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

Scale

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)

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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.