Transforming your sourdough discard into something delicious has never been easier or more fun than with these delightful cinnamon sugar pretzel bites. This recipe offers a fantastic way to use up that extra starter, turning it into a sweet and salty treat perfect for any time of day.
These pretzel bites are incredibly simple to make, even for beginner bakers, and they come together quickly. They’re a family-friendly snack that everyone will love, whether you’re looking for an after-school treat, a movie night snack, or a unique addition to your brunch spread.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites
- Total Time: 32-35 minutes
- Yield: 40-50 pretzel bites 1x
Description
Transform your sourdough discard into delightful cinnamon sugar pretzel bites with this easy and fun recipe. Perfect for using up extra starter, these sweet and salty treats are simple to make, even for beginner bakers, and come together quickly. They’re a family-friendly snack ideal for any time of day, from after-school treats to movie nights or brunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. 1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the unfed sourdough discard, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated. Gradually add the 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
2. 2. Shape the Pretzel Bites: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 1/2 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. These will be your pretzel bites.
3. 3. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: Preheat your oven to 425 F (220 C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the 1/4 cup of baking soda to the boiling water. The water will foam up, so be cautious. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. 4. Boil the Pretzel Bites: Working in batches, drop the pretzel bites into the simmering baking soda solution for 20-30 seconds. Do not overcrowd the pot. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the bites and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one.
5. 5. Bake Until Golden: Transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are puffed up and turn a deep golden brown. The color is key to that classic pretzel appearance and flavor.
6. 6. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the pretzel bites are still warm, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small bowl. In another shallow dish, combine the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Dip each warm pretzel bite into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated, then immediately roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly covered. Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: snack
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5-6 pretzel bites
Keywords: sourdough, pretzel bites, cinnamon sugar, discard recipe, sweet snack, easy recipe, kid-friendly, baking, homemade, dessert
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This recipe is a true gem for several reasons, making it a favorite in many households. First and foremost, it’s an ingenious way to utilize sourdough discard, preventing waste and giving new life to something often thrown away. It’s perfect for home bakers who maintain an active sourdough starter and are always looking for creative, practical applications for their discard. Beyond that, these pretzel bites are incredibly quick to prepare, meaning you can satisfy a craving for something sweet and salty without spending hours in the kitchen. They are inherently beginner-friendly, requiring no complex techniques or specialized equipment, making them accessible to anyone, regardless of their baking experience. The combination of the slightly tangy sourdough discard with the classic cinnamon sugar coating and a hint of salt creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting. These pretzel bites are ideal for a casual snack, a fun appetizer for a gathering, or even a unique dessert. They’re particularly popular with kids, making them a fantastic addition to lunchboxes or as an after-school treat.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients before you begin ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking process. You’ll find that most of these items are likely already in your pantry, making this a convenient recipe to whip up on a whim. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the readily available nature of its components.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup unfed sourdough discard (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 8 cups water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
For the sourdough discard, it’s important to use unfed discard that has been at room temperature. This helps with the texture and integration into the dough. If you don’t have all-purpose flour, bread flour can be used, though it might result in a slightly chewier bite. When it comes to the butter, unsalted is preferred so you can control the overall saltiness of the pretzel bites, but salted butter can be used in a pinch; just be mindful of the added salt in the dough itself. For the baking soda bath, ensure you have enough to create a strong alkaline solution, which is crucial for achieving that classic pretzel crust and flavor.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This recipe is designed for speed and efficiency, making it perfect for busy days when you want a homemade treat without a long commitment.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 32-35 minutes
The bulk of the preparation time involves mixing the dough and forming the bites, while the baking time is relatively short, allowing you to enjoy your warm pretzel bites quickly.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating these cinnamon sugar pretzel bites is a straightforward process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure delicious results every time.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the unfed sourdough discard, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated. Gradually add the 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 1/2 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. These will be your pretzel bites.
- Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the 1/4 cup of baking soda to the boiling water. The water will foam up, so be cautious. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Boil the Pretzel Bites: Working in batches, drop the pretzel bites into the simmering baking soda solution for 20-30 seconds. Do not overcrowd the pot. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the bites and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one.
- Bake Until Golden: Transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are puffed up and turn a deep golden brown. The color is key to that classic pretzel appearance and flavor.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the pretzel bites are still warm, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small bowl. In another shallow dish, combine the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Dip each warm pretzel bite into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated, then immediately roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly covered. Serve warm and enjoy!
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
These sourdough cinnamon sugar pretzel bites are fantastic on their own, but a few simple variations and serving ideas can elevate them even further, making them perfect for any occasion.
For a fun twist, consider adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the cinnamon sugar coating right before serving. This enhances the sweet and salty contrast beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can be added to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a more complex spice profile. For a richer flavor, you could brown the butter before dipping the pretzel bites, which adds a nutty depth.
These pretzel bites are incredibly kid-friendly. They’re easy for little hands to pick up and enjoy, and the sweet cinnamon sugar coating is always a hit. For a party or buffet, arrange them on a platter with a side of cream cheese frosting dip, a simple vanilla glaze, or even a chocolate dipping sauce. A caramel sauce would also be a decadent pairing. They also make a wonderful addition to a brunch spread, served alongside fresh fruit and coffee. For a quick dessert, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even with a simple recipe like this, a few common mistakes can occur. Knowing how to sidestep them will ensure your sourdough cinnamon sugar pretzel bites turn out perfectly every time.
One frequent issue is over-flouring the dough. If you add too much flour during the kneading process, your dough will become stiff and dry, resulting in tough pretzel bites. Start with the recommended amount and only add more flour sparingly if the dough is excessively sticky. It should be slightly tacky but manageable.
Another common pitfall is overcrowding the baking soda bath. Dropping too many pretzel bites into the simmering solution at once will lower the water temperature significantly, preventing them from getting that crucial alkaline bath that gives pretzels their unique crust and flavor. Work in small batches to maintain the water’s temperature and ensure even cooking.
Not boiling the pretzel bites long enough is another mistake. The 20-30 second boil is essential for developing the characteristic pretzel texture and helping them brown beautifully in the oven. If you rush this step, your bites might come out softer and less “pretzel-like.”
Finally, coating the pretzel bites when they are cold will result in the butter and cinnamon sugar not adhering properly. It’s crucial to coat them while they are still warm from the oven. The warmth helps the butter melt and soak in, allowing the cinnamon sugar to stick effectively. If they cool too much, you can briefly warm them in the oven or microwave before coating.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Proper storage is key to enjoying your sourdough cinnamon sugar pretzel bites for as long as possible, and there are also ways to prepare them in advance.
Once cooled completely, store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. While they are best enjoyed fresh and warm, they will maintain a good texture for a couple of days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help crisp them up again. You can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds, but this might make them a little chewier.
For making ahead, you can prepare the dough and shape the pretzel bites. After shaping, instead of boiling, place them on a parchment-lined
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
