Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites
Table of Contents
Gather around, dear friends, as I share a recipe that will surely evoke warm, cozy memories and fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of freshly baked goodness. Imagine this: a batch of Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites, warm from the oven, their golden crusts sprinkled with a sweet and spicy dusting that speaks of family gatherings and childhood delights. These little bites are not just a treat; they’re a hug in snack form, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own with a cup of tea — a moment of pure comfort.
As someone who grew up surrounded by the love of homemade meals, these pretzel bites take me back to afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. The joy of kneading dough, waiting for it to rise, and the anticipation of that first bite after they emerge golden and fragrant from the oven — it’s a simple pleasure that never fades. If you’re looking for a recipe that promises warmth, nostalgia, and a sprinkle of sugary magic, you’ve found it.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are more than just a snack; they’re a delightful experience that brings several benefits right to your kitchen table:
Nostalgic Comfort: These pretzel bites remind us of simpler times, evoking the warmth and love of family gatherings. Each bite is like a step back in time, to cozy evenings in a kitchen filled with laughter and stories.
Simple Joy: With just a few ingredients, you can create something truly special and delightful for any occasion. The simplicity of the recipe means you spend less time worrying about complex steps and more time enjoying the process and the end result.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a treat to bring to a potluck, these pretzel bites are sure to be a hit. They’re an excellent conversation starter, and their bite-sized nature makes them easy to share.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is approachable for cooks of all levels, ensuring a stress-free baking experience. Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be foolproof.
Versatile Snack: Enjoy them as a sweet treat or pair them with your favorite dips for a savory twist. You can adjust the coating or the accompaniments to fit any craving, making them a versatile addition to any menu.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To make these Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites, you won’t need a fancy array of tools. Just a few kitchen essentials will do, making this recipe accessible and stress-free:
Stand Mixer: A trusty stand mixer will streamline your dough-making process, though you can also knead by hand if you prefer. The mixer ensures a smooth, elastic dough without much effort.
Large Pot: Essential for the baking soda bath that gives pretzels their signature texture. This step is crucial as it creates the chewy, golden crust that is characteristic of pretzels.
Baking Sheets: Line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Parchment paper also makes for easy cleanup.
Rolling Pin: Helpful for shaping the dough into logs before cutting. If you don’t have a rolling pin, a clean wine bottle can work in a pinch!
Pastry Brush: Ideal for coating your pretzel bites in melted butter for that irresistible cinnamon sugar finish. A brush helps distribute the butter evenly, ensuring every bite is perfectly coated.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
INGREDIENTS
For the Pretzels:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water (between 100° and 110° F)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– .25 ounces active dry yeast (1 packet)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3 1/2 cups flour
– 1/4 cup baking soda
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 tablespoons cinnamon
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
INSTRUCTIONS
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine water and sugar to create a warm, sweet environment for the yeast.
- Add the yeast and let sit for 10 minutes, until foamy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, ensuring your dough rises beautifully.
- Add flour and salt, stirring by hand until a dough forms. The mixture should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Attach the dough hook and beat on medium-low speed for 6-8 minutes until shiny. This kneading process develops the gluten, which gives the pretzels their chewy texture.
- Coat the mixer bowl with oil, place the dough back, cover, and let rise for 1 hour. This resting period allows the dough to double in size, ensuring light and airy pretzel bites.
- Preheat oven to 450°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Cut dough into small ¼ cup sized balls, roll into logs, and cut into ¾- to 1-inch pieces. Uniformity in size ensures even cooking.
- Boil a large pot of water, adding baking soda slowly, and cook pretzel bits for 1 minute per batch. This alkaline bath is what gives pretzels their distinctive taste and texture.
- Arrange pretzels on baking sheets and bake for 11-13 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
- Cool for 10 minutes, brush with melted butter, and coat with cinnamon sugar. The butter helps the cinnamon sugar adhere, giving each bite a sweet, spicy finish.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 20 minutes • Cooking Time: 13 minutes • Total Time: 1 hour 33 minutes • Calories: 150 per serving • Servings: 8
Note: For an extra cinnamon kick, increase the cinnamon in the sugar coating to 3 tablespoons. This adjustment can satisfy those with a love for bold, spicy flavors.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
Each ingredient in our Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites is chosen not just for taste, but for its comforting qualities and subtle health benefits:
Cinnamon: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to regulate blood sugar, cinnamon not only adds flavor but also a touch of wellness. Its warm spice complements the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the butter.
Yeast: As a natural leavening agent, yeast brings the dough to life, creating that soft, chewy texture we adore. It also provides essential B vitamins and minerals.
Whole Wheat Flour: Feel free to substitute some of the flour with whole wheat for added fiber and nutrients. This adjustment can add a nutty flavor and further enhance the texture.
Butter: While a source of fat, butter adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere perfectly, making every bite a delight. It also provides a creamy flavor that balances the sweetness.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of accompaniments:
Creamy Dips: Consider serving with cream cheese dip or a vanilla glaze for a dessert-like experience. The creaminess complements the sweet and spicy flavor of the bites.
Hot Beverages: Pair with a steaming cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea for a cozy afternoon treat. The warmth of the drink enhances the comforting nature of the bites.
Savory Snacks: Serve alongside a cheese board for a sweet and salty contrast that’s sure to impress. The mix of flavors can elevate any gathering.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), storing and enjoying them is as easy peasy as the recipe itself:
Storage: Place the pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and maintains their texture.
Reheating: For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. This quick warm-up revives their delicious aroma and softness.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked pretzel bites for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving. This makes them a convenient treat to have on hand for unexpected guests or a sudden craving.
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are a warm reminder of the joys of homemade cooking. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to savor on a quiet afternoon, they bring a touch of magic to any moment.
Pin this Easy Peasy recipe!
Love this recipe? Pin the image below to your favorite Pinterest boards and bring a little Easy Peasy comfort to your kitchen whenever you need it.
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In the bowl of stand mixer, combine water and sugar.
- To your stand mixer add the water, sugar, and yeast and let sit 10 minutes, until foamy.
- Add in the flour and salt and add in the dough hook, but before you turn it on stir the flour in with a spoon until a dough is made (about 1 minute).
- Turn on the mixer on medium speed (using the dough hook), beat on medium-low speed for 6-8 minutes until the dough is shiny and pulling away from the sides of the bowl.
- Take the dough hook off, pick up the dough ball and coat the mixer bowl with a thin layer of oil then put the dough back in and cover it with a kitchen towel for 1 hour in a warm place (you want the dough to double in size).
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cut away small ¼ cup sized balls of dough, roll them into thin logs and cut ¾- to 1-inch pieces and place them onto the baking sheets.
- Once you’ve cut all the pretzel dough into small pieces (careful to not stack the dough bits on top of each other – use more than one baking sheet), bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Slowly add baking soda (do this slowly because it will react in the pot), then reduce the heat to a medium-low and in small batches cook the pretzel bits for 1 minute (turn them halfway through).
- Remove the pretzels and line them up on the baking sheets.
- Once you’ve cooked all the batches of pretzels in the baking soda water, bake them for 11-13 minutes, or until golden brown.
- To coat them, let the pretzels cool for 10 minutes when they come out of the oven, brush them in the melted butter, then in a mixture of the cinnamon and sugar.
