There is something irresistibly cozy and delightful about these Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites that instantly makes you want to gather around with friends or family. Soft on the inside with a golden, slightly crisp exterior, each bite bursts with warm cinnamon and sweet sugar, creating a comforting treat that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. These little powerhouses of flavor come with a luscious cream cheese dipping sauce that balances sweetness and tang, elevating the experience from simple snack to unforgettable indulgence. Whether you’re craving a fun appetizer or a sweet snack, Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites deliver joy in every bite.

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

As simple as they are essential, these ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of soft dough and sweet topping. Each element plays a crucial role — from the creamy softness of the cream cheese to the warm, aromatic sweetness of cinnamon.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving structure and softness.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness in the dough and for coating, it enhances flavor.
Instant dry yeast: Helps the dough rise, making those pretzel bites fluffy and light.
Salt: Balances the sweetness, bringing out the flavors.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
Water: Combination with milk softens the dough perfectly.
Olive oil: Keeps the dough tender and adds a subtle depth.
Egg: Used for brushing, helps create a golden crust.
Salted butter: Melted and brushed on for flavor and to help cinnamon sugar cling.
Ground cinnamon: Creates that signature warm, spicy aroma in the coating.
Cream cheese: Softened for a luscious dipping sauce.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese sauce perfectly.
Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely fragrance and depth to the dipping sauce.
Milk (for sauce): Adjusts the sauce to a creamy, dippable consistency.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

The base of delicious Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites starts with the dough. Combine part of your flour with sugar, yeast, and salt, then warm the milk, water, and olive oil gently to wake up the yeast and soften the mixture. Once combined, incorporate the remaining flour, and knead until smooth and just a bit elastic — this is key for that perfect soft but chewy texture that pretzel lovers adore.

Step 2: Rest and Shape

After forming the dough into a soft ball, cover it and let it rest briefly for the yeast to do its thing. Dividing the dough into equal portions before rolling into ropes ensures each bite will be uniform. Resting the ropes again makes the dough more pliable and easier to cut.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cut the dough ropes into bite-sized pieces, place them on parchment-lined sheets, and brush with beaten egg for that lovely shine and golden crust. Baking at a high temperature crisps up the outside while keeping the insides tender — exactly what you want to achieve with Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites.

Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While the pretzel bites cool just enough to handle, combine the cinnamon and sugar for that signature sweet, spiced coating. Brushing each bite with melted butter first ensures the cinnamon sugar sticks beautifully, giving that addictive sweet crunch on every piece.

Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Dipping Sauce

Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until luxuriously smooth, then add vanilla extract and a bit of milk to achieve the perfect creamy consistency. This sauce is the perfect complement, balancing sweetness with a subtle tang that keeps you coming back for more.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

Garnishes

For a festive touch, sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top right before serving, or dust with powdered sugar for added sweetness. Fresh fruit slices like strawberries or apples make an inviting contrast in color and flavor, inviting guests to play with sweet and fresh combos.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites shine on their own, but pairing them with sides such as savory cheese platters, fresh fruit, or even a warm apple cider drink can create an inviting spread perfect for any gathering or cozy night in.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these bites in a festive bowl or on a wooden board with small bowls of the cream cheese sauce and perhaps a caramel drizzle for an indulgent twist. Skewer a few bites on small sticks for easy dipping and sharing, making them both fun and convenient for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft, but you’ll want to reheat to revive their fresh-baked warmth before enjoying.

Freezing

You can freeze baked pretzel bites by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. Frozen, they’ll keep well for up to a month and can be thawed overnight or reheated straight from frozen.

Reheating

To get back that fresh-baked feel, warm the pretzel bites in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible; the oven crisp warms them evenly and revives the cinnamon sugar coating beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Kneading by hand on a floured surface for 4 to 6 minutes works perfectly well. It’s a bit of a workout but totally worth it for that homemade dough feel.

Is it possible to use gluten-free flour?

You can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose blends, but the texture might be a bit different. Adding xanthan gum if not included in your blend can help with elasticity and structure.

How long do the pretzel bites need to rest before baking?

Resting happens twice: once for about 10 minutes after initial kneading and again for 5 minutes after shaping the ropes. These rests help relax the dough for easier shaping and better texture in the finished bites.

Can I skip the cream cheese dipping sauce?

Sure! The Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are delicious on their own with the cinnamon sugar coating. That said, the cream cheese sauce adds a lovely tangy contrast that makes the experience extra special.

What’s the best way to store the cinnamon sugar coating mixture?

Mix the cinnamon and sugar fresh before coating for best flavor, but you can store the mixture in an airtight container for up to a month, so it’s ready when you want to make these anytime.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites yet, you’re seriously missing out on an easy-to-make, utterly addictive treat that’s perfect for sharing or sneaking one too many by yourself. Their warm, sweet aroma and soft, buttery texture will quickly make them a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Go ahead, give this recipe a whirl — your kitchen and taste buds will thank you endlessly.

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 13 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6 servings (about 36 pretzel bites) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are soft, chewy, and perfectly coated with a cinnamon sugar mixture. Paired with a creamy, sweet cream cheese dipping sauce, they make a delightful treat perfect for snack time or parties. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious!

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, the granulated sugar, instant dry yeast, and salt. Set aside.
Heat Liquids: In a small saucepan, slowly heat the milk, water, and olive oil until it reaches about 120°F, ensuring it’s warm but not hot.
Combine Dough: Carefully pour the warmed milk mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the remaining 2 cups of flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 4 to 6 minutes until smooth and slightly elastic. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest in a bowl for 10 minutes.
Divide and Roll: Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each into roughly 16-inch ropes. Cover and let rest an additional 5 minutes.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape Pretzel Bites: Cut each rope into roughly 1-inch pieces. Arrange bites on the prepared baking sheets. Brush each piece with beaten egg to promote browning.
Bake: Place baking sheets in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the pretzel bites are golden brown.
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: While baking, mix the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl.
Coat Pretzel Bites: Remove pretzel bites from oven and let them cool slightly. Brush them with melted butter, then toss or roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated. Place on a serving platter.
Make Dipping Sauce: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese for about 1 minute until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and beat until creamy. Mix in vanilla extract. Slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the sauce reaches a smooth, creamy texture.
Serve: Serve the warm cinnamon sugar pretzel bites alongside the cream cheese dipping sauce for a delicious snack or dessert.

Notes

Ensure the milk mixture is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
For softer pretzel bites, avoid overbaking; watch closely during the last few minutes.
You can substitute salted butter with unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt if preferred.
Leftover pretzel bites can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain freshness.
If you prefer a thicker dipping sauce, reduce the milk added to the cream cheese mixture.
For a vegan version, substitute the egg wash and butter with plant-based alternatives and use vegan cream cheese.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American