Name: One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487122H42M43S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (bread flour may be substituted for firmer pretzels); ¾ cup warm water (as per yeast package instructions); 2 ¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast (1 packet, Red Star Platinum recommended); 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon salt (optional); ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (divided for brushing); ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating); 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate coating); 3 tablespoons cinnamon (for cinnamon-sugar coating)

One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These soft pretzel bites are perfect for a quick, indulgent snack or breakfast. The dough comes together quickly, and you don’t need to boil them before baking, making the process so much simpler. The combination of chocolate or cinnamon-sugar coating on these soft pretzel bites is absolutely delicious, and they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s for a fun treat at home or a snack at a party.

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Bites:

2 cups all-purpose flour (bread flour may be substituted for firmer pretzels)
¾ cup warm water (as per yeast package instructions)
2 ¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast (1 packet, Red Star Platinum recommended)
1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt (optional)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (divided for brushing)

For the Chocolate Coating:

½ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

½ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cinnamon

Directions

1. Make the Dough:

In a stand mixer or large bowl, combine flour, warm water, yeast, oil, sugar, and optional salt. Knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and firm. If kneading by hand, it may take a few more minutes.

2. Shape the Pretzels:

Turn the dough out onto a clean surface, divide into four equal parts, and roll each into a rope about the length of your baking sheet. Score each rope into 1-inch pieces, and separate them to ensure they don’t stick together.

3. Bake:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the pretzel bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 16-17 minutes or until golden brown and firm.

4. Coat the Pretzels:

While the pretzels bake, melt the butter. After baking, brush the warm pretzel bites with melted butter.

5. Add the Coatings:

For the chocolate coating, mix the sugar and cocoa powder. For the cinnamon-sugar coating, mix sugar and cinnamon. Place half the pretzels in a zip-top bag with your chosen coating, seal, and shake until coated.

6. Serve:

Serve warm, ideally with Nutella for dipping or any preferred sauce.

Servings and Timing

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 16-17 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Yield: Approximately 24 pretzel bites (depends on the size of each bite)

Variations

Different Coatings: You can try other coatings like vanilla sugar or powdered sugar for a different twist.
Savory Option: Instead of sugar, coat the pretzels in garlic powder and grated Parmesan for a savory snack.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. Reheat the pretzel bites in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven for 5-7 minutes to retain their soft texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Whole wheat flour will make the pretzel bites denser.

2. How can I make the dough rise faster?

To speed up the rising process, you can place the dough in a warm area, like an oven preheated to 100°F (37°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

3. Can I freeze these pretzel bites?

Yes! You can freeze the pretzel bites before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

4. Can I use butter instead of oil?

Yes, you can substitute butter for oil in the dough for a richer flavor.

5. What can I use if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can substitute active dry yeast, but you’ll need to proof it first in warm water for about 5-10 minutes before using it in the dough.

6. Can I make the pretzels into one large pretzel?

Yes! You can shape the dough into one large pretzel instead of bite-sized pieces. Adjust the baking time to 25-30 minutes, depending on the size of the pretzel.

7. How do I prevent the pretzel bites from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to line the baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the pan to prevent sticking.

8. Can I make the chocolate coating dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free cocoa powder and substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative if you want a dairy-free version.

9. What if I don’t have cocoa powder for the chocolate coating?

If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can use melted chocolate or chocolate chips for a different chocolate coating.

10. How do I know when the pretzels are done?

The pretzels are done when they’re golden brown and firm. If you’re unsure, you can check by pressing on one—it should feel light and not doughy in the middle.

Conclusion

These One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites are an easy and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their fluffy, soft interior and crispy coating, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Whether you prefer chocolate or cinnamon-sugar, this recipe is customizable and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy them warm, with your favorite dipping sauce, for a fun and satisfying snack!