Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

$- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F) - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ cup baking soda - 1 large egg (beaten for egg wash) - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon You can swap active dry yeast with instant yeast. Use the same amount for instant yeast. If you need a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free flour mix. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter instead of unsalted butter. You can also replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a less processed sweetener. Always use fresh yeast for the best rise. Check the expiration date on the packet. For flour, choose a high-quality all-purpose flour for a better texture. When selecting cinnamon, look for ground cinnamon from a reputable brand to ensure a strong flavor. Use real butter for a rich taste in your pretzel bites. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the dough, start by mixing warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. You will see bubbles form on top. This means your yeast is alive! In a larger bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour the yeast mix into the flour. Stir until it forms a dough. Next, knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes. It should feel smooth and elastic. Now, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm spot. It should double in size. After the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 10 to 12 inches. Cut each rope into 1-inch bites. Carefully drop the bites into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on your baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until they turn a nice golden brown. Once your pretzel bites are baked, it's time for the sweet part. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Brush the warm bites with melted butter. Then, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mix until fully coated. This adds a delightful sweetness and flavor. Enjoy your warm cinnamon sugar pretzel bites right away! To make great pretzel bites, you need the right dough. Start with warm water, about 110°F to 115°F. This helps the yeast wake up. Mix the yeast with sugar and let it foam. This shows the yeast is alive. When you mix the flour and salt, add the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes. It should be smooth and elastic. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water. The perfect color makes your pretzel bites look yummy. Bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them. They should turn golden brown, not dark brown. If they bake too long, they can taste burnt. Brush the tops with egg wash before baking. This helps them get that nice golden color. Avoid rushing the dough rising. Let it sit in a warm place for about an hour. This helps the dough grow and become fluffy. Don’t skip the boiling step. Boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water gives them a unique flavor. Also, make sure to coat them in the cinnamon sugar right after baking. If you wait too long, the butter will cool, and the sugar won't stick. Keep these tips in mind for the best pretzel bites! Pro Tips Use the Right Temperature: Ensure your water is between 110°F to 115°F to activate the yeast effectively without killing it. Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic to develop the gluten, which gives the pretzels their chewy texture. Boiling is Key: Boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water before baking enhances their flavor and gives them a classic pretzel crust. Serve Warm: Pretzel bites are best enjoyed warm, so serve them straight from the oven for the ultimate taste experience. {{image_2}} You can make gluten-free pretzel bites. Use a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it has xanthan gum for structure. Follow the same steps as the original recipe. The result will be just as tasty! Want to mix up the flavor? Add toppings like chocolate chips or crushed nuts. For a savory twist, try adding cheese. You can sprinkle garlic powder for a unique taste. These changes create exciting new snacks. The classic cinnamon sugar is great, but don't stop there! Try coating your bites in powdered sugar or even crushed candy. For dips, go for caramel sauce or a spicy mustard. Explore these fun options to keep your snack time interesting! To keep your pretzel bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft texture. If you want to keep them longer, place a paper towel in the container. The towel absorbs moisture and helps prevent sogginess. You can store them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider refrigeration. Just remember to let them cool completely before sealing. When you want to enjoy your pretzel bites again, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pretzel bites on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 5-7 minutes. This warms them up and keeps them soft. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make them chewy and tough. Freezing pretzel bites is a smart way to save them for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, reheat them directly from frozen. Enjoy warm, fresh bites any time! Yes, you can use instant yeast. It works well in this recipe. Instant yeast does not need proofing like active dry yeast. Just mix it directly with the flour. Use the same amount, 2 ¼ teaspoons, for best results. This can save you time and make the process easier. Look for a golden brown color. The bites should rise and puff up nicely. If they are firm to the touch and golden on top, they are done. You can also use a toothpick to check the center. If it comes out clean, your pretzel bites are ready. I love serving pretzel bites with a few tasty dips. Here are some great options: - Cream cheese dip - Melted chocolate sauce - Spicy mustard - Cheese sauce - Caramel sauce These dips add fun flavors and make your snack even better! Making cinnamon sugar pretzel bites is simple and fun. We covered ingredients, preparation, and tips to enhance your bites. Remember the key steps: prepare the dough, boil and bake, then coat with cinnamon sugar. Consider variations for gluten-free options or new flavors. Store extras for later enjoyment or freeze them for future snacks. By avoiding common mistakes, you can achieve that perfect golden color. Enjoy making these treats and tasting that sweet crunch!$

Deliciously soft pretzel bites coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for snacking.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 1 25

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 48

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup baking soda
1 large egg (beaten for egg wash)
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
0.5 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture, and stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a gentle boil.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 10-12 inches long, then cut each rope into 1-inch pieces.
Working in batches, drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops of the bites with the beaten egg, and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Once the pretzel bites are out of the oven, brush them with melted butter, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

Notes

Serve warm in a rustic basket with dipping sauces.

Keyword cinnamon sugar, pretzel, snack