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!
Ingredients
Scale
Pretzel Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 envelope (2 ¼ teaspoons or 0.25 ounces) instant dry yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Coating
- 5 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Dipping Sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 pretzel bites with 2 tablespoons dipping sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, soft pretzels, cream cheese dipping sauce, sweet snacks, party food, easy baking
