These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are irresistibly soft, fluffy, and coated with a sweet cinnamon sugar crust that will leave everyone coming back for more! Made with active dry yeast, these pretzel bites are boiled before being baked, giving them that perfect chewy texture. Paired with a creamy cream cheese dip, they’re the perfect snack for any occasion. Whether for a party, game day, or a casual treat, these bite-sized delights will be the star of the show!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Bites:

2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
227 grams (1 cup) warm water
510 grams (4 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
1 ½ tbsp light brown sugar
1 tsp salt
2 oz (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted

For the Baking Soda Solution:

108 grams (6 tbsp) baking soda
64 oz (½ gallon) water

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

2 oz (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
148 grams (¾ cup) sugar
1 ½ tsp cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Dip:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
28 grams (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
170 grams (¾ cup) powdered sugar
2 tbsp cream

Directions

Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, warm water until it reaches 110-115º F. Sprinkle the yeast on top and whisk it together. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
Mix the Dough: In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Slowly add the yeast mixture and melted butter, mixing on low speed. Once the dough forms, switch to a hook attachment and knead on medium speed for 8 minutes until tacky but not sticky.
Rise the Dough: Coat a large bowl with oil or cooking spray, and place the dough in it. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 1 – 1 ½ hours, until doubled in size.
Shape the Pretzel Bites: Preheat oven to 450º F. Deflate the dough and transfer to a pastry mat. Divide the dough into 8 triangles, roll into ropes, and cut into small 1-inch rectangles. Place the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Boil the Bites: In a medium pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil. Simmer, and use a skimmer to gently place pretzel bites into the water, cooking for 10-15 seconds per batch.
Bake the Pretzels: After boiling, place pretzel bites back on the baking sheet. Brush each bite with melted butter and bake for 12 minutes until golden.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Once baked, brush the pretzels with more melted butter, then roll in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Serve hot with cream cheese dip.

Nutrients

Calories: 350 kcal
Carbohydrates: 56g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 800mg
Sugar: 20g

What Makes Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites Special?

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites bring together the best of both worlds: the comforting softness and chewiness of a traditional pretzel with the sweetness of a cinnamon-sugar coating. The dough is made using active dry yeast, which gives it the perfect structure and texture, allowing the pretzels to puff up and develop that signature chewiness. The pretzels are then boiled in a baking soda solution before being baked, which creates that distinctive pretzel crust that is both chewy and slightly crispy.

What sets this recipe apart is the delicious cinnamon-sugar topping that coats the warm pretzels once they come out of the oven. The sweet, cinnamon-scented crust is an irresistible finish that will leave you coming back for more. To top it all off, the pretzel bites are served with a creamy cream cheese dip that adds a smooth, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the pretzels, making every bite even more enjoyable.

Key Ingredients That Make These Pretzel Bites So Irresistible

The beauty of Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites lies in their simple yet effective combination of ingredients. Each element contributes to the overall flavor and texture of the dish, making it an unforgettable snack or dessert. Here are the key ingredients that make this recipe so special:

Active Dry Yeast: Yeast is the magic ingredient that helps the dough rise and become fluffy and soft. The yeast creates the perfect texture for the pretzel bites by allowing the dough to develop a chewy, airy interior.
All-Purpose Flour: The flour serves as the backbone of the dough, giving it structure and elasticity. When combined with the yeast, it helps to form a dough that is easy to shape and bake into perfect pretzel bites.
Brown Sugar: A small amount of brown sugar adds sweetness to the dough while also contributing to the golden color of the baked pretzels.
Cinnamon and Sugar: The signature sweet and spicy topping that coats the pretzel bites, transforming them into a dessert-like treat. The cinnamon sugar gives the pretzels a warm, comforting flavor that is perfect for any occasion.
Cream Cheese Dip: The creamy cream cheese dip offers a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the pretzels, adding depth to the flavor profile and making each bite even more satisfying.

These ingredients come together to create a treat that is both nostalgic and indulgent, with just the right balance of flavors and textures.

The Process: Creating Perfect Pretzel Bites

Making these cinnamon sugar pretzel bites may sound like a complicated task, but in reality, it’s quite simple and straightforward. While the process involves a few key steps, such as letting the dough rise and boiling the bites, the hands-on preparation time is minimal. The beauty of making these pretzels at home is that you can customize the size and texture to your preference, ensuring that you get the perfect pretzel bite every time.

The dough begins by mixing the active dry yeast with warm water, allowing it to bloom and activate. This is crucial for creating the rise and fluffiness that gives these pretzel bites their soft, chewy interior. The dough is then mixed with flour, sugar, and salt, creating a sticky, yet manageable dough that’s kneaded until smooth and elastic. After a quick rise, the dough is shaped into small, bite-sized pieces that are then boiled in a baking soda solution, which is essential for achieving that characteristic pretzel crust.

Once boiled, the pretzel bites are baked to a golden brown, and then coated with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture that gives them their irresistible sweetness. The final touch is the creamy cream cheese dip, which complements the cinnamon-sugar pretzels perfectly and adds a luxurious texture to every bite.

Why These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites Are Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the best things about these Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites is their versatility. They are perfect for virtually any occasion, from casual snacks to formal gatherings. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

Game Day Snacks: If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack to serve at your next game day party, these pretzel bites are the perfect choice. They are easy to make in large batches and will be a hit with your guests.
Party Treats: Whether you’re hosting a birthday party or a casual get-together, these pretzel bites make for a fun and delicious treat. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve and enjoy, and the sweet cinnamon topping is sure to please a variety of palates.
Weekend Breakfast or Brunch: Serve these pretzel bites as a warm, comforting treat for breakfast or brunch. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect start to your day.
Sweet Snack: Sometimes, you just need a sweet snack to satisfy your cravings. These cinnamon-sugar pretzel bites are a great option for those moments when you’re looking for something indulgent but easy to make.

Tips for Perfect Pretzel Bites Every Time

While this recipe is simple, there are a few tips to ensure that your Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites turn out perfectly every time:

Use the Right Yeast: Make sure you’re using active dry yeast, not instant yeast, as the dough relies on the yeast to rise and become fluffy.
Proper Dough Texture: When kneading the dough, be careful not to overwork it. You want the dough to be tacky but not sticky. This will ensure that the pretzel bites have the perfect texture once baked.
Boil the Bites: Don’t skip the step of boiling the pretzel bites in the baking soda solution. This step is crucial for achieving the characteristic pretzel texture and flavor.
Customize the Coating: While the cinnamon-sugar coating is traditional, feel free to experiment with other flavors. You could try a chocolate coating, add a sprinkle of sea salt, or even use pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
Make It Ahead: These pretzel bites are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare them in advance and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply warm them up in the oven and drizzle with the cream cheese dip.

Conclusion: Why You Should Make These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

In conclusion, Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, game day, or just as a fun snack for yourself, these pretzels offer the ideal combination of soft, chewy dough and a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping. Paired with a creamy cream cheese dip, they offer a rich and indulgent experience that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The process is simple, and the results are impressive. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a batch of perfect pretzel bites that are sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of freshly baked cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, no matter the occasion!

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