If you’re after the perfect sweet snack that brings you all the excitement of a fresh bakery treat, look no further than these One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites. Bite-sized, pillowy soft, and cozily spiced, these gems are ready in about an hour—no waiting around for elusive dough rises—and they’re served up with a dreamy chocolate dipping sauce. Whether you’re planning a family movie night or simply want to wow friends with an irresistible treat, this recipe truly delivers both flavor and fun in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be thrilled at how unfussy yet purposeful the ingredients are for these One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites. Each one plays a starring role in shaping the softness, golden hue, or delightful sweetness that makes these so special.
- Warm Water (1 1/2 cups, 110°F): Key for activating the yeast and starting off a soft, springy dough.
- Active Dry Yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): This helps the pretzel bites puff up to perfection in just a short rise.
- Granulated Sugar (1 tablespoon for dough, 1 cup for coating): A little goes into the dough for flavor, and the rest transforms the coating into a sweet finish.
- All-Purpose Flour (4 cups): The backbone of these bites, creating their classic chewy center.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons for dough, 1/2 cup for coating): Adds richness; brushing with melted butter is what helps the cinnamon-sugar stick.
- Water (10 cups): Used in the classic baking soda bath for prepping the pretzel surface.
- Baking Soda (2/3 cup): The secret to that iconic golden-brown pretzel crust.
- Ground Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds a cozy warmth to the sugary coating.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): The must-have for a truly luscious dipping sauce.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Blends with the chocolate for an unbelievably silky finish.
How to Make One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites
Step 1: Bloom the Yeast
Combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a large mixing bowl. Give it a gentle swirl, then let it rest for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you see a lovely layer of foam on top—that’s the yeast coming alive and guaranteeing fluffy, soft pretzel bites.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
To the foamy yeast mixture, add flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until a dough starts to form, then transfer to a lightly floured surface. Knead for a good 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is where the magic happens—the dough becomes soft and supple, setting you up for pillowy bites later on.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the bowl. Cover with a towel and let it rise for 20 minutes. No need for a long rise—just enough to give these One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites their signature airy texture.
Step 4: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets
While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 5: Shape and Cut the Pretzel Bites
Divide the risen dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a rope about 12-15 inches long. Slice each rope into 1-inch sections—these little guys will puff up in the oven to become perfect bite-size treats.
Step 6: Give Them a Baking Soda Bath
Bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Working in batches, drop the pretzel bites into the bubbling bath for just 30 seconds. This classic step is what gives pretzels that addictively chewy crust and shiny, golden color.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bites from the bath to your parchment-lined sheets. Arrange them so they aren’t touching, then slide them into the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until gloriously golden brown.
Step 8: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Magic
While the pretzel bites are still warm, brush generously with the 1/2 cup of melted butter. Immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture (combine 1 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a bowl). The buttery coating helps every grain of cinnamon-sugar cling for a sweet, aromatic finish.
Step 9: Make the Chocolate Dipping Sauce
For the ultimate treat, heat heavy cream in a small pan until it’s steaming but not boiling. Pour it over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and let it sit for a minute. Stir until smooth and glossy. This silky chocolate dip is pure decadence alongside your warm, sugary pretzel bites.
How to Serve One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites
Garnishes
For a special touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon and sugar just before serving for a sparkling finish. For a richer vibe, drizzle any remaining chocolate sauce over the top or even scatter a pinch of flaky sea salt to set off the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these delicious One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites with a fresh fruit platter, vanilla ice cream, or a steaming mug of coffee or hot cocoa. The contrast is delightful and turns snack time into a little celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the pretzel bites high in a basket lined with a fun napkin, or skewer bite-sized pieces on sticks for a playful party platter. For a dipping station, arrange bowls of different sauces—chocolate, caramel, and even peanut butter—so everyone can get creative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but reheating will help bring back a touch of that original softness.
Freezing
These bites freeze surprisingly well! Arrange cooled pretzel bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Store for up to three months for spur-of-the-moment cravings.
Reheating
To freshen up your pretzel bites, pop them into a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This gives them back their fluffy center and gentle warmth—almost as good as new! Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture a bit chewy.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough a few hours in advance, then refrigerate it wrapped tightly. Let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking for the best results.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
If you have instant yeast, you can use the same quantity. Just skip the blooming step and add it directly to your flour before mixing. Your One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites will still turn out beautifully.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a heartier flavor and extra fiber. Using only whole wheat may result in denser bites, so a half-and-half mix works best for this recipe.
Is the baking soda bath really necessary?
Yes! The baking soda bath is what gives these bites their signature pretzel crust and rich color. Skipping it means missing out on that authentic texture and shine, so don’t be tempted to leave it out.
How do I keep the cinnamon-sugar from falling off?
Brush the bites with melted butter while they’re still warm, then toss immediately in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The buttery surface helps every bit of spice cling, so you get sweet, flavorful bites every time.
Final Thoughts
If there’s ever a time to treat yourself, it’s with a fresh batch of One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites. These melt-in-your-mouth, chocolate-dipped delights are always a hit, and the best part is how easy they are to make at home. Give them a try, and see for yourself just how quickly these sweet, golden bites disappear!
Print
One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the warm, pillowy goodness of these One-Hour Chocolate and Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites. Perfect for snacking or dessert, these bites are easy to make and even easier to devour!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Coating:
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Chocolate Dip:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms. Knead until smooth. Let rise.
- Boil and Bake: Preheat oven. Boil water and baking soda. Divide dough, shape into bites, boil briefly, then bake until golden.
- Coat and Serve: Brush warm pretzel bites with melted butter and coat in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Make chocolate dip by melting chocolate chips with warm cream. Serve warm bites with chocolate dip.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh; reheat leftovers in the oven.
- For an extra treat, drizzle chocolate sauce over the pretzel bites.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 8 to 10 bites
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
