Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

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These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are everything you crave in a cozy, indulgent snack—golden-brown on the outside, warm and fluffy on the inside, and generously dusted with a magical blend of cinnamon and sugar. Each bite-sized piece bursts with sweet, buttery flavor, offering just the right amount of chewiness you’d expect from a classic pretzel. They’re utterly addictive and perfect for sharing… or not.

Served with a creamy vanilla dipping sauce, these little delights are just the thing for game nights, after-school treats, holiday platters, or whenever you need a little bite of comfort. Whether you’re baking for friends or simply treating yourself, these Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites Recipe

• Bite-sized perfection: Easy to portion and ideal for serving at parties or family gatherings.
• Sweet meets salty: The soft pretzel texture pairs beautifully with the sweet coating of cinnamon sugar.
• Fun to make: Shaping and boiling the dough is a satisfying process—and a great kitchen project with kids!
• Versatile treat: These bites can be served warm or at room temperature and are delicious with a variety of dips.
• Better than the mall: Recreate that irresistible mall pretzel flavor at home—with even more freshness and flavor.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

(Essential Tools and Equipment + Importance of Each Tool)

Before diving into the recipe, setting up your kitchen workspace makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need and why each tool matters:

• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook – This is essential for kneading your pretzel dough efficiently. It saves time and ensures a consistent, elastic dough texture.
• Large Pot – You’ll need this to briefly boil the pretzel bites in a baking soda bath. This step gives pretzels their signature chewy texture and deep golden color.
• Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer – Helps transfer the bites from the boiling bath to the baking sheet without water dripping everywhere.
• Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat – Provides a nonstick surface for baking and ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Mixing Bowls – Useful for prepping cinnamon sugar and melted butter, and for proofing the dough.
• Pastry Brush – Handy for coating the warm pretzel bites with melted butter evenly before tossing them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Kitchen Scale (optional) – For dividing dough evenly if you want consistent bite sizes.

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Preparation Tips

• Warm Water Matters: Use warm (not hot) water for activating the yeast. About 105–110°F is perfect. Too hot and it kills the yeast, too cold and it won’t activate.
• Let the Dough Rise Properly: Give it at least 1 hour in a warm area until doubled in size. This ensures fluffy, chewy bites.
• Dust Lightly When Shaping: A lightly floured surface helps prevent sticking while rolling and cutting your dough logs.
• Don’t Skip the Soda Bath: That quick dip in boiling water with baking soda gives your pretzels their authentic texture and golden color.
• Apply Butter While Warm: Brushing melted butter immediately after baking helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully.
• Taste Test the Sugar Mix: Adjust the cinnamon-to-sugar ratio to your liking—some prefer more cinnamon punch, others more sweetness.

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Ingredients for This Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites Recipe

For the Pretzel Dough:

• 1½ cups warm water (105°F to 110°F)
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Baking Soda Bath:

• ½ cup baking soda
• 8 cups water

For the Topping:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Optional Dipping Sauce (Vanilla Cream Cheese Dip):

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (adjust to desired consistency)

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Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, brown sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add salt, melted butter, and 3½ cups of flour. Mix using the dough hook on low speed until combined, then gradually add the remaining flour. Knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

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Step 2: Let It Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

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Step 3: Shape the Pretzel Bites

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer to a floured surface. Divide it into 6 equal sections. Roll each piece into a rope about ½-inch thick and cut into 1-inch pieces to make the bites.

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Step 4: Boil in Baking Soda Bath

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot and carefully stir in the baking soda (do this slowly to avoid bubbling over). Working in batches, drop the dough bites into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

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Step 5: Bake the Pretzel Bites

Bake for 12–14 minutes or until golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.

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Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While still warm, brush the pretzel bites with melted butter using a pastry brush. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Toss the buttered bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

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Step 7: Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional)

In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until creamy and adjust consistency with more milk if needed. Serve with warm pretzel bites.

