Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are a sweet, soft, and delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a snack, or just craving something sweet, these pretzel bites are sure to satisfy. Let’s explore how to make these irresistible bites at home.

Ingredients

To make these delectable Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites, you’ll need:

• Main Dough Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
• Coating Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Preparation

Making the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Stir until the yeast dissolves and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Letting the Dough Rise:

1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Shaping the Pretzel Bites:

Rolling and Cutting the Dough:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal pieces.
3. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 1-inch thick.
4. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces to form the pretzel bites.

Preparing the Baking Soda Bath:

1. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda and stir until dissolved.
2. Working in batches, carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water and boil for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Baking the Pretzel Bites:

1. Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Coating the Pretzel Bites:

Making the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, mixing well.

Tossing the Pretzel Bites in Cinnamon Sugar:

1. Brush the warm pretzel bites with the melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Serving Suggestions

Dipping Sauces:

1. Serve the Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites with a side of cream cheese frosting, caramel sauce, or chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent treat.

Presentation Tips:

1. Arrange the pretzel bites on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces for a beautiful and tasty display.

Storage Tips

Keeping Pretzel Bites Fresh:

1. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat the pretzel bites in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

Variations

Different Toppings:

1. Experiment with different coatings such as powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or a drizzle of icing.

Savory Alternatives:

1. For a savory twist, skip the cinnamon sugar coating and sprinkle the pretzel bites with coarse salt before baking.

Tips for Success

Ensuring the Perfect Dough Consistency:

1. Make sure your dough is smooth and elastic before letting it rise. This will ensure a soft and chewy texture.

Getting the Right Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1. Coat the pretzel bites while they are still warm to ensure the cinnamon sugar mixture sticks well.

FAQs

1. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
3. Can I Use Pre-Made Dough?
   • Yes, you can use pre-made pizza or pretzel dough to save time.
4. How Do I Adjust the Sweetness?
   • Adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar coating to your taste. You can also add a drizzle of icing for extra sweetness.
5. What If I Don’t Have All the Ingredients?
   • You can substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour and use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their soft, chewy texture and sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a homemade snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Yield: 12

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites Recipe

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Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are a sweet, soft, and delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party, looking for a snack, or just craving something sweet, these pretzel bites are sure to satisfy. Let’s explore how to make these irresistible bites at home.

Prep Time 40 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Resting Time 15 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

• FOR THE PRETZEL BITES
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 envelope (2 ¼ teaspoons or 0.25 ounces) instant dry yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 egg,, lightly beaten
• 5 tablespoons salted butter,, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar,, for coating
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon,, for coating
• FOR THE CREAM CHEESE DIPPING SAUCE
• 4 ounces cream cheese,, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar,, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

FOR THE PRETZEL BITES

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, the sugar, the yeast, and the salt. Set aside.

• In a small saucepan, slowly heat the milk, water, and oil to about 120°F.

• Carefully pour the warmed milk into the flour mixture, and stir until just combined.

• Knead on a floured surface (or in a stand mixer with a dough hook) for about 4 to 6 minutes, or until dough is smooth and slightly elastic in texture.

• Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a roughly 16-inch rope.

• Preheat the oven to 425°F.

• Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

• Cut each dough rope into roughly 1-inch pieces. Arrange the pieces on the lined baking sheets and brush with egg.

• Place in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

• While the pretzel bites are baking, mix together the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.

• Remove the pretzel bites from the oven, and allow to cool.

• Brush the cooled pretzel bites with melted butter, and use a spoon to roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated. Place the finished bites on a serving platter.

  FOR THE CREAM CHEESE DIPPING SAUCE

  • In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese for about 1 minute. Slowly add in powdered sugar and beat until smooth and creamy.

  • Add in the vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Gradually add in the milk, until a creamy texture has formed.

  • Serve pretzel bites warm with the cream cheese dipping sauce.