Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are soft, chewy, and coated with a delightful cinnamon sugar mixture. Made from scratch with a simple yeast dough, they’re boiled briefly in baking soda water to achieve that classic pretzel texture and then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, these bite-sized treats are buttery, cinnamon-spiced, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pretzels:
- 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
For the 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 the warm water and sugar. Add the active dry yeast and let sit for 10 minutes until the mixture is foamy, signaling the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a spoon, stir until a rough dough forms, about 1 minute. Attach the dough hook to the mixer and knead on medium-low speed for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth, shiny, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Let dough rise: Remove the dough hook, lightly oil the inside of the mixer bowl, place the dough back in, and cover it with a kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape the pretzel bites: Divide the dough into small, ¼ cup-sized portions. Roll each portion into thin logs and cut into ¾ to 1-inch pieces. Arrange the pretzel bites on the baking sheets, making sure not to overcrowd or stack.
- Boil in baking soda water: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then slowly add the baking soda to prevent overflow. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook the pretzel pieces in small batches for 1 minute, turning halfway through, then remove and place them back on the baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cinnamon sugar coating: Let the pretzels cool for 10 minutes after baking. Brush them with the melted butter, then toss or sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly to coat.
Notes
- Ensure the water for the yeast is warm but not hot, as temperatures above 110°F can kill the yeast.
- Do not stack the pretzels on the baking sheet to prevent sticking during baking.
- The baking soda bath is key for the traditional pretzel crust and chewiness.
- For crispier bites, bake a few minutes longer but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat briefly in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 bites (approximately 60g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg