There’s something undeniably cozy about a kitchen filled with the warm, enticing aroma of freshly baked treats, especially when those treats are Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites. Picture this: it’s a crisp afternoon, the sun is setting, and you’re enveloped in the rich scent of cinnamon dancing together with sugar as these golden bites bake to perfection. My journey to discover this delightful recipe began on a lazy Sunday, when I craved something comforting yet surprisingly easy to whip up.
With just a handful of ingredients, these soft pretzel bites transform into a chewy, sweet indulgence that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re snacking on them during a family movie night, impressing friends at a gathering, or just treating yourself after a long day, the combination of warmth and sweetness makes these bites a crowd-pleaser. Plus, when dipped in a luscious cream cheese dip, they elevate the experience to a whole new level. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into making these delightful bite-sized wonders? Let’s get started!
Why are Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites a must-try?
Irresistible taste: The delightful blend of cinnamon and sugar creates a sweet coating that truly elevates these pretzel bites.
Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in under an hour, making them perfect for any occasion.
Versatile snack: Enjoy them warm as a snack, or serve with the creamy dip for a tempting appetizer that everyone will love.
Kid-friendly fun: Great for involving children in the kitchen, rolling and dipping these bites is a fun activity for the whole family.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether for parties, game nights, or cozy evenings, these pretzel bites are sure to be a hit with everyone around!
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Ingredients
For the Dough
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast – This is the secret to making your pretzel bites fluffy and light!
• 1 1/2 cups warm water – It should be warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
• 1 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness in the dough.
• 1 TBS brown sugar – Adds a touch of caramel flavor to the dough.
• 2 TBS unsalted butter (melted) – Helps keep the pretzel bites rich and soft.
• 4 cups all-purpose flour – The main structure of your soft pretzel bites, ensuring they chew just right.
For the Baking Soda Bath
• 9 cups water – Necessary for boiling the pretzel bites, giving them their signature texture.
• 1/2 cup baking soda – This creates a beautiful golden-brown crust and enhances the flavor.
For the Egg Wash
• 1 large egg – Provides a glossy finish to your pretzel bites when brushed on before baking.
• 1 TBS water – Helps to thin the egg wash for easy brushing.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
• 1/4 cup butter (melted) – Keeps the cinnamon sugar mixture sticky and delightful.
• 3/4 cup sugar – Sweetens the cinnamon mixture perfectly!
• 3 tsp cinnamon – The star ingredient that gives those rich and warm flavors to your bites.
For the Cream Cheese Dip
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened) – Gives the dip a smooth, creamy texture that pairs beautifully.
• 1/4 cup butter (softened) – Adds richness to the dip.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla – A hint of vanilla for extra flavor in the dip.
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens to perfection, making the dip irresistible.
Get your aprons ready because these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites are about to become your new favorite treat!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites
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Dissolve yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and instant yeast. Stir gently for about 1 minute until most of the yeast is dissolved and bubbly.
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Mix in ingredients: Add salt, brown sugar, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until everything is well combined for a balanced flavor.
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Incorporate flour: Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until the dough becomes thick and starts to pull away from the bowl. If it’s sticky, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
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Knead the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for about 3 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball and ready it for rising.
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Let it rise: Grease a large bowl with nonstick spray, place the dough in it, cover with a towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for about 30 minutes. It should double in size.
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Preheat oven: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s hot and ready for those glorious pretzel bites!
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Prepare baking soda bath: In a large pot, bring 9 cups of water and 1/2 cup of baking soda to a boil over medium-high heat. This bath is essential for texture!
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Shape the dough: Once risen, divide the dough into 6 equal sections. Roll each section into long ropes about 20-22 inches and cut these ropes into 10-12 bite-sized pieces.
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Boil pretzel bites: Drop a batch of pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda bath for 20-30 seconds. Remove them carefully with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet.
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Brush with egg wash: In a small bowl, beat together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over each pretzel bite for that golden sheen.
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Bake them: Bake in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the tops are a beautiful golden brown. Remove them gently—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
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Cinnamon sugar coating: In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon together. Dip each warm pretzel bite into the melted butter, then coat in the cinnamon sugar mixture, setting them back on the tray until completed.
For the Cream Cheese Dip:
- Mix dip ingredients: In another bowl, blend together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fully combined. If it’s too thick, add milk in little increments until desired consistency is reached.
Optional: Serve warm with the cream cheese dip for extra indulgence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Cinnamon Sugar Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites by trying out these delightful variations!
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and plant-based cream cheese for the dip to keep it creamy yet dairy-free.
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Chocolate-Dipped: After baking, melt dark or milk chocolate and dip half of each pretzel bite for a sweet chocolate twist. It brings a rich contrast to the sweetness of cinnamon and sugar.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your cinnamon sugar mixture for a zesty kick that balances the sweetness beautifully. The heat adds a surprising depth of flavor.
