Description
Delight in these soft, warm Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites that combine the comforting flavors of freshly baked pretzels with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Perfect as a snack or party appetizer, these bite-sized treats offer a chewy texture with a golden crust, made easy with a simple dough and baking soda bath to achieve the classic pretzel flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110-115°F)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Boiling Solution
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
Topping
- 1 large egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
- Cinnamon sugar mixture: 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water (110-115°F), granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Sprinkle the active dry yeast evenly over the surface of the liquid and let it sit for about 5 minutes or until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour and melted unsalted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 7-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape Pretzel Bites: Punch down the dough and divide it into smaller portions. Roll each portion into long ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces. Shape each piece into a pretzel bite or simply leave as small dough pieces.
- Boil the Pretzel Bites: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup baking soda to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water in batches for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Apply Egg Wash and Cinnamon Sugar: Brush each pretzel bite generously with the beaten egg yolk mixture. Immediately sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving warm, enjoying the soft interior and sweet cinnamon sugar crust.
Notes
- Ensure the water temperature for activating the yeast is between 110-115°F to effectively activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can adjust the cinnamon sugar ratio to taste if you prefer sweeter or less sweet pretzel bites.
- Boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water is key to developing the traditional chewy texture and rich color.
- These pretzel bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes to refresh the pretzels before serving again.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
