Why You’ll Love These Pretzel Bites
- Soft and chewy texture
- Sweet cinnamon sugar coating
- Perfect snack or dessert
- Kid-friendly and party-ready
- Freezer-friendly
- Delicious warm or cold
The slightly crisp outside combined with the soft interior makes them impossible to stop eating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dough
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Baking Soda Bath
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup baking soda
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl:
- Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar.
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
This step ensures your dough rises properly.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture.
Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Pretzel Bites
Punch down the dough and divide into smaller portions.
Roll each portion into long ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Try to keep sizes even for uniform baking.
Step 4: Baking Soda Bath
Bring water and baking soda to a gentle boil.
Drop pretzel bites in batches for about 20–30 seconds.
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a lined baking sheet.
This step gives pretzels their classic chewy texture and golden color.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Bake for 10–12 minutes until deep golden brown.
Let cool slightly.
Step 6: Add Cinnamon Sugar
Brush warm pretzel bites with melted butter.
In a bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon, then toss the pretzel bites until fully coated.
Serve warm for the best texture.
Tips for Perfect Pretzel Bites
- Don’t skip the baking soda bath.
- Keep water warm, not hot, for yeast activation.
- Coat while still warm so sugar sticks well.
- Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
Fun Variations
Chocolate Drizzle Version
Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled pretzel bites.
Stuffed Pretzel Bites
Add cream cheese or Nutella inside before baking.
Salted Caramel Twist
Drizzle with caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt.
Pumpkin Spice Version
Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for fall flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Room temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator:
Up to 5 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat:
Warm in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave briefly.
Serving Ideas
- With caramel dipping sauce
- With cream cheese frosting
- Alongside coffee or tea
- Party dessert platters
- Movie night snack
Final Thoughts
Sweet cinnamon sugar pretzel bites are the perfect homemade treat — soft, chewy, buttery, and coated in warm cinnamon sweetness. They’re easy enough for beginners and delicious enough to impress everyone.