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Herb Infused: Incorporate chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for an aromatic, savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet dip.
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Nutty Flavor: Fold in some finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds into the dough before shaping. This gives a lovely crunch and nutty flavor with each bite.
Imagine serving these variations at your next gathering! With different twists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You might even discover a new family favorite!
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites
Perfect Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough is thick yet not too sticky. Add flour gradually, as needed, to achieve the right texture.
Boiling Timing: Don’t skip the baking soda bath! Boiling for 20-30 seconds is crucial for creating that signature pretzel chewiness and golden crust.
Egg Wash Essentials: Brush the egg wash on evenly. This gives your pretzel bites a lovely, glossy finish that enhances their appearance.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Dip pretzel bites in melted butter before the cinnamon sugar to ensure the coating adheres well and provides maximum flavor.
Serving Warm: Serve your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites warm for the best taste experience, especially with the cream cheese dip for dipping!
What to Serve with Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites?
Elevate your snack experience with the perfect pairings that complement these warm, sweet bites!
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Creamy Cheese Dip: A luscious mix of cream cheese and butter, this dip enhances the sweetness and adds a rich tangy flavor.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: The lightness and natural sweetness of mixed fruits offer a refreshing contrast to the decadent pretzel bites. It’s a delightful balance for your taste buds.
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Spicy Mustard: For those who enjoy bold flavors, a zesty mustard adds a sharp kick that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the pretzels.
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Savory Nacho Cheese: Drizzling warm nacho cheese over your pretzel bites turns them into a fun, savory treat that’s perfect for game nights.
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Hot Chocolate: Cozy up with a warm mug of hot chocolate. The rich and chocolaty flavors pair delightfully with the cinnamon sugar coating.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy and cold complement to the warm, sweet bites, creating a delightful dessert pairing.
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Apple Slices: Crisp apple slices bring a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft pretzel texture and sweetness of the cinnamon sugar.
Say goodbye to store-bought snacks and indulge with these delectable combinations!
How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites
Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness, enjoying the delightful taste even after baking!
Fridge: If you want to store them longer, place the pretzel bites in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain softness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze pretzel bites in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes.
Reheating: To enjoy these warm and comforting bites again, brush lightly with melted butter and heat in the oven, so they taste just like fresh!
Make Ahead Options
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the recipe up to the rising step, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. For even easier prep, shape the pretzel bites and store them in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain the quality, keep them in the fridge away from moisture and heat. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply boil and bake as directed, and you’ll have delightful, warm pretzel bites ready to impress!
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best results, ensure your yeast is fresh—check the expiration date on the package. Your warm water should feel pleasant to the touch, not hot, to help activate the yeast properly. For the cream cheese dip, using softened cream cheese will ensure a smooth texture without lumps, and always choose unsalted butter when possible to control the flavor.
How should I store my Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites?
It’s easy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps to maintain that delicious freshness. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, so they regain their lovely softness.
Can I freeze the pretzel bites?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
Very good question! If your dough feels too sticky while mixing, don’t worry. Simply add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a thick consistency that isn’t sticking to your hands. Knead it gently on a floured surface for about 3 minutes, and it should come together beautifully.
Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind?
Great question! If you’re serving these bites to others, be aware that they contain gluten from the all-purpose flour, as well as dairy from the butter and cream cheese. For gluten-free options, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary. Always check that your baking soda and sugar do not contain any allergens or additives that could affect those with dietary restrictions.
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites that Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water and instant yeast. Stir gently for about 1 minute until most of the yeast is dissolved and bubbly.
- Add salt, brown sugar, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until everything is well combined for a balanced flavor.
- Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until the dough becomes thick and starts to pull away from the bowl. If it's sticky, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for about 3 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball and ready it for rising.
- Grease a large bowl with nonstick spray, place the dough in it, cover with a towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for about 30 minutes. It should double in size.
- While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it's hot and ready for those glorious pretzel bites!
- In a large pot, bring 9 cups of water and 1/2 cup of baking soda to a boil over medium-high heat. This bath is essential for texture!
- Once risen, divide the dough into 6 equal sections. Roll each section into long ropes about 20-22 inches and cut these ropes into 10-12 bite-sized pieces.
- Drop a batch of pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda bath for 20-30 seconds. Remove them carefully with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, beat together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over each pretzel bite for that golden sheen.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the tops are a beautiful golden brown. Remove them gently—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon together. Dip each warm pretzel bite into the melted butter, then coat in the cinnamon sugar mixture, setting them back on the tray until completed.
- In another bowl, blend together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fully combined. If it’s too thick, add milk in little increments until desired consistency is reached.