Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites (Print)

Soft pretzel bites with cinnamon sugar and creamy dip—perfect for parties and cozy snacks.

# Ingredients:

→ Pretzel Bites

01 - 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
02 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
03 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
04 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
07 - 8 cups water (for boiling)
08 - 1/2 cup baking soda (for boiling water bath)

→ Cinnamon Sugar Coating

09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
10 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
11 - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

→ Cream Cheese Dip

12 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
14 - 1 cup powdered sugar
15 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 - 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, as needed

# Instructions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Blend in melted butter and salt, then gradually add all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
03 - Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead by hand for 5 minutes until dough becomes smooth and elastic.
04 - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and set in a warm area. Allow to rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
05 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
06 - In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water and baking soda to a rolling boil.
07 - Turn dough out onto a clean surface and divide into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope approximately 14 inches long, then slice into 1-inch segments.
08 - Using a slotted spoon, carefully drop batches of dough pieces into the boiling baking soda bath for 20 to 30 seconds. Remove and arrange spaced apart on prepared baking sheets.
09 - Bake the blanched pretzel bites at 425°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
10 - While warm, dip each baked pretzel bite in melted butter, then roll generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture prepared by combining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
11 - With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Add milk as necessary for a creamy and smooth consistency.
12 - Arrange pretzel bites on a platter and serve warm with the cream cheese dip.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • Uses classic pantry ingredients you probably already have at home
  • Ready for the table in just over an hour including rising time
  • Fun and hands-on for kids and adults alike making every bite is fresh and warm
  • Perfectly soft and pillowy inside with a crisp buttery cinnamon sugar coating
  • That cream cheese dip tastes like a rich cheesecake icing and is so easy to whip up
02 -
  • Completely vegetarian and easy to make egg free by checking your cream cheese and butter labels carefully
  • Dough can be prepped ahead and chilled overnight for speedy baking the next day
  • Pretzel bites are a fun way to introduce kids to bread making and basic dough skills
03 -
  • Make sure your yeast is active for the fluffiest dough If it does not foam in the first step grab a fresh packet and start again
  • Do not rush the rising time A warm environment is more important than the exact timing
  • Roll each rope even in thickness for smooth round bites that bake up evenly Every time I make these I remember my mom teaching me to gently roll from the center out for perfect ropes and it really works