Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

$- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F) - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons active dry yeast - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ cup baking soda - 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash) - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon To make delicious cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, you need a few key ingredients. First, you need warm water. This helps activate the yeast. You also need granulated sugar. This adds sweetness to the dough and helps the yeast grow. Next, you will use active dry yeast. This is the magic that makes the dough rise. All-purpose flour is essential for the dough's structure. Make sure to use salt as it enhances flavor. Baking soda is important too. It gives pretzels that classic flavor and color. You will need a large egg for the egg wash. This gives the pretzel bites a shiny finish. Unsalted butter adds richness to the bites and makes them even tastier. Lastly, mix together cinnamon and sugar for coating. This is what makes these pretzel bites sweet and irresistible. With these ingredients, you are ready to create a fun and tasty snack! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, grab a large bowl. Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast together. Let this sit for about 5 minutes. You want it to get frothy. This shows the yeast is active. 2. Next, add flour and salt to the yeast mix. Stir until a dough forms. 3. Now, knead the dough on a floured surface. Do this for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want a smooth and elastic dough. 1. Place the dough in a greased bowl. This keeps it from sticking. 2. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place. This should take about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it has doubled in size. 1. While the dough is rising, prep for boiling. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda. It will bubble up, so be cautious. 2. Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 10 inches long. Cut them into 1-inch pieces for pretzel bites. 3. Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling soda water in batches. Let them boil for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 2. Brush the pretzel bites with the beaten egg. This gives them a lovely golden color when baked. 3. In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the pretzel bites. 4. Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. They should turn golden brown. 5. Once done, take them out. Brush the tops with melted butter while they are still warm. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar if you like. To know when the dough has risen, look for a puffed-up shape. It should double in size and feel light. If it stays flat, give it more time. For kneading, use a floured surface. Push the dough with your palms and fold it over. Repeat this for 5-7 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic when ready. This will help make your pretzel bites soft and chewy. Using an egg wash gives the pretzel bites that shiny look. After boiling, brush the beaten egg on top. This step is key for that golden brown color. For texture, try baking on a stone instead of a pan. A stone keeps heat well. This can help your bites get crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. For dipping, cream cheese frosting pairs really well. You can also try caramel or chocolate sauce. These sauces add a fun twist to your snack. To present, serve the warm pretzel bites in a basket. Line it with a napkin for a nice touch. This makes your snack look inviting and tasty. Pro Tips Perfect Temperature: Ensure your water is at the right temperature (110°F to 115°F) to activate the yeast effectively. Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this helps develop the gluten for a better texture. Boiling Solution: When adding baking soda to boiling water, do it slowly to prevent overflow and ensure even cooking. Extra Cinnamon Sugar: Don’t be shy with the cinnamon sugar topping; add more after brushing with butter for an extra sweet finish. {{image_2}} You can get creative with your cinnamon sugar pretzel bites. Try adding seasonal spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for fall. For a holiday twist, mix in some ginger or cloves. You can also change the coating. Instead of just cinnamon sugar, try using cocoa powder or crushed nuts. A sprinkle of sea salt can also add a nice contrast to the sweetness. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free all-purpose flour. Many brands offer blends that work great in dough. To make these bites healthier, reduce the sugar in the coating. You can even try using a sugar substitute. This way, you still enjoy the flavor without all the extra calories. Making mini pretzel bites is fun and cute! Just cut the dough into smaller pieces. When baking, do reduce the time to about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. For serving, mini bites are perfect for parties. You can arrange them on a platter with various dips. Regular-sized bites make a great snack for movie nights or family gatherings. To keep your pretzel bites fresh, use an airtight container. This keeps moisture out and helps them last longer. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. If you prefer, store them in a zip-top bag. You can leave pretzel bites at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge. Just remember, cold air can dry them out, so wrap them well. To freeze your pretzel bites, let them cool completely first. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. After they are frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. When you're ready to eat them, take out the desired amount. You can reheat them directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake them for about 10-12 minutes. They will come out warm and tasty. Enjoy! Yes, you can use active dry yeast in place of instant yeast. The process is very similar. Just remember, you need to activate active dry yeast first. Mix it with warm water and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets frothy. Then, mix it into your dough. This step is key for the best rise in your pretzel bites. You will know the pretzel bites are done when they turn golden brown. They should have a nice, shiny look from the egg wash. The total baking time is around 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to get that perfect color. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time! After kneading, cover it and place it in the fridge. It can last for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough rise better. Cinnamon sugar pretzel bites taste great on their own, but you can add dips for fun! Consider serving with cream cheese frosting or chocolate sauce. Caramel sauce also pairs well for a sweet treat. You can even add some fresh fruit to your snack spread for color and flavor! You now have a complete guide to making tasty pretzel bites. From the right ingredients to step-by-step instructions, you can whip up a batch at home. Remember to knead well and let your dough rise for that perfect texture. Experiment with flavors and storage tips to enhance your pretzel experience. Enjoy these bites fresh or share them with friends and family. Get creative with dips and serve them at your next gathering. Now, it’s time to enjoy your delicious homemade pretzel bites!$

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

Delicious bite-sized pretzels coated in cinnamon sugar.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1 45

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 cups baking soda
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
0.5 cups granulated sugar (for coating)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Gradually add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and carefully add the baking soda (it will bubble up).
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 10 inches long) and cut them into 1-inch pieces for pretzel bites.
Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water in batches for about 30 seconds, then remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the parchment-lined baking sheets.
Brush the pretzel bites with the beaten egg to give them a nice golden brown color when baked.
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the pretzel bites.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and brush the tops with melted butter while still warm, then sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar as desired.

Notes

Serve warm with dipping sauces like cream cheese frosting, caramel, or chocolate sauce.

Keyword cinnamon sugar, pretzel, snack