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If you’re craving a cozy, delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing, the Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe will quickly become your new favorite snack. These little bites are soft, chewy, and generously coated with a perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar that makes every mouthful feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying a quiet night in, or looking for a sweet twist on a classic snack, this recipe brings incredible flavor and fun to your kitchen with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you dive into the magic of making these delicious bites, it’s great to know the ingredients are simple yet incredibly important to the final result. Each one plays a role in creating that perfect soft texture and irresistible flavor that defines the Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe.
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110-115°F): This gives the yeast a cozy environment to activate properly and helps develop the dough.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness that also feeds the yeast for a good rise.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Balances flavor and enhances the overall taste of the pretzel bites.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: The essential ingredient that makes the dough rise and become fluffy.
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and chewiness that soft pretzels are known for.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 10 cups water: Used for boiling pretzel bites, giving them their signature chewy exterior.
- 2/3 cup baking soda: Key for the water bath, this creates that classic pretzel crust.
- 1 large egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water: Brushed on for a gorgeous golden color after baking.
- Cinnamon sugar mixture (1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon): The irresistible topping that brings sweetness and warmth in every bite.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm water, sugar, and kosher salt in a bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is your yeast waking up and getting ready to work its magic on the dough.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Once your yeast is bubbly and alive, stir in the all-purpose flour and melted butter. You’ll want to mix this until it forms a shaggy dough, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface to knead. Knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This step is crucial as it develops the gluten that gives your pretzel bites their perfect chew.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour. The dough will double in size, becoming airy and soft. This rise develops flavor and makes those bites nice and fluffy inside.
Step 4: Shape the Pretzel Bites
Once risen, punch the dough gently to deflate it and turn it out onto a clean surface. Divide the dough into small, equal pieces—about the size of a walnut—and roll each piece into a bite-sized ball. These cute little rounds will be ready for their signature bath to get their classic pretzel exterior.
Step 5: Boil in Baking Soda Water
Bring 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup of baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water in batches, letting them boil for about 30 seconds to a minute. This baking soda bath is what gives pretzels that irresistible chew and deep golden crust. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Apply Egg Wash and Cinnamon Sugar
Brush each pretzel bite generously with the egg yolk and water mixture to create a shiny, golden finish once baked. While the egg wash is still wet, sprinkle the pretzel bites with the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating them beautifully with sweet and aromatic goodness.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and bake the pretzel bites for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Fresh from the oven, they’re warm, soft, and absolutely begging to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, try dusting a little extra cinnamon sugar over the bites just before serving. You can also add a drizzle of melted butter or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a different spin on the classic topping.
Side Dishes
These bites are wonderful paired with rich, creamy dips like cream cheese frosting, honey mustard, or even a caramel sauce. They also complement a cup of hot cocoa or coffee beautifully, making them the perfect snack for chilly afternoons.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or cozy gatherings, serve the Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe in cute mini baskets lined with festive cloth napkins. Stack them high on a tiered stand or serve alongside fresh fruit and cheese for a sweet and savory platter that’ll impress everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and ready to enjoy without losing their signature chewiness.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, freeze them on a baking sheet after they are fully cooled, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once solid. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, so you can have a sweet treat ready whenever cravings hit.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop your pretzel bites in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will revive their softness and crisp up the cinnamon sugar coating to perfection.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, bring it to room temperature, then proceed with shaping and baking.
What happens if I skip the baking soda bath?
Skipping the baking soda bath means you won’t get that signature chewy pretzel crust. It’s an essential step in the Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe for texture and color.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
While you can substitute some whole wheat flour, using only whole wheat may make the bites denser and less chewy. A mix works best for maintaining softness.
Is it possible to make these vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with a vegan alternative and substitute the egg wash with a splash of plant milk or a mix of water and maple syrup to achieve similar browning.
How do I store leftover cinnamon sugar mixture?
Keep any leftover cinnamon sugar in an airtight container at room temperature, and it will stay fresh and ready to sprinkle on your next batch for several weeks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cozy, fun snack that’s bursting with warm cinnamon flavor and soft pretzel goodness, the Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe is absolutely worth making. They’re a fantastic way to impress friends, delight family, or simply treat yourself to something sweet and comforting. I promise once you try them, they’ll be a staple in your kitchen, bringing smiles with every bite.
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Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 64 servings 1x
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites are the perfect bite-sized treat, combining a chewy, golden pretzel exterior with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Perfect as a snack or party appetizer, they feature a classic yeast dough boiled briefly in baking soda water before baking to achieve that authentic soft pretzel texture and flavor.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110-115°F)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Boiling
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
For Topping
- 1 large egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
- Cinnamon sugar mixture: 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a medium bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes or until the yeast becomes foamy, indicating it’s active.
- Make the dough: Add the all-purpose flour and melted unsalted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Form pretzel bites: After the dough has risen, gently deflate it and divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and cut into bite-sized pieces, shaping them slightly if desired.
- Boil pretzel bites: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup of baking soda to a boil. Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water in batches, boiling each batch for about 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Apply egg wash and cinnamon sugar: Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg yolk mixture to give a glossy finish. Immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the pretzel bites.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn a deep golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Boiling pretzel bites in baking soda water is key to achieving that authentic chewy pretzel texture and shiny crust.
- Ensure water for yeast is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast; 110-115°F is ideal.
- These bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be reheated in a toaster oven for a few minutes.
- You can experiment with different toppings such as coarse salt instead of cinnamon sugar for a savory variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
