Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

These cinnamon sugar pretzel bites are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a soft doughy bite with a sweet touch and a creamy dip on the side. They are the best finger food for parties or cozy evenings when you want something shareable and fun but also crave that bakery warmth from your own oven. You will find yourself reaching for seconds and thirds without even noticing.

I put these together for a birthday game night once thinking they would be a cute extra but they actually disappeared before the pizza. Now these pretzel bites are a must any time we gather and every bite reminds us of laughter and good stories.

Ingredients

• Warm water: This wakes up the yeast and gives the dough its rise Use water that feels like a comfortable bath not too hot or cold
• Active dry yeast: Helps the pretzel bites puff up Choose fresh if you can as old yeast will not foam well
• Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and gives the yeast something to feed on Look for sugar with fine crystals for better mixing
• All-purpose flour: Keeps the dough pillowy and light Use the spoon and level method to measure so you do not pack in too much flour
• Salt: Essential for flavor and for balancing the sweet coating Choose plain fine salt for even distribution
• Unsalted butter: Adds flavor and richness to both dough and coating Opt for a good quality butter with a sweet creamy aroma
• Baking soda: This goes in the boiling bath making the outsides golden and chewy Only use fresh baking soda for reliable results
• Powdered sugar: Makes the cream cheese dip smooth and sweet Sift if lumpy
• Cream cheese: Make sure it is soft for a creamy dip Full fat gives the best flavor and texture
• Vanilla extract: A real vanilla extract deepens the aroma even in small amounts
• Milk: Loosens the dip to your liking Use whole milk for extra richness
• Ground cinnamon: Use fresh fragrant cinnamon for bold flavor
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy Choose good quality sheets for best results

Instructions

Proof the Yeast

Combine warm water active dry yeast and sugar in a large bowl Allow it to sit for five minutes until the mixture is foamy on top This step makes sure your yeast is alive and ready and a good foam tells you everything is going well

Make the Dough

Add melted butter and salt to your yeast mixture Slowly add flour half a cup at a time mixing after each addition until a dough forms If it seems sticky dust with a little more flour You want it soft and supple not dry or stiff

Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead with your hands for five minutes Use the heels of your palms and fold the dough over and over until it looks smooth and feels stretchy This helps develop the gluten and gives you that chewy pretzel texture

Let it Rise

Shape the dough into a ball place in a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel Put it somewhere warm like an oven with the light on and let it rise until doubled about thirty minutes This step is key for pillowy pretzels

Prepare Water Bath and Oven

While the dough rises preheat your oven to four twenty five degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment Bring eight cups of water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot The baking soda is what gives pretzels their classic flavor and brown color

Shape the Pretzel Bites

Once risen punch down the dough and divide into six equal pieces Roll each piece into a twelve to fourteen inch rope Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut each rope into one inch nuggets Move quickly so the dough stays soft

Boil the Bites

Drop dough pieces a few at a time into the boiling baking soda water Let each batch bob for twenty to thirty seconds then scoop out with a slotted spoon letting the water drain Return to the lined baking sheets Try to keep the pretzel bites spaced out for even baking

Bake Until Golden

Slide baking sheets into the oven and bake for ten to twelve minutes until the pretzel bites are puffed and golden brown The aroma will fill your kitchen with a buttery toasty scent

Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While still warm dip each bite in melted butter then toss in cinnamon and sugar combined in a bowl This makes the outside sweet crunchy and impossible to resist

Make the Cream Cheese Dip

Use an electric hand mixer to beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth Add powdered sugar and vanilla beating until creamy Mix in milk a tablespoon at a time just until your dip is light and fluffy for dunking

Serve Warm

Pile cinnamon sugar pretzel bites into a platter and serve with a bowl of creamy dip The bites are at their best when still just warm from the oven

Pin

My favorite part is rolling the dough ropes and letting little hands help cut and shape each bite My niece loves being in charge of the sugar bowl and sneaking a few extra sprinkles for herself These bites hold special meaning as they always bring everyone into the kitchen to help

Storage Tips

Once cooled store pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days If you want that fresh just baked softness reheat for a few seconds in the microwave or about five minutes in a low oven The dip can be refrigerated in a covered container for up to four days and whisked before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use half whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor or even swap half of the butter with olive oil for a slightly different richness Lactose free cream cheese and butter work well if you have dietary needs and you can skip the dip entirely for a lighter snack

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm stacked high on a platter with the cream cheese dip center stage These also pair perfectly on a party dessert board with berries or a side of chocolate sauce I like to drizzle a little caramel over the finished bites for an extra indulgent touch

Pin

Enjoy these sweet pillowy pretzel bites with creamy dip and watch how fast they disappear from the table Share with friends for the happiest snacking moments

Recipe Q&A

→ What texture should the pretzel bites have?

Pretzel bites should be soft and pillowy in the center with a slightly crisp, golden-brown exterior after baking.

→ Why is a baking soda bath necessary?

Boiling dough pieces in a baking soda bath gives the bites their signature flavor and helps achieve a classic chewy crust.

→ How do I make the cinnamon sugar coating stick?

Dipping baked bites in melted butter ensures the cinnamon sugar mixture adheres evenly and enhances flavor.

→ Can I prepare the cream cheese dip ahead?

Yes, the cream cheese dip can be made in advance and refrigerated. Stir well before serving for a smooth texture.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store bites in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in an oven or microwave to restore warmth and softness.

→ Is it possible to make these with whole wheat flour?

Yes, substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour adds depth and a slightly nuttier taste.