If you’re craving a snack that’s both irresistibly soft and sweetly spiced, this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe is here to answer your cravings in the most delightful way. These little golden nuggets of dough, dusted in warm cinnamon sugar, offer a satisfying chew balanced by a perfect sugary crunch. Whether you’re sharing them at a party, sneaking a few during movie night, or just craving a cozy treat, this recipe delivers that homemade warmth and flavor that’s truly unbeatable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, kitchen-staple ingredients ensures that your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe comes together with ease. Each component plays a crucial role: the yeast creates that airy texture, the baking soda bath gives the outside a classic pretzel crust, and the cinnamon sugar topping finishes everything with a cozy sweetness.
- Warm water (1 1/2 cups, 110-115°F): Activates the yeast perfectly to start your dough rising beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon, plus 1/2 cup for topping): Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough; extra sugar mixed with cinnamon creates the irresistible topping.
- Kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Balances flavor and enhances the dough’s taste without overpowering.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The essential agent that makes your pretzel bites fluffy and soft.
- All-purpose flour (4 1/2 cups): The body of your dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and keeps the pretzels tender inside.
- Water (10 cups): For the baking soda bath that gives pretzels that signature chewy crust.
- Baking soda (2/3 cup): Creates the alkaline water bath needed to develop the pretzel’s distinct color and texture.
- Large egg yolk (beaten with 1 tablespoon water): Brushed on to help the cinnamon sugar stick and encourage a golden finish.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Mixed with sugar to create that cozy, warm topping that makes these bites absolutely addictive.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm water, granulated sugar, and kosher salt in a large bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This step is key because a lively yeast mixture guarantees a soft, airy dough that’s going to bake into perfection.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Once your yeast is activated, stir in the flour and melted butter until a dough begins to form. Transfer it to a clean surface and knead for about 7–10 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth, elastic dough that feels slightly tacky but not overly sticky. This kneading process develops the gluten, giving your pretzel bites their signature chew.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This rise is what transforms the dough from dense to delightfully fluffy, so be patient—good things come to those who wait!
Step 4: Shape the Pretzel Bites
Once risen, punch down the dough gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into manageable pieces and roll each into long ropes. Cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch each. These small bites will bake evenly and are perfect for snacking.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath and Boil
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup baking soda to a gentle boil. Drop the pretzel bites in batches into the boiling water and boil each for about 30 seconds. This alkaline bath is what gives pretzels their unique brown crust and slight tang, so don’t skip it!
Step 6: Bake with Egg Wash and Cinnamon Sugar
Remove the boiled pretzel bites with a slotted spoon and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush each bite generously with the egg yolk mixed with water, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture right on top. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Fresh from the oven, these bites are pure comfort!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate can elevate your cinnamon sugar soft pretzel bites to a fancy treat. You can also add a pinch of flaky sea salt for a delightful salty-sweet contrast that keeps everyone reaching for more.
Side Dishes
Pair these bites with warm vanilla dipping sauce, cream cheese frosting, or even a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for an irresistible dessert spread. They’re also a fun side to pair with apple cider or hot cocoa during cooler weather—so cozy and delicious!
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your pretzel bites in a cute basket lined with a checked cloth for a rustic touch, or stack them in a glass jar for an on-the-go snack station. You can even serve them skewered on small sticks like mini kebabs to make sharing a breeze at parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their soft texture so you can enjoy the same comforting chew later.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cinnamon sugar soft pretzel bites around longer, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 1 month, making them perfect for quick snacks anytime.
Reheating
To revive leftovers or thawed pretzel bites, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. This helps restore that fresh-baked softness and brings back the warm cinnamon aroma that makes them so addictive.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the flour instead of activating it in water first. It might cut down the rising time slightly but still results in soft, fluffy pretzel bites.
Why do pretzel bites need a baking soda bath?
The baking soda bath raises the pH on the dough’s surface, which helps create the distinctive dark brown color and slightly crispy crust typical of pretzels. Skipping this step would produce more of a soft bread snack than a pretzel.
Can these pretzel bites be made gluten-free?
While traditional pretzel dough relies on gluten for its chewy texture, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for yeast baking. However, the texture may differ slightly from the classic soft pretzel bite we all love.
How do I adjust the cinnamon sugar topping if I like it more or less sweet?
Feel free to tweak the ratio of cinnamon to sugar according to your taste. Add more cinnamon for a spicier kick or increase the sugar if you want maximum sweetness and crunch.
What’s the best way to keep pretzel bites soft for longer?
The key is to store them airtight at room temperature and reheat gently before serving. Avoid refrigeration as it tends to dry out the dough, making it less soft on the next day.
Final Thoughts
There’s something just so comforting about sinking your teeth into these warm, gooey, Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe. Whether you’re treating yourself on a quiet evening or sharing with friends, this recipe brings that perfect combo of soft, sweet, and slightly tangy with every bite. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to fill your kitchen with the best cinnamon sugar scent around—you’re going to love every moment making and eating these!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 64 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites are a delightful, bite-sized twist on traditional soft pretzels, perfect for snacking. Made with a chewy dough, boiled briefly in baking soda water for that classic pretzel texture, then baked to golden perfection and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. They make a perfect treat for parties, snacks, or any time you crave a warm, cinnamon-spiced indulgence.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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
Boiling Solution
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
Topping
- 1 large egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (cinnamon sugar mixture)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water (110-115°F), granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the dough: Add the all-purpose flour and melted unsalted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, roughly 1 hour.
- Shape the pretzel bites: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small pieces, then roll each piece into bite-sized balls to form the pretzel bites.
- Boil the pretzel bites: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup of baking soda to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water in batches and boil for 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Apply egg wash and cinnamon sugar: Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg yolk mixed with water to achieve a shiny golden crust. Immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over each bite.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a deep golden brown.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the water used to activate the yeast is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading is essential to develop gluten which gives the pretzels their signature chew.
- Boiling in baking soda water is the key step that creates the classic pretzel crust and flavor.
- You can store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
