These Pumpkin Pretzel Bites are a fun and tasty treat! Soft, chewy, and coated in cinnamon sugar, they are perfect for fall snacking. Plus, who doesn’t love anything with pumpkin?
Making these treats is easy and a great way to get the kids involved. I love enjoying them warm out of the oven with a cup of hot cocoa. Don’t forget to share some with your friends, though! 🎃🥨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, but you can substitute with homemade puree if you have fresh pumpkins. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture so your dough isn’t too wet.
Active Dry Yeast: If you can’t find active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead. You don’t need to activate it in warm water before mixing in, which saves some time!
All-Purpose Flour: For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free flour blends, though the texture may vary slightly. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure!
Baking Soda: This might seem unusual, but adding baking soda to the boiling water creates a pretzel-like exterior. No easy substitutions here, so try to get some if you don’t have it on hand!
Chopped Nuts: If you want a nut-free version, skip the nuts entirely or use seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the allergy risk.
How Do I Get My Pretzel Bites to Rise Properly?
Getting a good rise is essential for a light and fluffy pretzel bite. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh. It should foam up nicely in the warm water; if not, it might be expired.
- Let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. If it’s too cold, it won’t rise well. An oven turned off with the light on can be a great spot!
- Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap to keep moisture in, which helps with the rising process.
Following these tips will ensure your pretzel bites turn out light and airy, just perfect for dipping and sharing! Enjoy making these delicious Pumpkin Pretzel Bites! 🎃🥨
How to Make Pumpkin Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For Boiling:
- 8 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
For the Coating:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts or any chopped nuts (optional)
For Serving:
- Vanilla or cream cheese dip (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus about 1.5 hours for the dough to rise, and then 15-20 minutes for baking. So, overall, you should allocate around 2 hours to make these delicious Pumpkin Pretzel Bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activating the Yeast:
Start by combining 1 cup of warm water and the yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows that the yeast is active and ready to use!
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. This mixture will give your pretzel bites a nice flavor!
3. Combining Ingredients:
Add the pumpkin puree and the foamy yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until a dough starts to form.
4. Kneading the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic! If the dough feels sticky, just add a little more flour as needed.
5. Letting the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Prepping for Baking:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Boiling the Pretzel Bites:
In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda (careful, it will bubble up!). Once boiling, punch down the dough and roll it into small 1-inch balls.
Drop the balls into the boiling water, 5-6 at a time, and boil for about 30 seconds, flipping them halfway through. This step gives them their chewy texture!
8. Draining and Baking:
Remove the boiled bites with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and look delicious!
9. Coating with Cinnamon Sugar:
While the pretzel bites are still warm, brush them with melted butter. In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together. Toss the buttered pretzel bites in this cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly. Don’t be shy with this step; the more, the merrier!
10. Optional Toppings and Serving:
If you like, sprinkle or press chopped nuts on top of the bites while they are still sticky. Serve them warm with a side of vanilla or cream cheese dip for a delightful treat!
Enjoy your soft, cinnamony Pumpkin Pretzel Bites, perfect for fall gatherings! They’re a sweet and savory snack everyone will love! 🎃🥨
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin thoroughly, and drain any excess moisture to ensure your dough doesn’t become too wet.
What Can I Substitute for Active Dry Yeast?
If you don’t have active dry yeast, instant yeast is a great substitute! You can add it directly to the dry ingredients without needing to activate it first.
How Do I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftover Pumpkin Pretzel Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before continuing with the boiling and baking steps. Just bring it back to room temperature and punch it down before boiling.
