Description
Delightfully soft and chewy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites, perfect for snacking or sharing. These homemade pretzel bites feature a classic yeast dough boiled in baking soda water before baking to achieve that authentic pretzel texture, then coated in a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (between 100° and 110° F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 0.25 ounces active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water and sugar. Add the active dry yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir flour in with a spoon until a dough begins to form, about 1 minute. Attach the dough hook to the mixer and knead on medium-low speed for 6-8 minutes until the dough is shiny and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- First Rise: Remove the dough hook, lightly oil the mixer bowl, and place the dough ball back in. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape Pretzel Bites: Punch down the dough, then cut it into small 1/4 cup-sized balls. Roll each ball into a thin log and cut into 3/4- to 1-inch pieces. Arrange the pieces on baking sheets without stacking.
- Boil Pretzel Bites: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Slowly add the baking soda (it will bubble up), then reduce heat to medium-low. Boil pretzel pieces in small batches for 1 minute, turning halfway through.
- Drain and Arrange: Remove boiled pretzel bites with a slotted spoon and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheets in a single layer.
- Bake Pretzels: Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Apply Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Let baked pretzel bites cool for 10 minutes. Brush them evenly with melted butter and immediately toss or coat with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Notes
- Ensure the water used to activate yeast is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water helps achieve the traditional pretzel crust and chewy texture.
- Work in small batches when boiling to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking during baking.
- For extra flavor, you can vary the cinnamon sugar ratio according to your sweetness preference.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to regain crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
