Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites

Thank you so much for stopping by! If you’re here, chances are you’ve got a jar of sourdough discard waiting for some magic—and I so get it. That beautiful, tangy byproduct deserves better than being tossed in the compost! Enter: Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites, a ridiculously fun and easy recipe that turns what might’ve been kitchen waste into the most addictive little bites of buttery, cinnamon-sugar joy.

These pretzel bites are warm, fluffy, and soft inside with that signature golden exterior—thanks to a quick baking soda bath (hello, classic pretzel texture!). And once they’re rolled in cinnamon sugar? Anything but boring!!

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What Are Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites?

These little bites are exactly what they sound like: miniature soft pretzels made with sourdough discard, rolled in melted butter and cinnamon sugar. They’re air-fryer or oven-friendly and take just around 30 minutes from start to snack. Perfect for kiddos, grown-up snackers, or holiday entertaining. (Bonus: they smell like a cinnamon dream while baking!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Zero waste – Put that sourdough discard to delicious use
🧈 Buttery, cinnamon sugar coating – Need I say more?
🕒 Quick & easy – Ready in about 30 minutes
👶 Kid-approved – Great for little hands to help with
🎉 Versatile – Air fry or bake. Dip or don’t. Make it yours

What Do They Taste Like?

Imagine a warm, buttery pretzel crossed with a cinnamon sugar donut hole. Each bite has that signature pretzel chew on the outside, with a soft and slightly tangy center. The sourdough discard adds depth, but not an overwhelming sourness. And that final toss in cinnamon sugar? Pure bakery-style bliss. These taste like something you’d pay $6 for at the mall—but better, because you made them.

Healthier Snacking (But Still Fun!)

Because you’re using sourdough discard, you’re already giving your baked goods a nutritional boost (yay for gut-friendly fermentation!). Plus, with the option to air fry and control the sugar and butter, these bites can easily fit into a more mindful snacking routine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (227g) sourdough discard (unfed is perfect)

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 2 tbsp plain yogurt or sour cream (for extra tenderness)

• 1 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing pre-bake)

For the Baking Soda Bath (optional, but adds authentic pretzel chew):

• 4 cups water

• 2 tbsp baking soda

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 2 tbsp melted butter

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl

• Measuring spoons & cups

• Parchment paper

• Slotted spoon (if boiling)

• Rolling surface

• Air fryer or oven

• Pastry brush

Add-Ins and Substitutions

• Dairy-free? Use coconut yogurt and vegan butter—works like a charm

• Gluten-free flour can sub in, though the texture will be slightly less chewy

• Add-ins: Want a twist? Stir mini chocolate chips or orange zest into the dough

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites

1. Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine sourdough discard, flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar, and yogurt. Mix until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms. Knead for 2–3 minutes until smooth, then let rest for 5 minutes.

2. Shape the Bites

Roll the dough into a log (about 12 inches long). Cut into 1-inch pieces—you should get about 20–24 bites.

3. Optional: Boil for Pretzel Texture

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda (it’ll bubble!). Drop in a few dough pieces at a time for about 20 seconds, then lift out with a slotted spoon and transfer to a parchment-lined tray.

4. Bake or Air Fry

Air fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Air fry in batches for 6–8 minutes until golden.
Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly browned.

5. Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While still warm, brush each bite with melted butter, then roll in your cinnamon sugar mixture.

What to Serve with These Pretzel Bites

These bites are perfectly snackable on their own, but here are a few fun pairings:

• Cream cheese dip (add a little vanilla or honey)

• Warm caramel sauce

• Plain or vanilla yogurt

• Apple slices or fresh berries

Tips for Perfect Pretzel Bites

• Don’t over-knead the dough—just enough to bring it together

• For a deeper pretzel flavor, chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking

• Brush generously with butter while still warm for best cinnamon sugar stickiness

How to Store

These bites are best fresh, but here’s how to store:

• Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days

• Reheat: Pop in the toaster oven or air fryer for a quick refresh

• Freeze (before sugar coating): Freeze unbaked bites after boiling. Bake from frozen, then coat in cinnamon sugar

FAQ

Can I skip the boiling step?

Yes! Boiling gives that classic pretzel chew, but if you’re short on time, just bake or air fry directly—they’ll still be tasty and fluffy.

What if I don’t have sourdough discard?

You can substitute 1/2 cup plain yogurt + 1/2 cup flour in a pinch, but you’ll miss that sourdough depth.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just make sure to cook in batches so they crisp up evenly.

Wrap-Up: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to These Bites

These Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites are the definition of comfort snack meets smart baking. They’re quick, low-waste, totally customizable, and seriously hard to stop eating. Perfect for using up discard, impressing guests, or just treating yourself.

Looking for more cozy sourdough discard recipes? Try these next:
Homemade Sourdough Crumpets
Garlic Herb Sourdough Discard Crackers
Easy Sourdough Discard Popovers

Let’s Connect

Tried this recipe? I’d love to see! Share your creations on Pinterest and tag me so I can cheer you on. And don’t forget to drop a review below if this recipe made your day sweeter.

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