These pumpkin pretzel bites are soft, chewy, and packed with fall flavors! They’re made with real pumpkin and coated in a warm, buttery cinnamon-sugar mix that makes every bite a treat.
I love making these pretzel bites for cozy gatherings. They’re perfect for snacking while watching a movie or just enjoying a chilly evening at home. Plus, who can resist that sweet smell filling the air? 🎃✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your pretzel bites. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend. I’ve had great results with this substitution!
Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which has added sugar and spices. If you don’t have pumpkin, you can use mashed sweet potatoes for a different but tasty twist!
Cinnamon & Pumpkin Pie Spice: These spices give the pretzel bites their warm, autumn flavor. If you lack pumpkin pie spice, a mix of nutmeg, ginger, and allspice will work too.
Active Dry Yeast: If you can’t find active dry yeast, feel free to use instant yeast. You can skip the proofing step and add it directly to your dry ingredients.
Vegetable Oil: This is used for frying. Instead, you could use canola oil or grapeseed oil, both work well for frying without imparting any strong flavors.
How Do You Ensure the Dough Rises Properly?
Getting your dough to rise is key to those soft pretzel bites! Here are some tips for perfect rising:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh; expired yeast won’t activate. Look for bubbly foam after mixing it with warm water.
- Place the dough in a warm, draft-free area. An oven turned off with the light on is a great spot.
- If your kitchen is cool, consider wrapping the bowl with a warm towel to keep it cozy.
What’s the Best Way to Fry the Pretzel Bites?
Frying can be a little tricky, but it’s straightforward if you follow these steps:
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) before frying. A kitchen thermometer helps guarantee the right temperature.
- Fry the dough bites in small batches, giving them space to float freely and cook evenly.
- Use a slotted spoon to turn the bites gently, ensuring they brown on all sides. It’s all about that golden color!
These tips should help you create amazing pumpkin pretzel bites that are perfect for any autumn occasion! Enjoy!
How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pretzel Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus more for coating)
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Optional for Serving:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Maple or caramel drizzle
- Yogurt or cream for dipping, topped with nuts or syrup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes in total, including around 1.5 hours for the dough to rise, plus 30 minutes for mixing and frying the pretzel bites. Perfect for a cozy afternoon in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows your yeast is working and creates the fluffiness in the dough!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Mixing dry ingredients well at this stage is important for an even flavor!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, add the pumpkin puree, melted butter, and the foamy yeast mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix everything together until a dough starts to form.
4. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little flour on top as you knead.
5. Let It Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—this will take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
6. Shape the Dough:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness, then cut into small bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch squares).
7. Prepare the Boiling Water:
Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Carefully add the baking soda to the boiling water—it will bubble up, so watch out!
8. Boil the Bites:
Drop the dough pieces into the boiling water a few at a time, boiling each batch for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer them to a paper towel-lined tray to drain.
9. Fry the Bites:
In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the boiled pretzel bites in small batches for about 2-3 minutes or until they’re golden brown, turning them as needed.
10. Toss in Cinnamon Sugar:
Remove the fried pretzel bites and drain them on paper towels. While they’re still warm, toss them in melted butter and then coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture for that sweet touch!
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange your pumpkin pretzel bites on a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar if you like, and serve with yogurt or caramel dip on the side. Dive into these tasty treats, perfect for a cozy fall snack!
Enjoy your warm, soft, cinnamon-scented pumpkin pretzel bites perfect for autumn snacking! 🍂✨
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Roast a small pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. Make sure to drain any excess water to achieve the same texture as canned pumpkin puree.
How Do I Prevent the Dough from Sticking?
If the dough is sticky during kneading, sprinkle a little more flour on the surface and your hands. You can also lightly flour your rolling pin and work surface to keep the dough from sticking while shaping.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Pretzel Bites?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the dough bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar as soon as they come out of the oven.
How to Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their warmth and softness before serving!
