I make these cinnamon sugar soft pretzel bites whenever I want something warm, buttery, and comforting. They come out soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar layer that makes them completely irresistible.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 packet active dry yeast
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
8 to 10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
2 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons cold water
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Directions
I start by stirring together the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a mixer bowl and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. Then I add the flour, salt, and melted butter, mixing everything until combined before kneading the dough for about 4 minutes until it turns smooth and elastic.
I transfer the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. Toward the end of the rising time, I bring a large pot of water to a boil.
I preheat the oven to 450°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, lightly greasing them. Then I turn the dough onto a greased surface, shape it into a ball, and divide it into 8 portions. I roll each portion into a rope about 20 inches long and cut them into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
I carefully add baking soda to the boiling water and boil the dough pieces in batches for about 15 seconds. After removing them with a slotted spoon, I place them on the prepared baking sheets.
I whisk the egg yolks with cold water and brush the mixture over the pretzel bites. Then I bake them for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn deep golden brown and let them cool slightly.
Finally, I dip each warm pretzel bite into melted butter, let the excess drip off, and roll them in a cinnamon sugar mixture before serving them warm.
Servings and timing
I prepare this recipe in about 107 minutes total, including 95 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of baking time. It makes around 20 servings, which is perfect for sharing.
Variations
I sometimes switch things up by adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth. When I want a richer flavor, I drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the bites. If I feel like going savory, I skip the cinnamon sugar and sprinkle coarse salt instead for a classic pretzel taste.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When I want to enjoy them again, I reheat them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to bring back their softness. I avoid microwaving too long since it can make them tough.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
I can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it after the first rise. When I am ready to use it, I let it come to room temperature before shaping.
Why do I boil the pretzel bites?
I boil them briefly because it gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture and helps create that golden crust when baked.
Can I freeze pretzel bites?
I freeze them after baking and cooling. When I want to eat them, I reheat them in the oven until warm.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
I can use instant yeast and skip the proofing step, mixing it directly with the dry ingredients instead.
How do I keep them soft?
I keep them soft by storing them properly and reheating them gently. Coating them in butter also helps maintain their softness.
Conclusion
I find these cinnamon sugar soft pretzel bites to be one of the most comforting and satisfying treats I can bake at home. They are simple, fun to make, and always a hit when I share them. Whether I enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later, they never disappoint.
📖 Recipe:
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Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites
- Total Time: 107 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy pretzel bites baked to golden perfection and coated in buttery cinnamon sugar for a warm, comforting treat.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 packet active dry yeast
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
8 to 10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
2 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons cold water
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Stir together warm water, sugar, and yeast in a mixer bowl and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and melted butter; mix until combined and knead for about 4 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 450°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, lightly greasing them.
- Turn dough onto a greased surface, shape into a ball, divide into 8 portions, roll each into a 20-inch rope, and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, carefully add baking soda, and boil dough pieces in batches for 15 seconds.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Whisk egg yolks with cold water and brush over pretzel bites.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until deep golden brown and cool slightly.
- Dip warm pretzel bites in melted butter, let excess drip off, and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture before serving.
Notes
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze for a sweeter variation.
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 maintain softness; avoid over-microwaving.
Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated after first rise; bring to room temperature before shaping.
Freeze baked pretzel bites and reheat in oven when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 95 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
