One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
If you’re craving a snack that’s soft, sweet, and has just the right hint of warm spice, you’re going to fall head over heels for this One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe. It’s an absolute game-changer for a quick sweet treat that delivers on flavor and texture without keeping you tied to the kitchen all day. The soft pretzel bites come out perfectly golden with a crisp cinnamon-sugar coating and a luscious chocolate finish that makes each bite a mini celebration. Seriously, these bites are pure comfort food magic, ready from start to finish in just about an hour!

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect bite. From the active yeast that helps the dough rise to the cinnamon and sugar that give the irresistible coating, every item adds its own special touch.
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F): The ideal temperature to activate your yeast without killing it, ensuring a good rise.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic that makes your dough light and airy.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and chewiness to your soft pretzels.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and keeps the dough soft and tender.
- ⅔ cup baking soda (for boiling): Creates that signature pretzel crust with a beautiful golden brown color.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Gives the pretzels a shiny, inviting finish.
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating): Provides the perfect sweet crunch when mixed with cinnamon.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice that pair beautifully with the chocolate.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for dipping or drizzling): Adds the luscious chocolate touch that makes these bites irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for smoother chocolate): Helps melt the chocolate more smoothly and makes dipping easier.
How to Make One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
Start by combining the warm water with the active dry yeast and a tablespoon of sugar in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for about five minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly — this means your yeast is happily working, ready to give your dough that lovely lift.
Step 2: Form the Dough
Next, stir in your flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. You’ll want to knead this on a floured surface for around 3 to 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading step is where the magic happens to develop that perfect chewy texture.
Step 3: Rest the Dough
Cover your dough and let it rest for 10 minutes. This rest period allows the gluten to relax, which makes rolling out your pretzels easier and helps the bites hold their shape without shrinking.
Step 4: Prep for Baking
While your dough rests, preheat your oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring the water and baking soda to a rolling boil — this boiling bath is crucial for getting that characteristic pretzel crust and color.
Step 5: Shape and Boil Pretzel Bites
Divide the dough into six equal pieces, then roll each piece into a 12-inch rope. Cut each rope into 1-inch bites — these little nuggets are the perfect size for snacking. Working in batches, drop the bites into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds, then remove them gently with a slotted spoon. This step is essential for that authentic pretzel texture and deep golden color.
Step 6: Brush, Bake, and Coat
Place the boiled bites on your prepared baking sheets and brush them with the beaten egg. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown. While they’re baking, mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl to prepare your coating.
Step 7: Finish with Cinnamon Sugar and Chocolate
Once baked, let your pretzel bites cool slightly before tossing them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture — this glossy, sweet coating is what makes these bites truly addictive. Melt your chocolate chips with the optional oil in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth, then use it as a decadent dip or drizzle it over the bites for the ultimate finish.
How to Serve One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

Garnishes
A sprinkle of coarse sea salt over the cinnamon sugar adds a delightful salty contrast, while a dusting of powdered sugar can bring a pretty, bakery-style finish. If you want a little more texture, a handful of chopped nuts or coconut flakes make excellent toppings.
Side Dishes
These soft pretzel bites are fantastic alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries, which add a refreshing tang. A cup of warm milk or a latte complements the warm cinnamon and chocolate flavors perfectly, turning snack time into a cozy little celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, display these bites in a tiered serving tray or arrange them on a board surrounded by small bowls of various dipping sauces such as caramel, peanut butter, or extra melted chocolate. You can even skewer a few bites on mini sticks for fun pretzel kebabs that are both playful and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of these delicious pretzel bites left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, although they’re at their very best when fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the pretzel bites once fully cooled by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag after they’re frozen solid. They’ll keep well for up to three months, making them a convenient make-ahead treat.
Reheating
To revive the softness, reheat frozen or stored pretzel bites in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This quick heat-up brings back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and crisp outside, setting you up for a fantastic snack experience every time.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be used but may result in a denser bite and a slightly nuttier flavor. Consider mixing half whole wheat with half all-purpose for a balanced texture and taste.
What if I don’t have baking soda for the boiling step?
Baking soda is key to the authentic pretzel crust and flavor, but if you don’t have it, you could try boiling the bites in plain water. They won’t get as golden or chewy, but they’ll still be tasty.
Can I make these bites vegan?
Yes, easily! Replace the melted butter with a plant-based alternative and use an egg substitute for the egg wash, like a flax egg or milk alternatives brushed on for color.
How do I store leftover cinnamon sugar coating?
Keep any leftover cinnamon sugar mixture in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays good for months and can be used on toast, oatmeal, or other baked goods.
Is there a way to make these pretzel bites gluten-free?
You can try gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, but the texture will differ. Look for blends that include xanthan gum for better elasticity to mimic the soft pretzel chew.
Final Thoughts
This One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe is one of those little gems that proves homemade baking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you’re sharing with friends, serving up a crowd-pleasing snack, or just treating yourself, these bites bring comfort and joy with every delicious mouthful. I can’t wait for you to try making them — get ready for your new favorite quick treat that combines soft, sweet, and chocolatey all in one perfect bite!
Print
One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites are a delightful snack combining soft, chewy pretzel dough with a cinnamon-sugar coating and optional rich chocolate for dipping or drizzling. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these pretzel bites offer a sweet and savory treat that’s quick to make and sure to satisfy any craving.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Boiling & Baking
- ⅔ cup baking soda (for boiling)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Coating & Topping
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for dipping or drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make dough: Stir in flour, salt, and melted butter, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 3 to 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rest dough: Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten and slightly rise.
- Prepare oven and baking sheets: Preheat oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Boil baking soda water: Bring a large pot of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. This step helps form the pretzel’s characteristic crust.
- Shape pretzel bites: Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope approximately 12 inches long, then cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Boil pretzel bites: Working in batches, boil the pretzel bites in the baking soda water for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to the prepared baking sheets.
- Apply egg wash: Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg to help develop a shiny, golden crust during baking.
- Bake pretzels: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the pretzel bites are golden brown.
- Prepare cinnamon-sugar coating: While baking, mix ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Coat pretzel bites: Once baked, let the pretzel bites cool slightly, then toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Melt chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the optional coconut or vegetable oil in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Serve: Serve the warm cinnamon-sugar pretzel bites with the melted chocolate for dipping or drizzle the chocolate on top as desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of white sugar in the dough.
- You can skip the chocolate or substitute it with caramel sauce for a different topping.
- These pretzel bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American