Description
Deliciously soft and chewy cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, perfect as a sweet snack or party appetizer. These bite-sized treats have a golden crust with a warm cinnamon sugar coating, offering a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
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 mixing bowl, combine the warm water (between 110-115°F), granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Add the all-purpose flour and the melted unsalted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms, then turn onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the pretzel bites: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into manageable pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and cut into small bite-size pieces, approximately 1 inch each, forming the pretzel bites.
- Boil the pretzel bites: Bring 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup of baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. Carefully add the pretzel bites in batches to the boiling water. Boil them for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place them onto lined baking sheets.
- Apply egg wash and cinnamon sugar: Brush each pretzel bite generously with the egg yolk beaten with water. Immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top to coat evenly.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the pretzel bites for 12-15 minutes or until they have turned a deep golden brown color on top.
- Serve warm: Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm for the best soft and chewy texture with a sweet cinnamon sugar finish.
Notes
- Ensure the water temperature for activating yeast is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading dough well develops gluten, which is key to the soft texture of pretzel bites.
- Boiling the pretzels in baking soda water gives them their characteristic chewy crust and distinctive flavor.
- Use fresh cinnamon for the best flavor in the cinnamon sugar topping.
- These pretzel bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the cinnamon sugar topping or skip it.