And so easy to make.

  86. Vic says

    5 stars
    Made these today, awesome!! I accidentally brushed with butter then baked, they still turned out great, but next time I’ll try brushing with butter after baking. Used a garlic dill butter. Will try other seasoning combos too.

  87. Sean Twomey says

    5 stars
    There is no doubt, lots of people love this simple recipe! Now I am using my bread machine very frequently! I follow the recipe exactly, but when it comes out of oven and I brush on plenty of butter I then pop it in my toaster oven where it develops the deep dark brown color and intensifies the pretzel taste. Still soft and chewy on the inside. My poor machine is going to quit on me and I am going to turn into a pretzel! Great recipe!

  90. Kaitlyn says

    5 stars
    I’ve never left a rating or review for a recipe. This was my first attempt at making homemade pretzels and I was sure it was going to be a flop. Nope! These were PERFECT! Great recipe!!! (from a novice cook)

  91. Alexandre Ber Durham says

    I was wondering if you ever considered changing the page layout of
    your website? Its very well written; I love
    what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of
    content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for
    only having 1 or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?

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