Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

This cinnamon sugar pretzel bites recipe is a fun and simple way to treat yourself to a warm, sweet snack at home. Perfect for sharing or enjoying during cozy evenings, these bites deliver soft, pillowy pretzels with a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating. They come together faster than you might expect and are a great project to tackle when you want fresh homemade comfort food without too much hassle.

I put this recipe together when craving something sweet but not overly complicated and it quickly became a favorite snack to make for movie nights.

Ingredients

• Warm water: warms activate the yeast and helps develop that classic pretzel texture, be sure to check the temperature is between 110 and 115 degrees for best results
• Granulated sugar: feeds the yeast making sure your dough rises nicely while also sweetening the coating mix
• Active dry yeast: is essential for the dough to rise properly giving you light and airy bites
• All-purpose flour: forms the base of the dough choosing a fresh bag ensures better elasticity and structure
• Salt: adds flavor depth controlling the sweetness and balancing the dough taste
• Baking soda: is used in the boiling step to create that distinct pretzel crust and color look for pure baking soda without additives for best effect
• Unsalted butter: adds richness to the coating and browns the baked bites beautifully, using fresh butter gives a more vibrant flavor
• Ground cinnamon: infuses warm spice into the sugar coating opt for freshly ground if you can for the brightest flavor
• Flaky sea salt: sprinkled on top is optional but it adds a sophisticated contrast and texture if you want a salty sweet combo

Instructions

Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, combine warm water measured between 110 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit with granulated sugar and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture rest for five minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step wakes up the yeast and ensures your dough will rise as it should.

Mix the Dough:

Pour the yeast mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the all-purpose flour and salt then mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms. It’s okay if the dough looks a bit rough here as kneading will smooth it out.

Knead the Dough:

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for five minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back lightly when pressed which shows the gluten is well developed and will give your pretzels a lovely chew.

Let it Rise:

Place the kneaded dough into a bowl greased lightly with oil or butter. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and leave it to rest in a warm spot for 30 minutes or until doubled in size. This rise is what gives the pretzels their soft interior.

Prepare Baking Soda Bath:

Fill a large pot with water and add the baking soda. Bring to a rolling boil. This bath is key to achieving an authentic pretzel crust and its characteristic deep brown color when baked.

Shape the Pretzel Bites:

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to remove excess air. Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each into long ropes about half an inch thick. Cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces about one inch each. These little bites will become your pretzel nuggets.

Boil the Pretzel Bites:

Carefully drop several pieces at a time into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove them carefully with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This step helps set the crust before baking.

Brush and Coat:

Brush the boiled pretzel bites generously with melted unsalted butter. Roll each one in a cinnamon sugar mixture. I find combining equal parts granulated sugar and ground cinnamon works great but feel free to adjust cinnamon level to your taste.

Bake:

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the coated pretzel bites for 12 to 15 minutes until they are golden brown and smell deliciously fragrant. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to avoid burning.

Serve and Enjoy:

Allow the pretzel bites to cool for a few minutes so the coating can set slightly. These treats are at their best warm but taste great at room temperature too.

My favorite ingredient in this recipe is the baking soda bath which I learned the hard way should never be skipped. It’s the secret to the texture and color that makes pretzels feel authentic even when baked at home. Making these with my family always brings back memories of festivals where we’d pull fresh pretzels from tall stands and savor every warm bite.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft for up to two days. If you want to refresh them later, pop them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes to bring back their fresh-baked softness. Avoid storing in the fridge as it tends to dry them out.

Ingredient Swaps

Butter can be replaced with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative to make this recipe dairy free. You can also experiment with brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the coating for a richer caramel note. For a different twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix for extra warmth.

Serving Ideas

These pretzel bites are great on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like vanilla cream cheese or caramel sauce for added indulgence. They also work wonderfully as part of a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and coffee or tea. For a fun dessert, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy these pretzel bites fresh for the best texture and flavor; they make a perfect cozy snack any time of the year.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Why boil the dough in baking soda water?

Boiling the dough in a baking soda solution creates a chewy crust and gives pretzels their distinctive texture and golden color when baked.

→ Can I use active dry yeast for the dough?

Yes, active dry yeast is used to help the dough rise, resulting in a light and airy texture.

→ What makes the cinnamon sugar coating stick to the bites?

Brushing the warm pretzel bites with melted butter provides a sticky surface that helps the cinnamon sugar adhere evenly.

→ Can I add flaky sea salt on top?

Yes, sprinkling flaky sea salt adds a subtle contrast that balances the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar.

→ How long should I knead the dough?

Kneading for about 5 minutes develops the gluten structure, creating a smooth and elastic dough suitable for shaping.