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- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C) - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for yeast activation) - 2 teaspoons active dry yeast To start, the warm water helps activate the yeast. The sugar feeds the yeast, making it bubbly. Using active dry yeast is key for fluffy pretzel bites. - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - ¼ cup baking soda (for boiling solution) The all-purpose flour gives the dough its structure. Salt adds flavor, while baking soda helps create that lovely pretzel texture when boiling. - 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash) - ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - Melted butter (for brushing) The beaten egg gives the bites a golden color. Mixing sugar and cinnamon creates a sweet topping. Brushing with melted butter adds a rich flavor. Each of these ingredients makes the pretzel bites taste amazing! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Stir gently and wait about 5-10 minutes. You will see bubbles on the surface. This frothy mix shows your yeast is active. Next, mix all-purpose flour and salt in a larger bowl. Gradually pour in your yeast mixture. Stir until it forms a dough. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. Your goal is a smooth and elastic dough. Now, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size. Once ready, punch it down lightly to release air. Roll the dough into ropes about ½ inch thick. Cut these into 1-inch pieces to form pretzel bites. In a large pot, bring about 8 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the baking soda carefully. This creates bubbles. Working in batches, drop each pretzel bite into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden color. Mix sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle this mix over each bite. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 12-15 minutes. You want them golden brown and fragrant. After baking, brush them with melted butter for extra flavor. To make great pretzel bites, focus on kneading. Knead the dough for about five minutes. This helps develop elasticity. A good dough should feel smooth and soft. It’s also key to let the dough rise in a warm place. Yeast loves warmth and will help your dough grow. Cover it with a towel and let it rise until it doubles in size. Boiling the pretzel bites is very important. Boil them for about 30 seconds. This step gives them that classic pretzel texture. To avoid sticking, use a large pot with plenty of water. Stir in the baking soda carefully. It creates bubbles and helps prevent sticking. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out gently. You can get creative with toppings! Besides cinnamon sugar, try adding a dash of nutmeg. You could also drizzle melted chocolate over the bites after baking. For serving, place them in a basket lined with parchment paper. Pair them with cream cheese dip or warm chocolate sauce. This makes your snack even more special! Pro Tips Yeast Activation: Make sure your water is warm but not too hot; too high a temperature can kill the yeast. The ideal temperature is around 110°F (43°C). Dough Rising: For the best rise, let the dough sit in a warm, draft-free area. You can turn on your oven for a few minutes to warm it up, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise. Boiling Solution: Ensure the water is at a rolling boil before adding the baking soda. This step is crucial for achieving that classic pretzel texture. Coating Technique: For an even cinnamon sugar coating, toss the pretzel bites in the mixture while they are still warm. This helps the sugar stick better. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of your pretzel bites. Try adding a splash of vanilla extract. This will bring a sweet layer to your bites. You can also use spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist. These flavors mix well with the cinnamon sugar. Dipping sauces can elevate your pretzel bites. A cream cheese dip pairs perfectly with the warm bites. You can also try chocolate sauce or caramel for a sweeter option. The rich flavors of these sauces make each bite even more fun. If you need a gluten-free version, you can substitute with gluten-free flour. This change will help keep the texture nice. Also, make sure to let the dough rise well. Gluten-free dough can be a bit tricky, but the results are worth it. To keep your pretzel bites fresh, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. This helps to keep them soft and avoid moisture loss. If you plan to eat them soon, store at room temperature. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate or freeze them. To reheat your pretzel bites, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes. This keeps them warm and helps them regain their soft texture. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them chewy. To freeze pretzel bites, first cool them completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Seal tightly, removing as much air as possible. When you're ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as described above for the best results. To check if your yeast is active, look for bubbles. After mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast, let it sit. If it foams up after about 5-10 minutes, your yeast is good to go. This bubbling shows that the yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise. If there are no bubbles, you may need to start over with fresher yeast. Yes, you can prepare these pretzel bites in advance. After forming the bites, cover them tightly. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature while your oven preheats. You can also freeze them after boiling. Thaw in the fridge and bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. You can find cinnamon sugar pretzel bites at local bakeries and cafes. Many grocery stores also stock them in the snack aisle. If you want a warm, fresh option, check out pretzel shops in your area. They often serve these delicious treats hot and ready for you to enjoy. You now have the tools to make delicious pretzel bites at home. From the essential ingredients to tips on kneading and boiling, you can create perfect treats. Remember to experiment with flavors or try gluten-free options. Store them well and enjoy them later. With practice, you’ll impress your friends and family with your skills. Enjoy the process and happy baking!

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

Delicious bite-sized pretzels coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for snacking.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup warm water (approximately 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for yeast activation)
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 cup baking soda (for boiling solution)
  • 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • as needed tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, which indicates that the yeast is activated.
  • In a larger mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture and stir continuously until the ingredients come together to form a cohesive dough.
  • Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for approximately 5 minutes, or until it achieves a smooth and elastic consistency. Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  • As the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
  • In a large pot, bring approximately 8 cups of water to a rapid boil. Once boiling, carefully stir in the baking soda, which will create a bubbling reaction.
  • After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release excess air. Roll the dough into ropes about ½ inch thick, and then cut these ropes into 1-inch pieces to form individual pretzel bites.
  • Working in batches, carefully drop each pretzel bite into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Brush the tops of each pretzel bite with the beaten egg, which will give them a beautiful golden color while baking.
  • In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Generously sprinkle this sweet mixture over each pretzel bite, coating them evenly.
  • Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and fragrant.
  • Once baked, immediately brush the warm pretzel bites with melted butter to enhance their rich flavor and ensure a lovely finish.

Notes

Serve warm with cream cheese dip or chocolate sauce.
Keyword cinnamon sugar, pretzel, snack