These Pumpkin Pretzel Bites are soft, warm, and just the right mix of sweet and salty! Made with pumpkin and spices, they’re perfect for fall snacking.
Honestly, who can resist a bite-sized pretzel? They’re like little hugs for your taste buds! I like to dip mine in cream cheese icing for an extra treat. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not the flavored pie filling. If fresh pumpkin isn’t available, canned puree works perfectly. You can also substitute with sweet potato puree for a different flavor!
Active Dry Yeast: This recipe calls for yeast to help the dough rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use it in the same quantity without needing to proof it first. Just mix it right in with the dry ingredients.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This spice mix adds a warm flavor. If you don’t have it, make your own using cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. A pinch of each will do nicely!
Flour: All-purpose flour is great for pretzel bites, but if you’re looking for a whole grain option, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour, just keep the dough a bit wetter.
Coarse Salt: Coarse salt gives a great finishing touch. You can replace it with sea salt or kosher salt, but use less since they’re saltier by volume.
How Do I Get My Pretzel Bites to Rise Properly?
Getting the dough to rise well is crucial for fluffy pretzel bites! Here’s how to ensure success:
- Make sure your water is warm, about 110°F (45°C). Too hot will kill the yeast, and too cool won’t activate it.
- Place your bowl in a warm spot, like near a preheated oven or a sunny window. Yeast loves warmth!
- Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap to trap warmth and moisture, allowing the dough to rise effectively.
After about an hour, the dough should double in size. If it doesn’t, it may not have been warm enough. Don’t be discouraged—just try again!
How to Make Pumpkin Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Boiling:
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
For Topping:
- Coarse salt or pretzel salt
Optional Dipping Sauce:
- Caramel sauce
- Cream cheese icing
- Honey mustard
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of active prep time, plus 1 hour for the dough to rise. After that, you’ll need about 20 minutes for boiling and baking. In total, plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently, then let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy. This shows that your yeast is alive and ready to do its job!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the pumpkin puree, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until just combined. It’s time for that delightful pumpkin flavor!
3. Add the Flour:
Gradually add the flour to your mixture, one cup at a time. Use a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook. Mix until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky. You want it to feel just right in your hands!
4. Knead the Dough:
Flour your work surface and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s soft and elastic. If you are using a stand mixer, you can knead for about 5 minutes instead. This process helps develop the gluten!
5. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. While you wait, you can dance around the kitchen!
6. Preheat and Prepare Boiling Bath:
Once your dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup of baking soda to a boil. This bubbly bath will give your pretzel bites that classic texture!
7. Shape the Bites:
After punching down the risen dough, turn it onto a floured surface. Divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into long ropes about 1-inch thick. Cut the ropes into little 1-inch pieces. Look at those cute bites!
8. Boil the Bites:
Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda bath, cooking them in batches. Let each batch boil for about 30 seconds, turning them once. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. Add the Salt:
Right after boiling, sprinkle the pretzel bites with your coarse salt. This adds a delicious touch of flavor!
10. Bake:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re a beautiful deep golden brown.
11. Cool and Serve:
Remove your pretzel bites from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce like caramel sauce, cream cheese icing, or honey mustard. Enjoy every bite!
These Pumpkin Pretzel Bites are perfect for fall snacking or whenever you crave something cozy. Happy baking!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, just cook and puree it until smooth. You’ll need about the same amount (1/2 cup) as you would with canned puree. Remember to remove the skin and seeds first!
What If My Dough Isn’t Rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, check that your yeast is active. Ensure the water temperature is around 110°F (45°C). If it’s too hot or too cold, it can affect the yeast. Also, try placing the dough in a warmer spot!
Can I Make These Pretzel Bites Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure that the blend includes xanthan gum to help with the dough’s structure.
How Should I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a sealed bag for up to a month. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain their freshness!