Here’s a delicious, soft, gluten-free cinnamon pretzel bites recipe — perfectly chewy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and coated in buttery cinnamon sugar.
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Pretzel Bites
Yields:
About 30 bite-sized pretzels
Total Time:
~1 hour (including rising and baking)
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Dough
1 ½ cups warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C) — dairy or non-dairy
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
4 tbsp melted butter (or vegan butter), divided
3 ½ – 4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum included — e.g., Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 or King Arthur Measure for Measure)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
For the Baking Soda Bath
6 cups water
⅓ cup baking soda
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
4 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and brown sugar.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy and bubbly.
2. Make the Dough
Add 2 tbsp melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture.
Gradually mix in 3 ½ cups gluten-free flour and baking powder.
Stir or use a stand mixer with a dough hook until it forms a soft dough.
If too sticky, add a bit more flour (up to ½ cup).
Note: Gluten-free dough will be softer and stickier than wheat dough but should hold together.
3. Rest the Dough
Cover and let rest for 15–20 minutes. This helps the flour hydrate fully.
4. Shape the Pretzel Bites
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Divide dough into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about ¾-inch thick.
Cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
5. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water and ⅓ cup baking soda to a boil.
Carefully drop a handful of pretzel bites in for 20–30 seconds.
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake
Brush each bite lightly with melted butter.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
Brush warm pretzel bites with melted butter, then toss in cinnamon sugar until coated.
Optional Dipping Sauce Ideas
Cream cheese glaze (like cinnamon roll icing)
Salted caramel
Chocolate ganache
Vanilla glaze or maple syrup
