Description: Turn your sourdough discard into soft, golden Sourdough Pretzel Bites dusted with sweet cinnamon sugar. This cozy Sourdough Discard Pretzel Recipe makes the most of everyday baking and seasonal cravings—perfect for sharing or snacking. Discover the details. #SourdoughPretzel #SourdoughDiscardPretzels #SourdoughBites #SourdoughDiscardPretzelRecipe #SourdoughPretzelBites
Sourdough Pretzel Bites with Cinnamon Sugar are the ultimate way to turn your sourdough discard into something golden, soft, and joyfully sweet. This easy sourdough discard pretzel recipe transforms a simple kitchen staple into a cozy snack everyone loves. You’ll learn how to make each warm, chewy bite from start to finish—mixing, shaping, baking, and coating them in cinnamon sugar bliss. Perfect for family baking days or a quiet afternoon pick-me-up, these sourdough cinnamon sugar pretzels bring comfort and creativity together in one bowl. Let’s explore the story, the ingredients, and the simple steps behind this irresistible treat.
A Cozy Baking Memory Starts with Sourdough Discard
It all began on a chilly Sunday morning, when my jar of sourdough starter had grown a little too full. I wasn’t ready to bake a loaf, but I couldn’t bring myself to toss away that tangy, well-loved discard. So, in search of something simple and satisfying, I decided to turn it into sourdough discard pretzels. With a steaming cup of coffee nearby and music in the background, the dough came together quickly—soft, pliable, and faintly scented with sourdough’s signature tang.
As the first batch of sourdough discard pretzels boiled and baked, the kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of bread and caramelizing butter. What started as an experiment quickly became a favorite household ritual. Now, whenever the starter jar nudges a little too high, it’s our cue—it’s sourdough discard pretzel time. I’ve made these treats during winter holidays and lazy summer afternoons alike, and no matter the season, their golden color and cinnamon-sugar sparkle bring the same sense of warmth.
Over time, this sourdough discard pretzel recipe became something more than a way to use up leftovers. It turned into a tiny celebration of home baking—where the process feels as rewarding as the first bite. There’s comfort in their simplicity: a touch of salt, a hint of sweetness, and the incomparable chew that only sourdough can give. Each time I pull them out of the oven, kids wander in from every corner of the house, drawn by that scent. The first bite always confirms what we already know—nothing beats homemade sourdough discard pretzels fresh out of the oven.
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Sourdough Pretzel Bites with Cinnamon Sugar | Easy Sourdough Discard Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 40-50 pretzel bites 1x
Description
Turn your sourdough discard into soft, golden pretzel bites dusted with sweet cinnamon sugar. This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into warm, chewy bites perfect for family baking or cozy snacking. You’ll learn how to mix, knead, proof, shape, boil, bake, and coat these cinnamon sugar treats step by step. With tips for texture, make-ahead, and storage, these sourdough pretzel bites bring comfort and creativity to every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Mix sourdough discard, warm water, brown sugar, and yeast; let rest until foamy.
2. Add softened butter, salt, and flour; stir to form a soft dough.
3. Knead the dough for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 60 to 90 minutes.
5. Punch down the dough and divide into 4 pieces; roll each into a rope and cut into 1-inch pieces.
6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Bring 6 cups water to a boil, add baking soda, and boil pretzel bites in batches for 20 to 25 seconds.
8. Remove bites with a slotted spoon, drain, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake the pretzel bites for 12 to 15 minutes until deep golden brown.
10. Brush warm pretzel bites with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar until coated.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: snack
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
Keywords: sourdough pretzel bites, sourdough discard pretzel recipe, sourdough discard pretzels, sourdough cinnamon sugar pretzels, easy sourdough pretzel recipe, cinnamon sugar pretzels
Why Cinnamon Sugar Makes These Pretzel Bites Unforgettable
What sets these sourdough pretzel bites with cinnamon sugar apart is the magical balance of sweet and salty. The base offers that classic sourdough chew—soft inside, kissed with golden color on the outside—while the buttery cinnamon sugar coating makes every bite cozy and indulgent. As soon as they come out of the oven, warm and puffed, a dip in melted butter gives them just the right shine, and the cinnamon sugar clings perfectly to each curve.
There’s something nostalgic about this flavor combination. Maybe it’s the reminder of warm churros at a fair, or those cinnamon bagels fresh from a bakery on a Saturday morning. Every nibble brings comfort. Whenever I make a batch, they never last more than a day. Someone always sneaks one off the tray before they’ve even cooled, and soon, they’re gone—leaving only the sweet scent of cinnamon drifting through the kitchen.
These sourdough cinnamon sugar pretzels aren’t just snacks; they’re tiny pieces of joy. They speak of slowing down, of making something beautiful from what we already have on hand. Whether shared with friends over coffee or piled high on a plate for an evening treat, they remind us that homemade is always worth the effort. And with this easy sourdough discard pretzel recipe, that effort turns into golden, sugar-dusted happiness in every bite.
