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To make Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites, you will need: - 1 ½ cups warm water (around 110°F) - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - ⅔ cup baking soda - 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash) - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (optional for extra flavor) - ¾ cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon You can substitute some ingredients if needed: - Instead of all-purpose flour, you can use bread flour for a chewier bite. - If you don't have active dry yeast, use instant yeast. Adjust the amount slightly. - For the egg wash, a milk wash works well too, giving a nice color. - If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil in place of unsalted butter. It's important to measure ingredients accurately for the best results. Use a kitchen scale for precision when possible. - Store flour in a cool, dry place. It lasts up to one year if sealed well. - Keep granulated sugar in an airtight container to prevent clumping. - Use warm water at the right temperature. Too hot can kill the yeast. For leftovers, store pretzel bites in an airtight container for up to two days. Enjoy them fresh for the best taste! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, mix warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Stir gently. Let this sit for about 5 minutes. You will see bubbles form. This means your yeast is ready to use. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add your yeast mixture. Stir it with a wooden spoon until you see a shaggy dough. Move the dough to a floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic. If it sticks, add a little more flour. Once the dough rises, punch it down gently. Divide it into small pieces, about 1.5 inches each. Roll each piece into a rope, around 6-8 inches long. Twist it into a pretzel shape or keep it as bites. In a large pot, boil 10 cups of water. Add baking soda to the boiling water. Drop a few pretzel bites in for about 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet. Brush the pretzel bites with a beaten egg for a shiny look. Bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F for 12-15 minutes. They should be golden brown. While they bake, mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Once out of the oven, let them cool for a minute. Roll each bite in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Enjoy these tasty treats! To make your pretzel bites fluffy, follow these tips: - Use warm water: The water should be around 110°F. This helps the yeast activate. - Knead well: Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes. This builds gluten, making the bites airy. - Let it rise: After kneading, let the dough rise until it doubles in size. This takes about an hour. A shiny finish makes your pretzel bites look great. Here’s how to get that glossy shine: - Egg wash is key: Brush the bites with a beaten egg before baking. This gives them a nice golden color. - Boil in baking soda water: The baking soda solution helps create a crisp outer layer. It also contributes to the shine. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure success: - Skipping the yeast activation: Always let the yeast foam before mixing with flour. This shows it’s alive. - Not boiling long enough: Boil the bites for at least 30 seconds. This step is crucial for texture. - Overcrowding the baking sheet: Give the bites space on the sheet. This helps them bake evenly and puff up nicely. Pro Tips Proof Your Yeast: Ensure your yeast is active by checking for a frothy layer on top after mixing it with warm water and sugar. If it doesn’t froth, the yeast may be expired. Don’t Skip the Boil: Boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water is crucial for achieving that classic pretzel texture and flavor. Make sure the water is at a rolling boil. Perfect Dough Consistency: Your dough should be smooth and elastic after kneading. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it. Coat While Warm: Roll the pretzel bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture immediately after baking while they’re still warm for the best adhesion and flavor. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your pretzel bites easily. Try adding different spices to the sugar mix. A pinch of nutmeg can add warmth. You can also use cocoa powder with sugar for a chocolate twist. For a fruity touch, mix in lemon zest. Try using honey instead of sugar for a unique glaze. You can even coat them in crushed nuts for a crunchy bite. These options let you explore fun flavors with every batch. If you need a gluten-free option, it's simple. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum for best texture. Follow the same steps for mixing and kneading the dough. You may need to adjust the water amount. Check the dough’s consistency. It should still be soft and workable. Boiling and baking times stay the same. You will still enjoy a tasty treat without gluten. You can also make sweet and savory pretzel bites. For a savory version, skip the cinnamon sugar coating. Instead, sprinkle sea salt or garlic powder on top before baking. You can even add cheese to the dough for flavor. If you want a sweet twist, try adding chocolate chips or caramel pieces into the dough. This makes each bite a surprise. These options make your pretzel bites exciting for every palate. To keep your pretzel bites fresh, place them in an airtight container. Let them cool completely first. This step prevents moisture from making them soggy. Store them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, move them to the fridge. They will stay good for about a week in the fridge. Always remember to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the pretzel bites cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. This way, you will have a tasty snack ready when you crave one. When you're ready to enjoy your pretzel bites again, reheating them is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pretzel bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake them for about 5–7 minutes. This method helps regain their crispy texture. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 15–20 seconds if you’re in a hurry. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dip! Yes, you can make these pretzel bites in advance. Prepare the dough and shape the bites. Then, cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let them come to room temperature before boiling and baking. You can serve pretzel bites with many tasty dips. Try melted chocolate for a sweet treat. Cream cheese dip adds a nice creamy touch. Mustard is great for a savory option too. Get creative and explore different flavors! Homemade pretzel bites last about 2 to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool place. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. The process is simpler. Just mix it directly with the flour and salt. You won’t need to activate it in warm water. This saves you some time! You learned how to make fluffy pretzel bites from scratch. We discussed every step, from ingredients to storage. You can customize flavors and avoid common mistakes too. Remember, practice makes perfect! Now you can enjoy pretzel bites fresh, warm, and delicious. Whether you share them or keep them for yourself, they’ll be a hit. Happy baking!

Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

Delicious soft pretzel bites coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for snacking.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups warm water (around 110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.67 cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted (optional for extra flavor)
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and the active dry yeast. Mix gently and let it sit for approximately 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbling.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture begins to form a shaggy dough.
  • Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
  • Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size, typically about 1 hour.
  • About 10 minutes before the rising time is complete, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a rolling boil and carefully stir in the baking soda.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Divide the dough into small evenly-sized pieces, around 1.5 inches each. Roll each piece into a rope about 6-8 inches long and twist it into a pretzel shape or simply form into pretzel bites.
  • Carefully drop a few pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda solution, cooking for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer them onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Brush each pretzel bite generously with the beaten egg.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are golden brown and puffed up.
  • While the bites are baking, mix the remaining ¾ cup of granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon in a medium bowl.
  • Once out of the oven, allow the pretzel bites to cool for just a minute. Then, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are fully coated.

Notes

Serve warm for the best flavor. Pair with melted chocolate or cream cheese dip.
Keyword cinnamon sugar, pretzel, snack