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 for the Bread Machine
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.
Maria says
Homemade pretzel bites are one of our favorite snacks!
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!
Wendi Packer says
I don’t have a bread machine. Do you have a way for me to make these without one?
Rachel says
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!!
Kristen says
Oh I’m so good!! It’s honestly one of my favorite recipes on Dine & Dish!
Julie says
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.
Kristen says
I haven’t but I love that idea to try. I may do that this week!
Amy | She Wears Many Hats says
; )
I need a bread machine. Or either I’ll just meet you at the mall, sans kids.
Tracey says
Oh that’s too funny, I love pretzels from the mall too 🙂 Your homemade bites look great!
Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies says
Sweet baby Jeebus you should not have put this recipe in my hands, Kristen! What were you thinking?!
Barbara | VinoLuciStyle says
Yes butter is necessary and for me; a sprinkle of sesame seeds please? Can food be adorable…cause these surely are!
SMITH BITES says
yes, you are the most lenient mom in the world – will you be my mother??? much, much too easy w/a bread machine . . . sigh . . .
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!
EatLiveRun says
love this! The cinnamon sugar pretzel bites were always my favorite!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
Pretzel bites a huge weakness of mine! I love them 🙂
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!!
Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction says
Wow… I always have to stop for a soft pretzel at the mall, too.. We would get along just fine as shopping buddies! These pretzel bites look even better, though. I definitely need to give these a try!
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
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?
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!!!
Darmaz says
I am delighted to pull out my bread machine and give these a whirl!!!
LOVE them:)
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.
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!
Magpie says
Wow! This looks sooo good! Love your mall trip story too!
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.
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)!
Mama Kelly aka Jia says
With the exception of the course salt I could go into my kitchen and make these right now. Love this!
Julie says
Do you have a non-bread-maker version of this recipe?, if so I would love to have it.
Strawberry CAKE says
Yeah I love bread machine recipes. Thanks Kristen.
Crystal's Cozy Kitchen says
I always try to convince my husband we NEED these when we stop by a mall together! (There are no malls where we are so usually we are together when we are actually near a mall!)
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.
Momma Cupcake says
That’s a perfect snack right there!
Jenny says
Oh. My. Goodness. I must try these!! Now!!!
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!
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?
Jan says
Definitely will try these! Check this out—> http://allrecipes.com/PersonalRecipe/62345481/Pretzel-Dogs/Detail.aspx
Steve @ HPD says
i know what we’re having next movie night!
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!
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!!
Jen @ keepitsimplefoods says
I want to dunk these in some spicy maranara or whole grain mustard sauce. So hungry right now!
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!
Wenderly says
Those look so perfect! I know let’s just skip the mall and I’ll come over…I’ll bring the coffee.
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
Tracy says
Ummm yes please! I’ll meet you at the mall. Or your house, whichever is easier. 😉
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!
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
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.
melissa @IWasBornToCook says
I just ate at the food court yesterday for lunch 🙂 These look terrific.
Laura says
Confession: I too love mall court food. It’s my dirty secret. Especially the fried pork in that day-glo red colour.
Steph (desserts for breakfast) says
OMG, I adore mall food, too!
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!
Glenna says
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!
Robyn | Add a Pinch says
I’m so glad we’re friends. Cause friends let friends eat mall food court food. It’s one of the best things about the mall. Well… besides the shopping.
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. 🙂
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!
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 🙂
Elodie says
Just wanted to let you know I made these twice now and they’re SOOO delicious! so easy too! really fantastic recipe. 🙂
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!
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!
Kat says
Delicious! How do you get them to brown so nicely? Mine got overdone on the bottom!
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!
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.
kmj says
Its’s from LeCruset
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.
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.
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??
Meagan Wied says
I found this recipe floating around Pinterest and knew that must try it! Well, it turned out amazing and I decided to use half of the dough and then save the rest for a pizza. I will be posting on my website soon at http://www.azestybite.com.
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!
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.
Jo says
I’m with you, I LOVE court food!!! Its amazing! And these pretzel bites look so good!!! 🙂
chelle belle says
Just wanted to confirm:
“1/2 cup baking soda”????
Just making sure before I start! Yummo!!!!
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
Kristen says
Hi Megan –
You most certainly can! http://www.food.com/recipe/real-homemade-soft-pretzels-130301 That recipe is similar and you can either follow that recipe exactly or follow my recipe but those instructions 🙂 Just cut into pretzel bites or shape into full pretzels, whatever you’d like 🙂
Just don’t forget to do the baking soda / boiling water step. It’s important 🙂
Kristen
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!
Diane Brimmer says
I used 1/2 cup of baking soda and mine turned out , way too much baking soda. Are you sure you didn’t mean 1/2 teaspoon?
Diane Brimmer says
Sorry reread it and it was my mistake. I didn’t see all the directions. again I appologize.
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!
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.
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! 🙂
Jodi says
The recipe is for regular pretzels. How do you make them into the pretzel bites?
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!
Brandie (@ Home Cooking Memories) says
These are totally cute! My husband loves all things pretzel, so he’d be a happy camper with these, I’m sure.
Brandy Anderson Peerey says
Is this recipe still possible without a bread machine?
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?
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
Can I use bread flour for this recipe? I am hoping to make them tonight for lazy Saturday Movie Night.
Kristen says
You certainly can. Can I join you on your lazy Saturday Movie Night? 🙂
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!
Judy says
Please clarify: How much baking soda in recipe?
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
Laura says
I made these and I LOVE them! If I double the dough recipe, will it still work in the bread machine? Thanks!
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 !
france pas cher air max says
The photo on Pinterest looks like
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
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!!!
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.
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 .
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!
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.
Vic says
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.
Sean Twomey says
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!
Margo Kennedy says
Just made these! They’re amazing!! Thank you so much for the post!!
Susanne says
I just made these tonight! Delicious! Found it on Pinterest 🙂
Kristen says
Thank you! So glad you liked them!
Kaitlyn says
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)
Kristen says
Oh I’m so glad! It’s been a favorite for a long time. In fact, I think I need to make them this week! It’s been awhile!
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?