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Notes

• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
• Customizable Coating: Swap cinnamon sugar with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or even dip in chocolate for fun variations.
• Dough Texture: The dough should feel soft but not sticky. If it’s too wet, add a little flour. If too dry, add a touch of water.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Yeast Bloom Step: If you don’t wait for the yeast to activate properly in warm water, your dough may not rise well, resulting in dense bites.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Scooping straight from the bag can lead to too much flour. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off.
• Overboiling the Dough: Boiling for too long makes them soggy and ruins the texture. Stick to 30 seconds per batch.
• Crowding the Baking Sheet: Give each bite space so they bake evenly and brown on all sides.
• Applying Butter Too Late: If the bites cool down too much before brushing with butter, the cinnamon sugar won’t stick properly.
• Underbaking: Pulling them out too soon leads to doughy centers. Look for that rich, golden brown finish.
• Skipping the Baking Soda Bath: This step is key to pretzel texture and flavor. Don’t treat it as optional!
• Burning the Butter: Use low heat when melting butter to avoid a burnt taste in the final product.

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What to Serve With Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites?

These sweet, chewy bites pair beautifully with a range of dips, drinks, and snacks. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a solo treat, here’s what you can serve alongside them for a complete experience.

8 Recommendations

1. Cream Cheese Frosting Dip – Extra tangy and sweet, this pairs like a dream with the warm cinnamon coating.
2. Hot Chocolate – A mug of rich, velvety hot cocoa complements every sugary bite, especially in colder months.
3. Salted Caramel Sauce – Drizzle or dip into this warm, gooey sauce for a salty-sweet upgrade.
4. Iced Coffee or Cold Brew – The bitterness of coffee cuts the sweetness and balances the flavor perfectly.
5. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – A scoop on the side makes these pretzel bites feel like a deconstructed dessert.
6. Nutella or Chocolate Hazelnut Spread – Dip into warm Nutella for an indulgent, melty combo.
7. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter – For a lighter pairing, go with fruit and nut butter to contrast the richness.
8. Fruit Punch or Lemonade – The tartness helps refresh your palate between bites of sugary goodness.

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Storage Instructions

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they can definitely be stored and reheated with great results:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To maintain softness, include a slice of bread in the container.
• Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 5 days, though texture may firm up a bit.
• Freezer: Place cooled bites in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
• Reheating Tip: For best texture, reheat in an oven or toaster oven. Microwave reheating is fast but may make them a bit chewy or rubbery.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per 6–8 pretzel bites without dip)

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 5g
• Serving Size: Approximately 6–8 bites
• Category: Snack/Dessert
• Method: Baked + Boiled
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these pretzel bites without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It takes a little effort, but the result is just as delicious.

2. Is the baking soda bath really necessary?

Absolutely. It’s what gives pretzels their unique chewy texture and golden crust. Skipping it will make them taste more like plain bread bites.

3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Yes! You can substitute equal amounts. Just skip the proofing step and mix the instant yeast right into the flour.

4. Can I freeze the dough?

Definitely. After the first rise, shape and portion the dough into bites, freeze them on a tray, then store in a bag. Thaw and boil before baking.

5. How do I keep the sugar coating from falling off?

Make sure to brush the bites with melted butter while they’re still warm. This helps the cinnamon sugar stick and stay put.

6. Can I make them gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum, but results may vary. The texture might not be as chewy.

7. What if my dough doesn’t rise?

Check the yeast—it may be expired or the water too hot or cold. Always use fresh yeast and water between 105–110°F.

8. Can I make these savory instead?

Yes! Skip the cinnamon sugar and butter, and instead sprinkle with coarse salt before baking. Serve with cheese dip or mustard.

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Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites bring together the comforting chew of soft pretzels with the sweetness of a sugar-dusted dessert—perfect for snacking, entertaining, or satisfying late-night cravings. With simple ingredients and a fun, hands-on process, this recipe is both approachable and impressive. Whether you’re serving them up with a sweet dip or nibbling them fresh from the oven, you’re in for a cozy, flavorful treat that everyone will love.

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