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- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F - 115°F) - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ cup baking soda - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - ½ cup granulated sugar - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon - Coarse sea salt (for topping) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - Dipping sauces (caramel or chocolate) - Mixing bowls - Slotted spoon - Baking sheets - Parchment paper To make my cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, I rely on simple but essential ingredients. The warm water helps wake up the yeast. This gives the pretzel bites a light and fluffy texture. Brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness, perfect for balancing the cinnamon. The all-purpose flour is the base of the dough. It creates the chewy bite that everyone loves. Using salt in the dough boosts flavor. Baking soda plays a key role when boiling the bites. It gives them that classic pretzel flavor and nice color. The egg wash helps the cinnamon sugar stick well to the bites. I love to mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon for that sweet topping. Coarse sea salt adds a perfect salty crunch. I sometimes include dipping sauces, like caramel or chocolate, for extra fun. For tools, I use basic items like mixing bowls and baking sheets. A slotted spoon is handy for boiling the bites without a mess. Parchment paper makes cleanup easy and keeps the bites from sticking. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing warm water, yeast, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes. You want it to get bubbly and foamy. This shows that the yeast is alive. Next, add the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about five minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Now, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for one hour. It should double in size. This step makes the pretzel bites soft and chewy. While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F. Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Divide the dough into small pieces, about one inch each. Roll each piece into a small rope and twist it into a pretzel shape or cut into bite-sized pieces. In a large pot, bring eight cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda to the water. Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on lined baking sheets. Brush the tops of the pretzel bites with the beaten egg. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the pretzel bites. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Once baked, brush the pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt for added flavor. To make great pretzel bites, start with warm water. Aim for a temperature between 110°F and 115°F. This warm water wakes up the yeast. Mix it with brown sugar and let it sit for five minutes. You’ll see bubbles, which means it's ready. When you add flour and salt, knead the dough well. Knead for about five minutes until it feels smooth. This step helps build strength in the dough. Boiling your pretzel bites is a key step. Use baking soda in the boiling water. This gives your pretzels that classic chewy texture. Boil the pretzel bites for about 30 seconds. This short time helps set the outside. It also adds a slight flavor. Make sure to use a slotted spoon to lift them out. This keeps the bites from getting soggy. While cinnamon sugar is great, you can get creative! Try using garlic powder for a savory twist. You could also sprinkle some grated cheese on top. For something sweet, add a touch of cocoa powder mixed with sugar. This gives a chocolatey flavor that kids will love. Don't be afraid to mix and match toppings to find your favorite! Pro Tips Perfect Dough Consistency: Make sure your dough is not too sticky or dry. Adjust with a little more flour or water as needed while kneading to achieve a smooth, elastic texture. Boiling Water Trick: Adding baking soda to the boiling water gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture and rich brown color. Don’t skip this step for the best results! Egg Wash for Shine: Brushing the pretzel bites with a beaten egg before baking not only adds a beautiful shine but also helps the cinnamon sugar stick better. Serving Suggestions: For a delightful twist, serve these pretzel bites with a variety of dips such as cheese sauce, mustard, or sweet options like chocolate or caramel sauce. {{image_2}} You can make these pretzel bites even more fun! Adding cheese to the dough gives it a savory twist. Use sharp cheddar or mozzarella for a great taste. You can also mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. Another tasty option is chocolate-covered pretzel bites. After baking, dip them in melted chocolate. This sweet treat is perfect for dessert lovers. It adds a nice crunch and sweetness that pairs well with the cinnamon sugar. Dipping sauces make these bites even better! I recommend caramel sauce for a sweet touch. The warm pretzel bites dipped in caramel are a match made in heaven. You can also serve them with chocolate sauce for a rich flavor. If you want something unique, try a spicy mustard or cheese dip. These sauces can really enhance the flavor. Want a healthier snack? You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This gives your bites more fiber and nutrients. You can also swap out granulated sugar for a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. This way, you keep the sweetness without all the calories. These small changes can make your pretzel bites a bit better for you while still being delicious! To keep your cinnamon sugar pretzel bites fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Before eating, warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. This helps restore their soft texture and flavor. If you want to save some pretzel bites for later, freezing works great. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, bake them from frozen at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes until warm. At room temperature, these pretzel bites stay fresh for about 2 days. Store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing them to heat or sunlight, as this can make them stale faster. Enjoy them while they're still soft and delicious! Yes, you can use instant yeast. Instant yeast works faster than active dry yeast. You can skip the proofing step. Mix it directly with the flour and salt. Use the same amount: one packet or 2¼ teaspoons. The dough will rise quicker, so check it often. Cinnamon sugar pretzel bites are great on their own. However, you can enhance the snack with dips. Try serving them with warm caramel sauce or rich chocolate sauce. You can also offer a cream cheese dip for a tangy twist. These pairings add fun and flavor. If your pretzel bites are not brown, check a few things. First, ensure your oven is at the right temperature. Preheat it to 425°F (220°C). Next, make sure you boiled the bites long enough. The baking soda bath helps them brown. Lastly, an egg wash gives them a nice golden color. If these tips do not work, consider baking them longer. You now know how to make delicious pretzel bites. Start with key ingredients like warm water, yeast, and flour. Follow the steps to knead the dough, allow it to rise, and shape your snacks. Remember to boil them for perfect texture before baking. Use tips for great flavor and enhance with your favorite dipping sauces. Store leftovers correctly to enjoy later. With these steps, you can impress friends and family with tasty treats. Enjoy creating fun variations to keep things exciting!

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

Delicious bite-sized pretzels coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for snacking.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 30
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups warm water (110°F - 115°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup baking soda
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • to taste coarse sea salt (for topping)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until bubbly and foamy.
  • Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small pieces (about 1-inch each). Roll each piece into a small rope and twist into a pretzel shape, or into bite-sized pieces.
  • In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Carefully drop the pretzel bites, a few at a time, into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the lined baking sheets.
  • Brush the tops of the pretzel bites with the beaten egg. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle it generously over the pretzel bites.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Once baked, brush the pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt for an extra touch.

Notes

Serve warm in a basket lined with a cloth napkin, and include small bowls of caramel sauce or chocolate for dipping.
Keyword cinnamon, pretzel, snack