Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite snack: cinnamon sugar pretzel bites! There’s just something magical about those warm, soft bites covered in sweet cinnamon sugar that makes every movie night feel like a special occasion.
I remember the first time I made these for a gathering, everyone couldn’t get enough, and I was practically a superstar in my own kitchen! What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up a batch, and they’re perfect for sharing (or not, no judgment here!). Trust me, once you get that whiff of buttery goodness mingling with cinnamon, you’ll be hooked.
They’re not just a snack; they’re a warm hug in bite-sized form! So, let’s dive into making these delightful treats!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C, not too hot or it’ll kill the yeast!)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp, make sure it’s fresh for the best rise)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (this gives a touch of sweetness to the dough)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus a little extra for dusting, if needed)
- 1/2 tsp salt (just the right amount to enhance the flavors)
- 1/4 cup baking soda (for that classic pretzel texture)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (because everything’s better with butter!)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating—this is where the magic happens!)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (the star of the show, adding that warm, cozy flavor)
How to Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab a bowl and mix that warm water, active dry yeast, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar together. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s nice and frothy. This means your yeast is happy and ready to do its magic!
- Now, add in the 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp of salt. Stir it all together until a dough starts to form. Don’t worry if it seems a bit sticky; that’s normal!
- Time to knead! Flour your countertop lightly and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It should feel soft and a little bit springy when you poke it.
- Once kneaded, pop that dough back into the bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size—what a beautiful transformation!
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) while the dough rises. This will help to get those pretzel bites nice and golden!
- After the dough has risen, divide it into small pieces—about the size of a golf ball—and roll each piece into little bites. They don’t have to be perfect, just fun and bite-sized!
- Boil a large pot of water and add the 1/4 cup of baking soda. This is the crucial step that gives pretzels their classic chewy texture!
- Drop 3-4 pretzel bites into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then carefully remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with melted butter, then mix the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tbsp of cinnamon and sprinkle generously on top!
- Bake in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and smelling heavenly! Let them cool slightly before indulging.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for last-minute snack cravings!
- Simple steps make it great for cooks of all skill levels.
- Irresistibly delicious with that perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
- Versatile enough to serve as a snack, dessert, or even a party treat.
- Warm, soft bites that are always a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Success
To ensure your cinnamon sugar pretzel bites turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, pay attention to the dough consistency; it should be soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour while kneading. When boiling the pretzel bites, make sure your water is at a rolling boil and don’t overcrowd the pot—3-4 bites at a time is just right so they have room to move. For the best flavor, brush on plenty of melted butter right after baking, and don’t be shy with that cinnamon sugar coating! Lastly, let them cool for a few minutes before diving in; trust me, the texture is heavenly when they’re just warm!
Nutritional Information
When you indulge in these delightful cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, you’re treating yourself to a little slice of happiness! Each pretzel bite is approximately 120 calories, with about 6g of fat and 2g of protein. They also contain around 15g of carbohydrates, making them a sweet little snack to enjoy without too much guilt. Of course, keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. So go ahead, enjoy a few bites—they’re worth every calorie!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can add a lovely nutty flavor, but the texture might be a bit denser. You can also mix it with all-purpose flour for a lighter bite.
How do I know when my pretzel bites are done?
They’re done when they turn a beautiful golden brown and smell amazing—about 12-15 minutes in the oven should do the trick!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. Just let it come to room temperature before proceeding.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge!
Can I freeze cinnamon sugar pretzel bites?
Definitely! Just let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Thaw and reheat in the oven for a crispy treat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious cinnamon sugar pretzel bites fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to hold onto them a bit longer, you can pop them in the fridge for about a week! When it comes to reheating, the oven is your best friend. Just preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the bites on a baking sheet, and warm them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re nice and toasty again. This way, they’ll regain that lovely soft texture and warm, buttery flavor!
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Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites: 9 Irresistible Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 pretzel bites 1x
Description
Delicious cinnamon sugar pretzel bites perfect for snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Divide the dough into small pieces and roll into bites.
- Boil water and baking soda in a pot.
- Drop pretzel bites into the boiling water for 30 seconds.
- Remove and place on a baking sheet.
- Brush with melted butter and mix sugar with cinnamon. Sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm for best taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, snack, dessert, easy recipe