Gather What You Need – Ingredients and Essential Tools
The beauty of this easy sourdough pretzel recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient contributes something unique—from the slightly tangy depth of sourdough discard to the sweet crunch of cinnamon sugar. Here’s everything you’ll need before getting started.
| Component | Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Dough | Sourdough discard (unfed) | 1 cup (240 g) | Adds flavor, slight tang, and structure |
| Warm water | 1/3 cup (80 ml) | Activates yeast and hydrates dough | |
| Active dry yeast | 1 ½ tsp | Helps dough rise and stay fluffy | |
| Brown sugar | 1 tbsp | Feeds yeast; adds mild sweetness | |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Balances flavor | |
| All-purpose flour | 2 to 2 ½ cups (250–300 g) | Gives dough body and chew | |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 2 tbsp | Keeps dough tender | |
| Boiling Bath | Baking soda | ½ cup | Creates chewy texture and deep golden color |
| Water | 6 cups | For boiling pretzel bites | |
| Coating | Melted butter | 4 tbsp | Helps cinnamon sugar stick |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | Sweet coating | |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 ½ tsp | Warm spice aroma and flavor |
Essential Tools:
- Stand mixer or large bowl for kneading
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Slotted spoon and baking sheet
- Sharp knife or bench scraper
- Kitchen scale (optional)
- Small bowl for cinnamon sugar
Ingredient Spotlight: Sourdough discard adds tang and depth; the baking soda bath ensures the signature chew, and butter creates flavor and shine. Gather everything first—it makes the baking experience relaxed and joyful.
Step-by-Step – From Dough to Golden Bites
- Mix the Dough: Combine sourdough discard, warm water, and brown sugar. Add yeast and let rest until bubbly. Mix in butter and salt, then gradually add flour to form a soft, tacky dough.
- Knead Until Smooth: Knead 6–8 minutes until elastic. Add flour if sticky or water if dry.
- Let It Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 60–90 minutes until doubled.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Divide dough into four pieces, roll each into ropes, and cut into 1-inch bites. Arrange on parchment-lined tray.
- Boil for Pretzel Texture: Boil 10–12 pieces at a time in baking soda water for 20–25 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon and drain.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. Optionally brush with butter before baking.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Brush warm pretzels with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar mix. Sprinkle for lighter coverage.
Texture Tips: Let dough rest if stiff, bake less for soft texture, or slightly longer for extra chew. For advance prep, refrigerate dough overnight. Store in an airtight container up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month.
Smart Tips for Perfect Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites
Even though this easy sourdough pretzel recipe is simple, these small adjustments ensure bakery-level results every time.
- Dough Texture: Add flour gradually if sticky, or a touch of water if too firm.
- Discard Activity: Older discard deepens flavor; fresh discard keeps flavor mild.
- Prevent Overbaking: Stop when tops turn amber brown—extra minutes can toughen crust.
- Adjust Chew: For crispier bites, raise oven temperature slightly. For softness, lower and shorten bake time.
- Cinnamon Sugar Ratio: Adjust sweetness to taste. Coat while warm for perfect cling.
Creative Twists & Serving Suggestions
Once you master the base, you can easily create delicious variations of these sourdough cinnamon sugar pretzels.
- Garlic Butter Pretzels: Brush with butter, garlic, and salt after baking.
- Everything Bagel Version: Add egg wash and top with bagel seasoning before baking.
- Cheese Stuffed: Wrap dough around small cheese cubes before boiling.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted chocolate over cooled bites for dessert flair.
- Pumpkin Spice: Swap cinnamon sugar for pumpkin spice blend in fall.
Pairings and Freezer Tips: Serve with coffee, chai, or sweet dips like vanilla glaze or caramel. Freeze unbaked bites and bake from frozen with extra time. Freeze baked ones too; reheat gently for that just-baked aroma.
From lemon sugar in spring to peppermint crunch in winter, these small changes keep your homemade sourdough discard pretzels fun and seasonal.
FAQs about Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites with Cinnamon Sugar
How long does sourdough discard last before using? Keep it refrigerated up to one week. Older discard delivers stronger tang, fresh yields mild flavor.
Can I skip the baking soda bath? No. It’s what gives authentic texture and color. Without it, you’ll get tasty bread bites, not true pretzels.
What kind of flour works best? Use all-purpose for soft texture or mix half bread flour for chewy bites. Combine with whole wheat if desired.
Can I use gluten-free sourdough discard? Yes, with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Expect more biscuit-like softness but still delicious flavor.
How do I store leftovers? Cool fully, then store airtight up to 3 days at room temperature. Reheat in a 325°F oven for a few minutes or freeze for longer keeping.
Can I double or freeze the recipe? Definitely. The dough doubles easily, and both baked and unbaked bites freeze beautifully.
Why Sourdough Pretzel Bites Are Always Worth It
There’s something beautifully simple about turning sourdough discard into a tray of golden, sugar-dusted sourdough pretzel bites. They prove that basic ingredients—flour, butter, and a hint of sourdough—can become something extra special. The smell, the texture, and the warmth make each bite pure comfort.
Baking these sourdough discard pretzels is more than making a snack—it’s creating a moment. Whether enjoyed with hot coffee or shared after dinner, they bring joy and connection through homemade care.
Next time your sourdough jar is full, remember this easy sourdough pretzel recipe. In just a little time, you’ll have delightful sourdough cinnamon sugar pretzels that fill your kitchen with sweetness and warmth. Every batch is proof that comfort and creativity live in the simplest homemade bite.
