Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

$To make your own delicious cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F) - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup baking soda - 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Each ingredient plays a key role. The warm water activates the yeast, making the dough rise. Sugar feeds the yeast, helping it grow. Flour gives structure to the pretzel bites. Salt adds flavor, while butter gives a rich taste. Baking soda helps create that classic pretzel crust. The egg wash gives a golden color as they bake. Finally, the cinnamon and sugar mixture coats the bites for that sweet finish. Gather these ingredients, and you'll be ready to create a tasty treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you will need to dissolve 2 tablespoons of sugar in 1 cup of warm water. Make sure the water is warm, around 110°F to 115°F. This warm water helps activate the yeast. Once the sugar is dissolved, add 1 packet of active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You will see it foam up, which means the yeast is ready. In another bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix it well. Now, slowly add this flour mix to your yeast mixture. Stir until a dough starts to form. After that, add 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. Next, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This rising helps the pretzels become fluffy. Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it into a long rope about 1 inch thick. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces to create your pretzel bites. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water and 1/4 cup of baking soda to a boil. Carefully add the pretzel bites in batches. Boil them for 30 seconds each. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Next, brush each pretzel bite with a beaten egg. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mix generously over the pretzel bites before baking. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the bites for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Enjoy your delicious cinnamon sugar pretzel bites! - Kneading tips: Knead the dough on a floured surface. Use the heel of your hand to push down. Then fold it back and give it a turn. Keep kneading until the dough feels smooth and springs back when pressed. This usually takes about 5 minutes. - Signs the dough is ready: The dough should feel soft and elastic. When you poke it, it should spring back quickly. If it sticks to your fingers, add a little flour. - Importance of baking soda bath: Boiling in a baking soda bath gives pretzel bites that classic crisp crust. The baking soda reacts with the dough. This reaction helps form a nice brown color and chewy texture. - Boiling timing for best results: Boil each batch for 30 seconds. This time is just right to achieve the perfect balance. Don’t skip this step; it’s key for flavor and texture. - Best dips and accompaniments: These pretzel bites taste great with melted chocolate or cream cheese dip. You can also try spicy mustard or a tangy cheese sauce. Each dip brings out a different flavor. - Presentation ideas for parties: Serve the pretzel bites warm in a basket lined with parchment paper. Add a small bowl of dip on the side. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon sugar on top for a nice touch. Pro Tips Use Warm Water: Ensure your water is at the right temperature (110°F to 115°F) to activate the yeast effectively for a better rise. Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for a chewier texture. Boiling Solution: The baking soda bath is crucial for achieving that classic pretzel flavor and glossy finish; don't skip this step! Cinnamon Sugar Ratio: Adjust the cinnamon and sugar to your taste preference; a little more cinnamon can add a nice warmth to the sweetness. {{image_2}} You can easily change up your pretzel bites by adding flavors. Try mixing in some shredded cheese. Cheddar or mozzarella works well. You can also add spices like garlic powder or onion powder for extra taste. For a sweet twist, use different sugar coatings. Instead of cinnamon sugar, try using vanilla sugar or a cocoa-sugar mix for a chocolatey kick. If you need a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for blends designed for baking. They usually work well in recipes like this. Add a bit of xanthan gum to help with texture. This helps your pretzel bites hold together nicely. Want smaller bites? Shape your dough into tiny balls. You can also stuff them with cheese or chocolate. Make sure to seal them well before boiling. This way, the filling stays inside. Mini pretzel bites are perfect for snacking or sharing at parties. To keep your cinnamon sugar pretzel bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil if you don't have a container. This helps prevent them from drying out. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them. They will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. You can also freeze pretzel bites. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They can stay fresh for up to 3 months this way. Refrigeration slows down spoilage but can change the texture. Freezing keeps them fresh for a long time but may alter their chewiness. Always let them cool completely before storing to avoid moisture build-up. For the best results when reheating, use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pretzel bites on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This helps keep them soft and warm. You can also use a microwave, but the texture may not be as good. Heat them for about 15-20 seconds. Check often to avoid making them tough. Enjoy your warm pretzel bites just like they were fresh out of the oven! To make these bites, follow this easy guide: 1. Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. 2. Whisk flour and salt in another bowl. Add this mix to the yeast mixture until a dough forms. 3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. It should feel smooth and elastic. 4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour until it doubles in size. 5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 6. Punch down the dough and roll it into a rope. Cut it into 1-inch pieces. 7. Boil water with baking soda in a pot. Add the pretzel bites in batches for 30 seconds, then place them on the sheet. 8. Brush with a beaten egg, then sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top. 9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. If you don't have active dry yeast, try instant yeast. It works the same but doesn’t need proofing. You can also use baking powder for a quick dough. Use 1 tablespoon baking powder for every packet of yeast. The dough will not rise as much, but it will still taste good. Yes, you can freeze pretzel bites. After boiling and before baking, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Cinnamon sugar pretzel bites last up to 2 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them. When ready to eat, just reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain that fresh-baked taste. Making cinnamon sugar pretzel bites is a fun and easy task. You learned how to prepare and shape the dough, boil it, and bake until golden. I shared tips to perfect your dough and ideas for storage and serving. Experimenting with flavors and variations makes these bites even more exciting. Enjoy these treats warm and fresh. With proper care, they will delight you and your guests time after time. Now, get in the kitchen and start your pretzel-making adventure!$

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

Delicious bite-sized pretzels coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for snacking.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 12

Total Time 1 45

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 24

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture until a dough forms.
Add the melted butter and knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it into a long rope about 1 inch thick. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces to form your pretzel bites.
In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Carefully add pretzel bites in batches, boiling for 30 seconds each. Remove using a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg.
In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon together. Generously sprinkle the mixture over the pretzel bites before baking.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

Serve warm in a basket lined with parchment paper. Pair with melted chocolate or cream cheese dip.

Keyword cinnamon sugar, pretzel, snack