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For these tasty cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, you will need: - 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F - 115°F) - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons active dry yeast - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ cup baking soda - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon Some ingredients can be swapped if needed. You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option. If you want a dairy-free version, replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. For a vegan twist, skip the egg wash and use a plant-based milk instead. Using good-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh yeast gives the best rise and flavor. Use pure cinnamon for a richer taste. Always check your flour; it should be fresh to avoid clumps. High-quality butter adds that delicious, rich taste that makes these bites special. When you start with quality, your pretzel bites will shine! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by mixing warm water with sugar and yeast in a bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes. You want the mixture to become foamy. This shows the yeast is ready. Next, add flour and salt into the foamy mix. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to blend it. Once a dough forms, transfer it to a floured surface. Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl and roll it to coat in oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth. Put it in a warm area for about 1 hour. Your dough should double in size. This rising helps create a soft pretzel bite. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the dough gently to release air. Divide it into small pieces, each about the size of an inch. Roll them into balls. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully stir in the baking soda. It will bubble, so watch out! Working in batches, drop about 10 to 12 pretzel balls into the boiling water. Boil them for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the baking sheet. Next, brush the tops of each pretzel bite with beaten egg. This gives them a nice golden color. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle this mix over the pretzel bites. Make sure they are well coated. Bake the pretzel bites in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. They should turn golden brown. Once baked, brush the tops with melted butter. This makes them extra tasty! Let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Now, they're ready to enjoy! To get the best texture and flavor in your pretzel bites, follow these tips: - Use warm water: The water should be between 110°F and 115°F. This helps activate the yeast. - Knead enough: Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. - Let it rise: Allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour. It should double in size. - Boiling soda solution: Boil the bites in water with baking soda. This gives them a nice crust. - Egg wash: Brush each bite with beaten egg. This makes them golden brown when baked. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of: - Skipping the yeast activation: If your yeast isn’t foamy, it won’t work. - Over or under-kneading: Both can lead to tough or dense bites. - Not boiling long enough: Boil for at least 30 seconds for the right texture. - Skipping the butter: Brushing melted butter on the bites adds rich flavor. - Not coating with cinnamon sugar: Generously sprinkle it on for the best taste! Using the right tools can make your baking easier: - Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl helps in combining your ingredients. - Slotted spoon: This is perfect for removing the pretzel bites from the boiling water. - Pastry brush: Use this for applying the egg wash and butter. - Parchment paper: Line your baking sheet to prevent sticking. - Wire rack: This helps cool the bites evenly after baking. Pro Tips Yeast Activation: Ensure that your water temperature is between 110°F - 115°F to properly activate the yeast for the best rise. Dough Consistency: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, which helps achieve the perfect chewy texture of the pretzel bites. Baking Soda Bath: Don’t skip the baking soda solution; it gives the pretzel bites their signature flavor and dark color. Butter Brushing: Brush the pretzel bites with melted butter immediately after baking for a deliciously rich flavor and shiny finish. {{image_4}} You can enjoy cinnamon sugar pretzel bites without gluten. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for good texture. Follow the same steps as the original recipe, and you'll have tasty bites that everyone can enjoy. To make this recipe vegan, replace the egg wash with almond milk or a flax egg. Use melted coconut oil instead of unsalted butter. The rest of the steps stay the same. You still get soft and sweet cinnamon sugar pretzel bites that taste amazing. Want to spice things up? After baking, dip your pretzel bites in melted chocolate. Add crushed nuts on top for crunch. You can also mix spices like nutmeg or vanilla into the dough for different flavors. These small changes can create a whole new snack experience! After baking, allow the pretzel bites to cool slightly on a wire rack. This prevents sogginess. Avoid stacking them while they are warm. This keeps their texture nice and crisp. Let them cool for about 10-15 minutes before moving them. Once cool, store the pretzel bites in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator. They will last about five days when chilled. If you prefer them warm, reheat them in the oven. This helps restore their crispy texture. To freeze the pretzel bites, let them cool completely first. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until firm. Once frozen, transfer the bites to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven for a warm, tasty snack! You can tell your dough has risen enough when it doubles in size. After about an hour, check for this. The dough should feel light and puffy. If it’s not doubled, give it more time. The warmth helps yeast work better. Yes, you can! Prepare the dough, then shape the bites. Place them on a tray, cover, and chill in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake them straight from the fridge. This helps save time on busy days. You can find ready-made cinnamon sugar pretzel bites at many grocery stores. Look in the frozen section or snack aisle. Some bakeries also sell fresh ones. If you’re feeling adventurous, try ordering online for delivery. Yes, you can use a bread machine! Just add the warm water, sugar, and yeast first. Let it sit to activate. Then, add flour and salt. Follow your machine's instructions for mixing and rising. It makes the process easier and saves time. In this post, we covered how to make delicious pretzel bites. We looked at the ingredients that matter, how to prepare the dough, and the best methods for boiling and baking. I shared tips for great texture and common mistakes to avoid. You also learned about tasty variations and how to store leftovers properly. Remember, the quality of your ingredients is key to success. With practice, you’ll master this fun recipe and impress everyone with your skills!

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

Delicious bite-sized pretzels coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for snacking.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups warm water (110°F - 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 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Gently stir to incorporate, then let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  • Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the foamy yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a cohesive dough begins to form. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  • Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, rolling the dough to coat it lightly with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth, then set it in a warm spot to rise for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into small pieces, each roughly the size of an inch, and roll each piece into a ball.
  • In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, carefully add the baking soda to the water.
  • Working in batches (about 10-12 bites at a time), drop the pretzel balls into the boiling baking soda solution. Allow them to boil for 30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the top of each pretzel bite with the beaten egg to create a golden finish during baking.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the ½ cup of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Generously sprinkle this mixture over the pretzel bites, ensuring they are well coated.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are golden brown.
  • Once baked, remove the pretzel bites from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted unsalted butter for an irresistible buttery flavor.
  • Allow the pretzel bites to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

For an appealing serving idea, present the warm pretzel bites on a wooden board and pair them with a small bowl of cream cheese dip or homemade caramel for an extra touch of indulgence.
Keyword cinnamon sugar, pretzel, snack