One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

Get ready to indulge your sweet tooth with this delightful treat! The One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe is a quick and easy way to bring warm, fluffy, and perfectly coated pretzel bites straight from your oven to your snack plate. These little bites combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a luscious chocolate dip, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a cozy afternoon nibble or a fun party appetizer, this recipe promises a mix of soft texture with the sweet sparkle of cinnamon sugar and the rich creaminess of chocolate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here is simple yet essential, carefully chosen to create the perfect texture, flavor, and color for your pretzel bites. From the yeast that gives the dough that perfect rise to the cinnamon and sugar that add irresistible sweetness, each component plays its part beautifully.

• 1 1/2 cups warm water: This activates the yeast and helps the dough come alive with softness.
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: The secret behind the airy, fluffy texture of the pretzel bites.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a light touch of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the dough’s taste.
• 4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and chewiness to the pretzels.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the dough.
• 10 cups water for boiling: Prepares the baking soda bath, crucial for that classic pretzel texture.
• 2/3 cup baking soda: Creates the signature chewy, browned crust in the baking soda bath.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted for coating: Keeps pretzel bites warm and adds a glossy finish.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar for cinnamon sugar coating: Sweetens and adds crunch to the exterior.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to the sugary coating.
• 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread or chocolate dipping sauce: The decadent finishing touch for dipping and enjoying every bite.

How to Make One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, until it’s wonderfully foamy. This shows your yeast is alive and ready to make the dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the salt, melted butter, and flour to your yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a soft dough forms. Then take a moment to knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic—this step builds the chewy texture that makes pretzels so addictive.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rest

Cover your dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes. This short resting period lets the gluten relax slightly, making the dough easier to handle when you shape the bites.

Step 4: Preheat and Prep

While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This way, your pretzel bites will bake evenly and won’t stick to the trays.

Step 5: Shape the Pretzel Bites

Divide your dough into six equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope, then cut those ropes into 1-inch bite-sized pieces—the perfect size for snacking and dipping!

Step 6: Boil the Pretzel Bites

Bring the 10 cups of water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. Carefully drop your cut pretzel bites into the boiling water for exactly 20 seconds each. This quick dip gives them that signature chewy pretzel crust. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the pretzel bites in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and smell absolutely irresistible.

Step 8: Brush and Coat

While the pretzels are still warm, brush them with melted butter to keep them soft and shiny. Toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until every bite is perfectly coated with sweet, spicy goodness.

Step 9: Serve with Chocolate Dip

These ultra-soft pretzel bites are best enjoyed warm, dipped into your choice of chocolate hazelnut spread or luscious chocolate sauce for a combination that’s both nostalgic and gourmet.

How to Serve One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before coating the bites with cinnamon sugar adds a lovely sweet-and-salty dimension. You can also serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

Pair these pretzel bites with a hot cup of spiced chai, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. For a party, try serving them alongside fresh fruit skewers or a cheese platter to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these bites in a rustic basket lined with a checkered cloth for casual gatherings or on a beautiful slate board with small bowls of different dipping sauces—think dark chocolate, caramel, or even a spicy chili chocolate dip for adventurous eaters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft but are best enjoyed fresh for that classic soft pretzel texture.

Freezing

To keep them for longer, flash freeze the pretzel bites on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

Reheat your pretzel bites in a 350-degree oven for 5 to 8 minutes to revive their warm, soft charm. Avoid microwaving to prevent losing that delightful chewy texture.

FAQs

Can I make these pretzel bites gluten-free?

Gluten is key for the chewy texture of pretzels, so traditional gluten-free flours might result in a denser bite. However, experimenting with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and adding extra moisture can work, but results may vary.

Why do we boil pretzel bites in baking soda water?

This step is crucial as the baking soda bath triggers a chemical reaction that gives pretzels their trademark chewy crust and beautiful brown color when baked.

Can I use something other than chocolate hazelnut spread for dipping?

Absolutely! Try peanut butter, caramel sauce, or even fruit preserves. The softness and sweetness of the pretzels pair wonderfully with many different dips.

Is the recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely! These pretzel bites are a fantastic kid-friendly snack that combines fun shapes with flavors that kids love. Just watch out if you’re adding extra salt or spices.

How can I make the pretzels less sweet?

You can reduce the sugar in the cinnamon-sugar coating or skip it entirely and add flaky sea salt before baking for a classic salty pretzel experience.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how rewarding it is to make warm, soft pretzel bites in under an hour, why not dive right into this One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe? Whether for a cozy night in or as a delightful treat to share with friends, these bites are sure to bring smiles and satisfied taste buds. The ease, flavor, and fun of making your own soft pretzels at home make this recipe an absolute winner in my book. Enjoy every bite!

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