Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

$- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F) - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon salt - 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting - 1/4 cup baking soda - 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar coating) - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - Coarse sea salt for sprinkling To make my cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, you need simple ingredients. Warm water helps activate the yeast. It should be just right—not too hot. Active dry yeast is key for the dough to rise. You will use sugar in two ways: for the dough and to coat the pretzels later. Unsalted butter adds richness to the dough. Salt balances the flavor. All-purpose flour is the base for the dough, and you may need a bit more for dusting. Baking soda comes into play while boiling the bites. It helps create the chewy texture we love. The egg wash gives the pretzels a nice shine when baked. Ground cinnamon and sugar combine for that sweet coating. Finally, sprinkle coarse sea salt on top for flavor. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a delicious snack! 1. Mix 1 cup of warm water with 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. 2. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. You want it to froth up nicely. This shows the yeast is active. 1. After the yeast is frothy, add 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the bowl. 2. Stir everything well. 3. Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose flour. Do this one cup at a time. Mix until you form a soft dough. You may need a bit more flour or less, depending on the dough's look and feel. 4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes. It should feel smooth and elastic when you're done. 1. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. 2. Cover it with a kitchen towel. 3. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size during this time. 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 3. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. 4. Roll it into a log about 1 inch in diameter. 5. Cut the log into 1-inch pieces to form your pretzel bites. 1. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and 1/4 cup of baking soda to a boil. 2. Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water in batches. 3. Boil each batch for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet. 1. Brush each pretzel bite with a beaten egg. 2. Sprinkle them lightly with coarse sea salt. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. They should turn golden brown. 4. While they bake, mix 1/2 cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a bowl. 5. Once the pretzel bites are done, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated. - Measuring flour accurately: Use a kitchen scale for the best results. If you don’t have one, spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This keeps it light and fluffy. Too much flour can make the dough dense. - Kneading tips for elasticity: Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. Use your palms to push down and fold the dough. This builds gluten, which makes the pretzel bites chewy. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a bit of flour while kneading. - Adjusting sugar and cinnamon ratios: For a sweeter bite, increase the sugar in the coating. You can also adjust the cinnamon to your taste. If you love cinnamon, use 2 tablespoons instead of 1. Taste the mixture before tossing to find your ideal balance. - How to check doneness of pretzel bites: Keep an eye on the color. The bites should be golden brown. You can also tap the bottom; it should sound hollow. If they need more time, check every minute until they look perfect. {{image_2}} You can add fun twists to your cinnamon sugar pretzel bites. Try these sweet toppings: - Chocolate-covered pretzel bites: Melt some chocolate and dip your bites for a rich treat. The sweet chocolate pairs well with the cinnamon flavor. - Caramel glaze option: Drizzle warm caramel over your pretzel bites. This adds a sticky sweetness that everyone loves. If you want to skip the sweet, go savory! Here are some tasty ideas: - Cheese-stuffed pretzel bites: Add your favorite cheese inside the dough before baking. The melted cheese will give a great surprise in each bite. - Garlic and herb seasoning: Mix garlic powder and dried herbs into the dough. This will create a savory flavor, perfect for dipping. Dipping sauces can take your pretzel bites to the next level. Consider these options: - Traditional mustard dip: A tangy mustard dip balances the sweetness. It adds a nice kick to the bites. - Creamy cheese sauce: Melted cheese sauce is always a hit. It’s perfect for those who love extra cheese with their snacks. To keep your pretzel bites fresh for 1-2 days, store them in an airtight container. Place a sheet of paper towel at the bottom to absorb moisture. This helps prevent sogginess. Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can make them tough. If you want to save pretzel bites for later, freezing is a great option. Allow them to cool completely after baking. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To restore freshness, reheat pretzel bites directly from the fridge or freezer. For frozen bites, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pretzel bites on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes if frozen, or about 5-8 minutes if refrigerated. This method keeps them soft and warm. You can also use an air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 350°F for a crispy finish. To make these tasty bites, start by mixing warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes until it bubbles. Then, add melted butter, salt, and more sugar to the mix. Gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for five to seven minutes until smooth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, until it doubles in size. After rising, shape the dough into small bites, boil them in water mixed with baking soda for thirty seconds, and place them on a baking sheet. Brush with a beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake until golden, then coat in a sweet mix of cinnamon and sugar. Enjoy your warm, soft pretzel bites! Yes, you can use instant yeast! Just swap it in at the same amount. The main difference is that you can mix it directly into the flour without proofing it first. This can save you a little time. Just remember that instant yeast might make your dough rise a bit faster. Keep an eye on it while it rises. These pretzel bites pair well with many dips and sides. Try serving them with a creamy cheese sauce for a rich taste. Mustard is also a classic choice, adding a nice tang. For a sweet touch, offer a warm chocolate dip. You can even enjoy them plain; they’re delicious on their own! Making cinnamon sugar pretzel bites is fun and easy. You learned about the key ingredients and that the dough needs time to rise for the best flavor. We covered how to form, boil, and bake the bites perfectly. Try the tips for great texture and tasty variations. Store your pretzels the right way to enjoy them longer. Keep experimenting with flavors and dips, and you’ll impress everyone with your skills. Enjoy every bite you make!$

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

Indulge in delicious homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites that are perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe guides you through creating soft, chewy bites coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. With just simple ingredients, you can make these treats in under two hours. Ready to impress your friends and family?

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Ingredients

1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon salt

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

1/4 cup baking soda

1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar coating)

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Add the melted butter, remaining sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.

Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need to adjust flour quantity slightly based on dough consistency.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down, and roll it into a log about 1 inch in diameter. Cut the log into 1-inch pieces to form the pretzel bites.

In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water in batches for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg and sprinkle lightly with coarse sea salt.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

While the pretzels are baking, combine the 1/2 cup sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl.

Once baked, remove the pretzel bites from the oven and immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 24 pretzel bites