Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

$- 1 cup warm water (approx. 110°F) - 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons) - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the dough) - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling) - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - Coarse sea salt (for topping) - Caloric content per serving: Each serving has about 120 calories. - Macronutrient breakdown: Each bite has around 2g protein, 21g carbs, and 4g fat. - Dietary considerations: These pretzel bites contain gluten from flour. For gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by warming your water. The best temperature is around 110°F. This warmth helps the yeast wake up. If it's too hot, it can kill the yeast. Mix the warm water, yeast, and 1/4 cup of sugar in a bowl. Let this sit for about 5 minutes. You will know the yeast is ready when it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise. Once your yeast is ready, add the salt. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour. Use your hands or a spatula to combine everything. When it forms a sticky dough, transfer it to a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes. This makes the dough smooth and elastic. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour. After kneading, shape the dough into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size. While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F. Bring 8 cups of water to a gentle boil in a large pot. Carefully add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the boiling water. This step is important. Boiling helps create that classic pretzel crust. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Divide it into small pieces, like golf balls. Roll each piece into a rope shape and twist to make pretzel bites. Drop them into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to take them out. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush melted butter over the warm bites. Mix the remaining sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Sprinkle this mix over the pretzel bites while they are still warm. Finish by adding a little coarse sea salt on top. Bake them for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy the tasty aroma that fills your kitchen! To get soft and chewy pretzels, the type of flour you use matters. I recommend using all-purpose flour. It gives you a nice balance of chewiness and fluffiness. If you want to experiment, you can try bread flour. It has more protein, which can make your pretzels chewier. Boiling the pretzel bites is vital. It helps create that shiny, golden crust. When you boil them in water with baking soda, it changes the dough’s surface. This process makes the pretzels crisp on the outside and soft inside. Don't skip this step if you want the best results! You can play with the sugar and cinnamon ratios to suit your taste. If you love sweet flavors, add more sugar. For a stronger cinnamon taste, increase the cinnamon in your mix. Just remember to keep a good balance. For dips, I suggest creamy options like cream cheese. Chocolate sauce also pairs well for a sweet treat. Present your warm pretzel bites in a cute basket lined with parchment paper. This adds charm and makes them more inviting for guests. Pro Tips Perfect Water Temperature: Ensure the water is around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it. Don’t Skip the Boiling: Boiling the pretzel bites in the baking soda solution is crucial for that classic pretzel texture and flavor. Brush with Butter While Warm: Brushing the warm pretzel bites with melted butter ensures the cinnamon sugar coating sticks better. Enjoy Fresh: For the best taste and texture, serve the pretzel bites warm right out of the oven. {{image_4}} If you want to make gluten-free cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, use a good gluten-free flour blend. Look for blends with xanthan gum, which helps mimic the stretch of wheat flour. Some popular brands are Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 and King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure. These blends work well in this recipe and will give you a nice texture. To create a vegan version, you can replace the butter with a plant-based option. Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead. For the egg, you can mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let this sit for a few minutes to thicken. This mix will help bind the dough and keep it rich in flavor. You can get creative with flavor infusions. Adding a splash of vanilla extract to the dough gives a sweet aroma. If you want a hint of spice, mix in a touch of nutmeg. Both additions will elevate your pretzel bites and give them a unique twist that everyone will love. To keep your pretzel bites fresh, store them at room temperature. Place them in a paper bag or an open container. This method helps keep the bites soft while allowing air circulation. If you want to store them longer, you can put them in the fridge. However, refrigeration may make them a bit tougher. To restore the softness of your pretzel bites, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps keep the outside crispy while warming the inside. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds if you are in a hurry. Just be careful not to overheat, or they will become chewy. To freeze pretzel bites, first allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer the bites to a freezer-safe bag. Seal it tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven as mentioned above for the best texture. To make pretzel bites softer, use more water in the dough. You can also knead the dough longer. This helps create a smooth texture. Letting the dough rise properly is key. A warm, humid spot is best for rising. Cover the dough with a towel to keep it warm. Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. Instant yeast works faster and doesn’t need to be activated. You can mix it directly with the flour. Just use a bit less than the active dry yeast called for in the recipe. Serve cinnamon sugar pretzel bites warm for the best taste. Place them in a basket lined with parchment paper. You can also offer dips like cream cheese or chocolate sauce. This adds a fun twist to the snack and makes it more enjoyable. Cinnamon sugar pretzel bites are a treat, not a health food. They contain sugar and butter, which add calories. However, they can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. You can also make them healthier by using whole wheat flour and less sugar. Cinnamon sugar pretzel bites last about 2-3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can also refrigerate them for longer shelf life. For best taste, eat them warm or reheat them in the oven. This post covers all you need for perfect cinnamon sugar pretzel bites. You learned about ingredients, steps, and variations. Each part helps you create delicious treats at home. Remember, it’s key to activate the yeast correctly and boil the dough for the best texture. Final thoughts: Enjoy experimenting with flavors and storing your pretzel bites. They are fun to make and taste great! Share them with friends or keep them all to yourself.$

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

Delicious bite-sized pretzels coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for snacking.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1 35

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup warm water (approx. 110°F)
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the dough)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
to taste coarse sea salt (for topping)

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
Add the salt to the yeast mixture, then gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, mixing until a sticky dough starts to form. Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm area for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while the dough rises. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a gentle boil. Once boiling, carefully add the baking soda, stirring to combine.
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air. Divide the dough into small pieces, each approximately the size of a golf ball. Roll each piece into a small rope, then twist and shape them into knots or bite-sized pretzel shapes.
Carefully drop each pretzel bite into the boiling water, cooking for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
While they are warm, brush the tops of the pretzel bites liberally with the melted unsalted butter.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and the ground cinnamon. While the pretzel bites are still warm, sprinkle this mixture evenly over them for that sweet touch.
Finish by sprinkling a little coarse sea salt over the pretzel bites for a delightful flavor contrast.
Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Notes

Serve warm in a basket lined with parchment paper, with a side of creamy dip.

Keyword cinnamon sugar, pretzel, snack