Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites
Soft pretzel bites coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture perfect for a movie snack or a cozy treat. This american-inspired snacks ready in about 50 minutes turns all-purpose flour, packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast, (110°F) warm water into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup (110°F) warm water
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 4 tbsp, melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup coarse sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast and 2 tbsp granulated sugar in 3/4 cup warm water (110°F). Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt to form a soft dough. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 3: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 450°F and bring 10 cups water and 2/3 cup baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
- Step 5: Punch down the dough and roll into a 12-inch log. Cut into 1-inch pieces and shape each into a bite-sized ball.
- Step 6: Carefully drop pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water, 10 at a time, for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 7: Brush each pretzel bite with 4 tbsp melted butter. Mix 2 tsp cinnamon with 1/4 cup coarse sugar and sprinkle evenly over the pretzels.
- Step 8: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites?
American snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
