Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

$To make these tasty bites, gather the following essential ingredients: - 1 cup warm water (between 110°F and 115°F) - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided) - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) - 1 teaspoon salt - 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting) - 1/4 cup baking soda - 1 large egg (beaten for egg wash) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar coating) - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling) These ingredients work together to create a soft and chewy pretzel bite, coated in sweet cinnamon sugar. You can add these optional ingredients to elevate the flavor of your pretzel bites: - Vanilla extract for a hint of sweetness - Cream cheese for a richer dough - Nutmeg to add warmth to the cinnamon These additions can make your pretzel bites unique and even more delightful. Each serving of cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, which is about 2-3 bites, contains: - Calories: 120 - Protein: 3g - Fat: 2g - Carbohydrates: 23g - Fiber: 1g - Sugars: 5g This treat has a good balance of fun and flavor, making it a great snack option! Start with warm water. It should feel nice, around 110°F to 115°F. Add the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar to the water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This step makes the yeast frothy. A frothy mix means the yeast is ready! Next, mix in melted butter, the other 2 tablespoons of sugar, and salt. Stir until everything blends well. Now, slowly add flour, one cup at a time. You will mix it with a wooden spoon or your hands. Keep adding until the dough feels soft and easy to work with. Dust a clean surface with flour. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes. It should feel smooth and springy. After kneading, put the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. Your dough should double in size. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it into a long log about 1 inch thick. Cut the log into 1-inch pieces. This gives you bite-sized pretzel pieces. Next, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add in the baking soda. Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water. Cook them for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to take them out. Place the pretzel bites on a lined baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Brush the tops of each pretzel bite with a beaten egg. This makes them shiny. Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top for taste. Bake the pretzel bites for 12-15 minutes. They should look golden and puffed. While they bake, mix the remaining sugar with ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Once baked, toss the pretzel bites in the cinnamon sugar mix. Make sure each bite gets a nice coat. Enjoy your tasty snack! When making cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, I see some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for: - Using water that is too hot can kill the yeast. Keep it warm, between 110°F and 115°F. - Not letting the dough rise enough can lead to tough bites. Always let it double in size. - Adding too much flour can make the dough dry. Start with less and add more if needed. To get the best texture for your pretzel bites, follow these tips: - Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This helps develop gluten. - Use a sharp knife to cut uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and nice shapes. - Boil the pretzel bites for 30 seconds. This gives them that classic pretzel texture. Sometimes, dough can be tricky. Here’s how to fix common issues: - If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour as you knead. - If the dough does not rise, check your yeast. It should be frothy after mixing with water. - If your pretzel bites come out hard, they might be overbaked. Keep an eye on them in the oven. Following these tips will help you create perfect cinnamon sugar pretzel bites each time you bake! {{image_4}} You can easily add cheese to these bites. To make cheesy pretzel bites, add shredded cheese to the dough. Use a mild cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a smooth melt. Fold the cheese in after kneading. Shape and boil the bites just like the classic recipe. After baking, you can sprinkle more cheese on top for extra flavor. Want to make these bites gluten-free? Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for one that works well for baking. Follow the same steps for rising and boiling. Check the dough's texture; it may need a bit more flour. The taste will still be sweet and cinnamon-y, perfect for everyone. You can mix it up with toppings! Instead of cinnamon sugar, try garlic powder and Parmesan cheese. For a sweet twist, serve with chocolate or caramel sauce. A creamy cheese dip also pairs well with the warm pretzel bites. You can explore these options to find your new favorite combination. To keep your leftover cinnamon sugar pretzel bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool completely before sealing. This will help them stay soft and tasty. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Freezing is a great way to save your pretzel bites. After they cool, place them in a freezer bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. You can keep them frozen for about three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat your pretzel bites, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5 to 10 minutes, until warm. This will make the outside crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but they may get a bit chewy. Enjoy your pretzel bites just like fresh! To help your dough rise, use warm water between 110°F and 115°F. This temperature activates the yeast. Mix the warm water with the yeast and some sugar. Let it sit for five minutes until it bubbles. This shows the yeast is alive. After this, mix in your other ingredients. Cover the dough with a towel and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise until it doubles in size, usually about one hour. Yes, you can. Prepare the dough and let it rise as usual. After shaping the bites, you can freeze them before boiling. Lay them on a baking sheet without touching. Freeze for about one hour, then transfer them to a bag. When ready to bake, boil them straight from the freezer. Adjust the baking time as needed. You can find ready-made pretzel bites in grocery stores. Look in the frozen food aisle. Many brands offer soft pretzel bites that are tasty and easy to prepare. Some local bakeries might also sell fresh pretzel bites. Check their pastry section for these delightful treats. This blog post covered how to make delicious cinnamon sugar pretzel bites. We talked about key ingredients, easy steps, and some tips to avoid mistakes. You can even try fun variations like cheesy bites or gluten-free options. In the end, making pretzel bites is simple and tasty. With practice, you can enjoy fresh treats at home anytime. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your new skills!$

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites with this easy recipe! Perfect for snacking or parties, these soft bites are coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar topping that will have everyone coming back for more. Get all the tips for crafting the perfect dough and baking them to golden perfection.

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Ingredients

1 cup warm water (between 110°F and 115°F)

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon salt

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

1/4 cup baking soda

1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar coating)

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water with the yeast and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is active.

Once frothy, add the melted butter, the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the salt to the yeast mixture. Stir gently until the ingredients are well incorporated.

Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft, pliable dough forms. You may need to slightly adjust the flour quantity depending on the consistency of the dough.

Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it feels smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when gently pressed.

Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and place it in a warm, draft-free area. Allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough into a long log approximately 1 inch in diameter. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 1-inch pieces, forming bite-sized pretzel pieces.

In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water in batches, allowing them to cook for 30 seconds each. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.

Brush the top of each pretzel bite with the beaten egg to create a shiny finish, then lightly sprinkle with coarse sea salt for added flavor.

Place the pretzel bites in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.

While the pretzels are baking, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with the ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

Once the pretzel bites are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring each bite is well coated.

- Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 24 pretzel bites

- Presentation Tips: Serve these delightful pretzel bites warm in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper. Consider adding a small bowl of sweet frosting or a dipping sauce for an extra indulgent treat. Enjoy!