Description
These Gluten-Free Soft Pretzel Bites are a delightful twist on traditional pretzels, made with gluten-free flour and Greek yogurt for a soft, chewy texture. Perfectly seasoned with either kosher salt or a cinnamon sugar coating, they offer a versatile snack option that is easy to prepare and bake in your oven. Ideal for anyone craving a gluten-free treat that’s both comforting and delicious.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1½ cups all purpose gluten-free flour with xanthan gum (we used GFJules)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt + extra for sprinkling in salted option
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup plain fat free Greek yogurt or dairy-free Greek yogurt (we used Fage brand)
Baking Soda Bath
- ¼ cup baking soda (4 tablespoons)
- 4½ cups water
Cinnamon Sugar Topping (Optional)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons melted butter or dairy-free butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside while preparing the dough.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the Greek yogurt and mix with a stand mixer or hand mixer for 2-3 minutes until the dough forms a cohesive ball and pulls away from the mixer.
- Shape Pretzel Bites: Transfer the dough to a silicone pastry mat. Lightly flour your hands and knead the dough about 10 times. Divide the dough into 4 pieces, then roll each into a ball. Roll each ball into an 8-10 inch worm-like strip. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut into 1-inch pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Baking Soda Bath: Bring the water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Working 4 to 6 bites at a time, drop them into the boiling water for exactly 10 seconds until they float. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain excess water, and place them back on the baking sheet.
- Add Salt (If Using): While the pretzel bites are still wet from the boiling bath, sprinkle coarse kosher salt over them to taste. Skip this if opting for cinnamon sugar.
- Bake the Pretzel Bites: Place the baking sheet on the middle oven rack and bake for 15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. In another bowl, melt the butter or dairy-free butter.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Brush or dip each baked pretzel bite in melted butter, letting excess drip off. Then toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture until each piece is well coated.
- Serve Immediately: For best texture and flavor, serve pretzel bites fresh out of the oven with your choice of salt or cinnamon sugar toppings.
- Storage: Salted pretzel bites can be stored in an airtight container overnight and reheated in a microwave or oven. They also freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before enjoying. For cinnamon sugar bites, freeze them before applying the topping and add the cinnamon sugar after thawing.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour with xanthan gum to ensure proper dough elasticity and texture.
- Make sure to time the baking soda bath precisely for 10 seconds to achieve the characteristic pretzel exterior.
- Applying salt while pretzel bites are wet from boiling enhances adherence and flavor.
- Cinnamon sugar topping adds a sweet alternative to traditional salted bites.
- Soft pretzel bites are best enjoyed fresh for optimal chewiness.
- Freezing the bites before applying cinnamon sugar preserves the coating’s texture upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American