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
Scale
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
