These cinnamon sugar pretzel bites are soft, buttery, and coated in a sweet, crunchy layer of cinnamon and sugar—basically the perfect snack or dessert when I’m in the mood for something warm and comforting. They’re bite-sized, addictive, and way easier to make than they look.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it gives me that classic mall-style soft pretzel flavor, but in fun, poppable bites. The dough is chewy and golden, the cinnamon sugar coating is sweet and crunchy, and when I dip them in cream cheese or vanilla glaze—it’s game over. They’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or just when I feel like baking something cozy.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the pretzel dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Warm water
- Instant or active dry yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, melted
For boiling the dough:
- Baking soda
- Water
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Optional glaze for dipping:
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk (to thin, if needed)
Directions
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I start by mixing the yeast, warm water, and sugar in a bowl. I let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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I stir in the salt, melted butter, and flour, then knead until the dough is soft and smooth—about 5–7 minutes.
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I cover the dough and let it rise for 45–60 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
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I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bring a pot of water to a boil. I carefully add the baking soda.
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I turn the dough out onto a floured surface and cut it into small bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch each).
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I drop the dough pieces into the boiling baking soda water for 20–30 seconds, then remove and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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I bake the pretzel bites for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Once out of the oven, I brush them generously with melted butter and toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm.
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If I’m making a glaze, I mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk until smooth for dipping.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 40–50 pretzel bites. Prep time takes around 20 minutes, rising takes 1 hour, and baking another 10–12 minutes. So in total, I usually plan for 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish.
Variations
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I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for a cozy twist.
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A caramel or chocolate dipping sauce makes them even more indulgent.
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For a stuffed version, I tuck a small piece of cream cheese into each dough bite before boiling and baking.
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I make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and adjusting liquid slightly.
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If I want a savory batch too, I divide the dough and leave half unsweetened with a sprinkle of salt.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–8 minutes or in the microwave for about 10 seconds. If I’m storing them longer, I freeze the uncoated bites and reheat before brushing with butter and tossing in fresh cinnamon sugar.
FAQs
Do I have to boil the dough before baking?
Yes, I do—it’s what gives them that chewy pretzel texture and golden-brown color.
Can I skip the rise time?
I don’t recommend it. Letting the dough rise gives them the light, fluffy interior that makes them irresistible.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I make and shape the dough bites ahead, then store them in the fridge for a few hours before boiling and baking.
Why are my bites too dense?
It usually means the dough wasn’t kneaded long enough or the yeast wasn’t active. I always check for a soft, springy texture before the first rise.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, pizza dough works in a pinch! I still boil and bake it the same way, then coat it in butter and cinnamon sugar.
Conclusion
Cinnamon sugar pretzel bites are one of my favorite treats to make from scratch. They’re soft, sweet, buttery, and so fun to eat—whether I’m serving them warm with glaze or sneaking one (or five) straight off the tray. Once I made these at home, the mall version just didn’t compare.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 40–50 pretzel bites
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are soft, buttery, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar crust—perfect for snacking, sharing, or satisfying your sweet tooth. Made with homemade pretzel dough and baked until golden, these bite-sized treats deliver that classic mall-style flavor right from your oven. Dip them in cream cheese glaze for the ultimate cozy dessert or party snack!
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Dough:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons instant or active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For Boiling the Dough:
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 6 cups water
For Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Optional Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add salt, melted butter, and flour. Mix and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes, until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Boil Water: In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil.
- Shape Bites: Punch down dough and transfer to a floured surface. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Boil pretzel bites in batches for 20–30 seconds, then remove and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, brush pretzel bites with melted butter and toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Optional Glaze: Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Serve as a dip.
Notes
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
- Caramel or chocolate sauce makes a great alternative dip.
- For a cream cheese-filled version, tuck a small cube of cream cheese into each dough piece before baking.
- Gluten-free flour blends can be used with slight liquid adjustments.
- To make savory pretzel bites, skip the cinnamon sugar and sprinkle with coarse salt instead.
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