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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
