Ingredients
- Warm water (105-115°F): 1 1/2 cups
- Active dry yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups
- Granulated sugar (for dough): 1 tablespoon
- Kosher salt (for dough): 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: 1/2 cup
- Unsalted butter (melted, for coating): 1/2 cup
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl or stand mixer, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in the warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the flour and salt, then knead the mixture using a dough hook or by hand for 5-7 minutes until a smooth, elastic ball forms. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal sections. Roll each section into a long rope (about 1 inch thick), then use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the rope into 1-inch pieces (the pretzel bites).
- Step 3: Prepare the baking soda bath by bringing 8 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot, then carefully stir in the 1/2 cup of baking soda. Working in small batches, drop the pretzel bites into the boiling solution for exactly 30 seconds, then immediately remove them with a slotted spoon, allowing excess water to drain. Place the bites on the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 4: Bake the pretzel bites for 8-12 minutes, or until they are puffed up and have turned a deep golden brown. While the pretzels are baking, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and the ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl to create the cinnamon sugar coating, and melt the 1/2 cup of butter in a separate bowl.
- Step 5: Immediately after removing the pretzel bites from the oven, toss them into the bowl of melted butter until fully coated. Transfer the buttered bites directly into the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss until they are evenly covered. Serve warm.
Notes
- Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, knowing they will soften slightly overnight.
- To revive day-old bites, reheat them briefly in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and the crust is slightly crisp again.
- Elevate the flavor by serving these warm bites alongside a cream cheese glaze or a simple vanilla icing for dipping.
- Strictly adhere to the 30-second timing for the boiling baking soda bath, as over-boiling will result in a tough, bitter crust instead of a classic chewy pretzel texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American