These warm, soft pretzel bites are a delightful snack, coated with either chocolate or cinnamon-sugar, and are ready in just one hour! With a dough that rises quickly and without the hassle of boiling, they’re easy to make, and their crispy exteriors and soft, fluffy interiors are simply irresistible. Great for kids and adults alike, serve them with a side of Nutella for dipping or keep it classic with butter and salt.

Full Recipe:

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. 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.

Nutrients

• Calories: 33 kcal (per pretzel bite)

• Carbohydrates: 7g

• Protein: 1g

• Sodium: 18mg

• Sugar: 3g

These pretzel bites are a fantastic treat, combining soft, chewy dough with your favorite sweet coatings!

Why Choose Soft Pretzel Bites?

What makes soft pretzel bites so appealing is their versatility. They are a simple, fun snack that can be easily customized with different coatings to suit any flavor preference. Whether you’re craving something sweet, like chocolate or cinnamon-sugar, or you want to stick with a savory classic, these pretzel bites can do it all. They are also bite-sized, making them a convenient option for sharing, whether you’re hosting a gathering or serving them to the family.

Additionally, soft pretzel bites are incredibly easy to make. The dough comes together quickly and rises in a short amount of time, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked pretzels without spending hours in the kitchen. There’s no need for boiling the dough, which is a step often required in traditional soft pretzel recipes. This streamlined process makes them a perfect choice for those who want the delicious taste of homemade pretzels but without the time and effort typically involved.

How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites

Making soft pretzel bites is a fun and simple process. Start by making the dough. In a stand mixer or large bowl, combine the flour, warm water (following the yeast package instructions), yeast, oil, sugar, and optional salt. Mix everything together and knead for about 5 minutes, either with a stand mixer or by hand, until the dough is smooth and firm. If you’re kneading by hand, you may need to knead it a bit longer—just make sure the dough feels firm and elastic.

Once the dough is ready, turn it out onto a clean surface and divide it into four equal parts. Roll each part into a rope, about the length of your baking sheet. From there, score each rope into 1-inch pieces, forming your pretzel bites. It’s important to separate the pieces on the baking sheet to ensure they don’t stick together during baking.

Baking the Pretzel Bites

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the pretzel bites bake evenly and don’t stick. Arrange the cut pretzel pieces on the prepared baking sheet, making sure there’s enough space between each piece. Bake for about 16-17 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown and firm to the touch.

While the pretzel bites are baking, melt the butter in preparation for brushing them after they come out of the oven. The butter will help the coatings adhere to the pretzels and add richness and flavor.

Coating the Pretzel Bites

Once your pretzel bites are out of the oven and still warm, it’s time to coat them. Begin by brushing them with the melted butter. Then, depending on your preference, you can coat them with either a chocolate coating or a cinnamon-sugar coating.

For the chocolate coating, mix the granulated sugar with unsweetened cocoa powder to create a sweet, rich coating. For the cinnamon-sugar coating, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Place half of the warm pretzels in a zip-top bag, add your chosen coating, seal the bag, and shake until the pretzels are fully coated.

Serving the Pretzel Bites

Once the pretzel bites are coated, serve them warm. These bites are best enjoyed immediately, when they’re at their freshest and softest. For extra indulgence, serve them with a side of Nutella for dipping—its creamy sweetness pairs perfectly with the warmth and fluffiness of the pretzels. You can also serve them with classic butter or salt if you prefer a savory option.

Nutritional Information for Soft Pretzel Bites

These soft pretzel bites are a great treat that can be enjoyed without the guilt. Each pretzel bite contains only 33 calories, with 7 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of protein, and just 3 grams of sugar. The minimal sugar content makes them an excellent snack option for those who want something sweet without the overload of sugar typically found in other treats.

The fat content comes from the unsalted butter used in the dough and for brushing the pretzels. Although they contain 18 milligrams of sodium, the total is fairly low per bite, making them an acceptable snack when enjoyed in moderation. These pretzel bites are also a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy to keep you fueled throughout the day.

Serving Suggestions

These soft pretzel bites can be served in a variety of ways. As mentioned, Nutella is an excellent dipping sauce, but if you’re looking for something more classic, serve them with melted butter and a sprinkle of salt. The buttery pretzels are perfect for snacking or as a fun side dish to complement a casual meal. They also make for a great appetizer at parties or gatherings.

You can serve them as a fun snack with a cold drink, such as soda, lemonade, or even a cold beer for an adult gathering. If you’re serving them as part of a meal, pair them with a fresh salad or a hearty soup, as their soft, comforting texture complements lighter fare well.

Customization and Variations

One of the great things about soft pretzel bites is how customizable they are. The coatings can be adjusted based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, if you prefer a different sweet coating, you can experiment with powdered sugar or even flavored syrups like maple or caramel. For a savory twist, you can add garlic powder, grated cheese, or even a sprinkle of herbs like rosemary or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture before baking.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute whole wheat flour for the all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content. You could also reduce the amount of butter used or opt for a lower-fat alternative to keep the calorie count down. Alternatively, experiment with using a dairy-free butter substitute for a vegan version of the pretzels.

Conclusion

These warm, soft pretzel bites are the perfect snack or appetizer, offering the delicious flavors of traditional pretzels in a convenient, bite-sized form. Whether you choose the sweet chocolate or cinnamon-sugar coating or stick to the classic buttery version, these pretzels are sure to satisfy your cravings. Quick and easy to make, these pretzel bites are a great treat for any occasion—from casual family meals to parties or get-togethers. Their soft, fluffy interior and crispy exterior make them a truly irresistible snack. Enjoy them with Nutella for an extra indulgent touch, or keep it classic with butter and salt!