Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

If there’s a snack that brings a cozy sense of nostalgia and pure comfort, it’s Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites. Bite-sized, fluffy, and enveloped in a sparkly cinnamon-sugar blanket, these little treats combine everything you love about classic soft pretzels with a sweet twist that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re sharing them with friends during a movie night or indulging in a solo afternoon pick-me-up, the aroma alone will make your kitchen the happiest spot in the house!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites so delightful is just how simple, yet purposeful, every ingredient is. Each one helps build that iconic golden crust, pillowy interior, or sugary finish, so don’t skip a thing!

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F): Start with the right temperature to wake up the yeast and guarantee a fluffy, tender dough every time.
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): This powerhouse lifts your dough and creates the pillowy-soft texture we all crave.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: A bit of sugar feeds the yeast and speeds up the rising process—plus, it’s the first hint of sweetness.
• 4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, creating structure without being too dense or chewy.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for flavor, a little salt guarantees these bites are anything but bland.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds incredible richness and helps keep the pretzel bites soft and tender.
• ⅓ cup baking soda: Boiling the bites in baking soda water is the secret to that iconic pretzel flavor and shiny, chewy crust.
• 6 cups water (for boiling): Necessary for the baking soda bath that gives pretzels their signature look and taste.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: When mixed with cinnamon, it becomes the magical coat for your finished bites.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Warm, cozy, and aromatic, cinnamon is the heart of that crave-worthy finishing touch.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds an extra decadent, buttery flavor with every bite.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start by finding your largest mixing bowl. Combine the warm water with the yeast and that first tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, right until it becomes foamy—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

Step 2: Make and Knead the Dough

Now, stir in the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to mix until you have a shaggy dough, then knead for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth, slightly tacky ball. Cover and let this dough rise somewhere cozy for an hour, until doubled and puffy—it’s always so satisfying to peek and see that transformation.

Step 3: Shape and Portion the Pretzel Bites

Punch down the airy dough to release trapped bubbles, then cut it into 6 equal sections. Roll each into a rope about 12 to 15 inches long. With a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. Place these on a parchment-lined baking sheet and get ready for the signature pretzel bath.

Step 4: Boil in Baking Soda Water

Bring 6 cups of water with the baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Working in batches, drop the dough bites in for about 20 to 30 seconds. This step gives Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites that classic pretzel flavor—and that beautiful golden color. Fish them out with a slotted spoon and return to the baking sheets.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden Perfection

Bake the bites in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re deeply golden and start to smell incredible. Keep an eye on them, as a minute makes a big difference!

Step 6: Coat in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

While the pretzel bites are still warm from the oven, toss them gently in the 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Then, immediately roll them in your cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring every bite is evenly coated. This is where Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites truly come alive, glistening and picture-perfect.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites

Garnishes

Give your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites a little pizzazz by finishing them with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar just before serving. If you’re feeling extra, a light dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of vanilla icing can make every bite even more special.

Side Dishes

To balance out the sweetness, serve these bites with fresh fruit like apple slices or berries, or pair them with something tart such as Greek yogurt. If you want to double-down on indulgence, offer a sweet cream cheese glaze or a little bowl of caramel or chocolate sauce for dipping. They’re also wonderful alongside a steaming mug of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

Your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites will look inviting piled high on a cake stand or in a rustic basket lined with a pretty napkin. For a party, try skewering a few onto wooden sticks for a pretzel-bite “kabob” or arrange them in a ring around a bowl of dipping sauce for a fun, shareable centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you (miraculously) don’t finish all your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites in one sitting, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within a day, since their soft, fluffy texture is most magical when fresh.

Freezing

To freeze, line up completely cooled pretzel bites on a tray and freeze until solid, then store in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, just grab a few from the freezer—super handy for surprise snack cravings or last-minute guests.

Reheating

Pop your pretzel bites in a 300°F oven or air fryer for about 5 minutes to revive their warmth and slight crunch. Avoid the microwave if you can—it can soften them a little too much—but even a quick zap will do in a pinch!

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! You can swap in the same amount of instant yeast. Just skip the blooming step and whisk it directly into the flour, adding the water and sugar right after.

Why do I need to boil the bites in baking soda water?

That quick dip is what gives Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites their deep color and distinctive pretzel flavor. It’s a little science trick from traditional pretzel making that makes a huge difference.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute plant-based butter for both the dough and the final coating. Check that your sugar is vegan if you need it to be, and you’ll have delicious dairy-free bites.

How do I know if my yeast is active?

If your yeast bubbles and foams after five minutes in the warm water and sugar, it’s ready to go. If there’s no activity, your yeast might be expired—better to start fresh so your dough rises well.

What dipping sauces go best with these pretzel bites?

For pure dessert bliss, pair your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites with a cream cheese glaze, vanilla icing, or even chocolate ganache. If you like a little contrast, try dipping in salted caramel or a tangy yogurt-based sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you love baking treats that bring people together and never fail to delight, you absolutely have to try these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites. Every batch is a little celebration—soft, sweet, with just enough chew and that unbeatable cinnamon-kissed aroma. So get ready, grab your apron, and treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special!

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