I make these cinnamon sugar soft pretzel bites whenever I want something warm, fluffy, and comforting. They come out soft on the inside with a slightly chewy exterior, all coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture that gives them a bakery-style finish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 ½ cups warm water
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
⅔ cup baking soda
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions
I start by combining the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl and let it sit until it becomes foamy. Then I add the flour and salt and mix everything until a dough forms. I knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
I cover the dough and let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. While it rests, I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line my baking sheets with parchment paper.
Next, I bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully add the baking soda. I divide the dough into sections, roll each into ropes, and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
I boil the pieces in the baking soda water for about 20 to 30 seconds, then remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets. I whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it over the bites.
I bake them for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn golden brown. Once out of the oven, I immediately toss them in melted butter. Finally, I mix the sugar and cinnamon together and coat the pretzel bites evenly.
Servings and timing
I prepare this recipe in about 35 minutes total, with 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. This recipe makes around 8 servings, which I find perfect for sharing or enjoying over a couple of days.
Variations
I sometimes switch things up by adding a vanilla glaze instead of cinnamon sugar for a sweeter finish. Other times, I make a chocolate dipping sauce on the side for extra indulgence. If I want a slightly savory twist, I skip the cinnamon sugar and sprinkle coarse salt instead.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When I want to reheat them, I pop them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to bring back their softness. I avoid microwaving too long because it can make them tough.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
I can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. I just let it come to room temperature before shaping.
Why do I boil the pretzel bites in baking soda water?
I boil them because it gives the pretzels their classic chewy texture and helps develop that golden brown exterior.
Can I freeze pretzel bites?
I freeze them after baking and cooling completely. When I want to eat them, I reheat them in the oven until warm.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
I can use instant yeast instead, and I don’t need to proof it in water first. I just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
How do I keep them soft longer?
I keep them in an airtight container and avoid overbaking. Reheating in the oven also helps restore their softness.
Conclusion
I always come back to these cinnamon sugar soft pretzel bites because they are easy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. The soft texture paired with the sweet coating makes them a favorite treat that I enjoy making for both casual snacks and special occasions.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy pretzel bites with a chewy exterior, coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture for a bakery-style treat. Perfect for snacking or dessert, these bites are warm, comforting, and easy to make.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups warm water
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
⅔ cup baking soda
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl and let sit until foamy.
- Add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully add baking soda.
- Divide dough into sections, roll into ropes, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Boil pieces in baking soda water for 20 to 30 seconds, then transfer to baking sheets.
- Whisk egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush over the bites.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Toss baked pretzel bites in melted butter.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon together and coat the pretzel bites evenly.
Notes
For variation, use a vanilla glaze instead of cinnamon sugar.
Serve with chocolate dipping sauce for extra indulgence.
For a savory version, skip cinnamon sugar and use coarse salt.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven at low temperature to restore softness.
Dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before shaping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
