Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites are a delightful twist on a classic snack. Soft, buttery, and bursting with flavor, they’re perfect for sharing or enjoying as a cozy treat. The quick recipe allows you to whip them up fresh in no time.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (bread flour may be substituted; pretzels will be firmer and chewier rather than softer and fluffier)
• 3/4 cup water (warmed to manufacturer’s directions)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant dry yeast (one 1/4-ounce packet)
• 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional and to taste)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or vegan buttery spread melted for brushing/drizzling, divided)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for chocolate coating)
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon-sugar coating)
• 3 tablespoons cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook (or a large mixing bowl for hand-kneading), combine the flour, warm water, yeast, oil, sugar, and optional salt. Knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is soft, smooth, and forms a firm mass. If hand-kneading, you might need to knead a few minutes longer. Ensure the water temperature matches yeast instructions, typically warm but not hot.
2. Step 2: Turn the dough onto a Silpat-lined countertop or clean surface. Divide it into four equal pieces.
3. Step 3: Roll each piece into a long rope about the length of a standard (17-inch) baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Place the ropes on a Silpat-lined or lightly greased baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Using a pizza cutter, score the dough into 1-inch pieces.
6. Step 6: Separate the pieces so they don’t touch. Set the pan aside while preheating the oven.
7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This is also the time allowed for the dough to rise slightly.
8. Step 8: Bake the pretzel bites for 16 to 17 minutes until they are lightly golden, firm, and cooked through. Check one for doneness before removing. Watch closely towards the end to avoid burning.
9. Step 9: While baking, melt the butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds on high power.
10. Step 10: Once baked, brush the warm pretzel bites generously with the melted butter right on the baking tray.
11. Step 11: For the chocolate coating, mix the cocoa powder and 1/2 cup sugar in a small bowl, then transfer to a gallon-sized zip-top bag.
12. Step 12: Add half the pretzel bites to the bag, seal, and gently shake, tipping the bag in different directions to coat the pretzels evenly. Open the bag and serve.
13. Step 13: For the cinnamon-sugar coating, combine the cinnamon and 1/2 cup sugar in a small bowl, then transfer to a separate gallon-sized zip-top bag.
14. Step 14: Add the remaining pretzel bites to this bag, seal, and gently shake to coat evenly. Open the bag and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use bread flour for a chewier texture, or all-purpose flour for a softer bite.
• Make sure water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast—aim for around 95 to 130°F depending on yeast type.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mix for extra warmth and spice.
• For a vegan option, substitute butter with a plant-based buttery spread.

Storage

Store pretzel bites airtight at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, heat them in the microwave for about 5 seconds to soften before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, bread flour can be used and will make the pretzels firmer and chewier, while all-purpose flour yields a softer texture.

How do I know if the yeast is still active?

Using the correct water temperature is key. Warm water (not hot) activates yeast. If your dough doesn’t rise slightly during the oven preheat, your yeast might be inactive and it’s best to use fresh yeast.

Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 74 reviews

These Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites are perfectly soft, fluffy, and buttery little bites with a delicious sweet twist. Made from a simple yeast dough, baked until golden, and then coated generously in either a rich cocoa-sugar blend or a warm cinnamon-sugar topping, these bite-sized treats are perfect as a snack or dessert. The recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients and requires minimal hands-on time, resulting in tender pretzels that are best enjoyed warm and fresh.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 40–50 pretzel bites (depending on size) 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (bread flour may be substituted; pretzels will be firmer and chewier)
• 3/4 cup warm water (temperature varies by yeast brand; approx. 95-130°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant dry yeast (one 1/4-ounce packet; Red Star Platinum recommended)
• 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional and to taste)

Butter for Brushing

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter or vegan buttery spread, melted

Chocolate Coating

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Make the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook (or in a large mixing bowl if kneading by hand), combine the flour, warm water, instant yeast, oil, sugar, and optional salt. Knead the mixture for about 5 minutes until the dough is soft, smooth, and forms a firm mass. Hand-kneading may require a few extra minutes. Ensure the water is at the temperature recommended by the yeast manufacturer to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
2. Divide the dough: Turn the dough out onto a Silpat-lined countertop or clean bare surface. Divide the dough into 4 equal-sized portions to prepare for shaping.
3. Roll into ropes: Roll each portion into a long rope roughly the length of a standard 17-inch baking sheet.
4. Arrange ropes on baking sheet: Place the dough ropes on a Silpat-lined or nonstick sprayed baking sheet in preparation for cutting.
5. Cut into pieces: Using a pizza cutter, score the dough ropes into 1-inch pretzel bite-sized pieces.
6. Separate the pieces: Gently separate the cut pieces on the baking sheet so they do not touch during baking.
7. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This warming time (~10-15 minutes) also serves as the dough’s rise time.
8. Bake the pretzel bites: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 16 to 17 minutes, or until the bites are just beginning to turn golden and are firm to the touch. Test one bite to ensure it is fully cooked but still soft inside. Keep a close watch near the end to prevent burning.
9. Melt the butter: While the pretzels bake, melt the butter or vegan buttery spread in the microwave for about 30 seconds on high.
10. Brush with butter: Once out of the oven and still on the baking sheet, generously brush the warm pretzel bites with the melted butter to add richness and help the toppings stick.
11. Prepare chocolate coating: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the cocoa powder and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Transfer this mixture to a large gallon-sized zip-top bag.
12. Coat pretzels with chocolate sugar: Place about half of the butter-brushed pretzels into the zip-top bag with the chocolate sugar mixture. Seal the bag and gently shake it from side to side, upside-down, and back and forth to evenly coat all pieces. Open the bag and serve these chocolate-coated bites fresh.
13. Prepare cinnamon-sugar coating: In another small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon until combined. Transfer this mixture to a separate gallon-sized zip-top bag.
14. Coat pretzels with cinnamon-sugar: Place the remaining half of the butter-brushed pretzels into the cinnamon-sugar bag. Seal and gently shake the bag as before to evenly coat all bites. Open and serve these cinnamon-sugar pretzels warm.
15. Storage and reheating: Pretzel bites are best enjoyed warm and fresh. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To refresh leftovers, microwave for about 5 seconds to soften before serving.
16. Adaptation note: This recipe is adapted from Soft Buttery One-Hour Pretzels and One-Hour Soft Buttery Breadsticks recipes, both vegan options.

Notes

• Water temperature is critical: Use the temperature recommended by your yeast brand to activate it properly without killing it.
• Use a Silpat or a nonstick baking mat/spray for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Do not let the pretzel bites touch on the baking sheet, to ensure even baking and prevent sticking.
• Watch the pretzels closely towards the end of baking to avoid burning; they should be golden, not dark brown.
• Butter brushing before coating helps toppings stick and adds flavor; vegan buttery substitutes work well.
• Both chocolate and cinnamon-sugar coatings can be made ahead and stored separately if desired.
• These pretzels are best served warm but can be stored up to 2 days; reheat briefly to restore softness.
• Bread flour can be used for a firmer, chewier texture; all-purpose flour makes softer pretzels.

Keywords: pretzel bites, soft pretzels, chocolate pretzels, cinnamon sugar pretzels, soft snack, yeast dough, easy pretzel recipe