There’s nothing quite like warm, pillowy-soft pretzel bites coated in sweet cinnamon sugar.

These cinnamon sugar pretzel bites are golden on the outside, soft inside, and finished with a buttery coating that makes them irresistible.

Pair them with a creamy dip, and you’ve got the ultimate treat for game days, holidays, or cozy afternoons.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They’re soft, chewy, and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar crust.

The homemade cream cheese dip takes them to the next level.

Perfect for parties, sharing, or snacking anytime.

Surprisingly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Active dry yeast brings the dough to life with a light, fluffy rise.

Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.

The baking soda bath is the secret to that signature pretzel texture and flavor.

Cinnamon sugar makes every bite sweet, warm, and cozy.

Cream cheese dip balances the sweetness with rich, creamy flavor.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Make sure your water is warm, not hot—around 110°F (43°C)—to activate the yeast without killing it.

Use parchment paper for baking; pretzels can stick to unlined pans.

Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it’s key for that chewy, golden crust.

For extra indulgence, serve the pretzel bites slightly warm with the dip.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

Step 1 – Prepare the dough

Mix warm water, brown sugar, butter, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy.

Add salt and flour, knead until smooth, then let the dough rise for 1 hour.

Step 2 – Shape the pretzel bites

Punch down dough, divide into 8 pieces, roll into ropes, and cut into 1-inch bites.

Step 3 – Boil in baking soda bath

Bring water and baking soda to a boil.

Drop pretzel bites in for 30 seconds, then transfer to a lined baking sheet.

Step 4 – Bake to golden perfection

Brush bites with egg wash and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5 – Coat with cinnamon sugar

Toss warm pretzel bites with melted butter and cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.

Step 6 – Make the cream cheese dip

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until creamy.

What to Serve It With

Enjoy with cream cheese dip for a sweet and tangy pairing.

Pair with caramel sauce or chocolate ganache for variety.

Serve alongside coffee, hot chocolate, or apple cider for a cozy snack.

Variations / Substitutions

Swap the cinnamon sugar coating for a savory garlic butter and Parmesan version.

Use cream cheese frosting instead of dip for extra sweetness.

Add pumpkin spice to the cinnamon sugar for a fall twist.

Storage & Leftovers

Best enjoyed the same day, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes to refresh the texture.

The dip can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days—just re-whip before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight and bake the next day.

Do I have to use a baking soda bath?
Yes, it’s essential for the chewy pretzel crust and golden color.

Can I freeze pretzel bites?
Yes, freeze baked bites for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before coating with cinnamon sugar.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, but reduce the rise time slightly since instant yeast works faster.

What other dips go well with these pretzel bites?
Chocolate sauce, caramel dip, or even a peanut butter glaze are great options.

How do I keep the pretzel bites soft?
Store in an airtight container and reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

These cinnamon sugar pretzel bites are the perfect combination of soft, chewy, and sweet.

They’re fun to make, even more fun to share, and guaranteed to disappear fast whenever you serve them.

The Boat Shed Kitchen

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are soft, pillowy, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mix, paired with a luscious cream cheese dipping sauce. Perfect as a party snack, dessert, or cozy weekend treat, they’re a fun twist on classic soft pretzels.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Rise Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Servings: 10

Calories: 270

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Pretzel Dough:

• 1½ cups warm water about 110°F / 43°C
• 3 tbsp light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted and cooled
• 2¼ tsp 1 packet active dry yeast
• 2 tsp fine salt
• 4½ –5 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
• 1 large egg beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)

For the Baking Soda Bath:

• 12 cups water
• ½ cup baking soda

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled

For the Cream Cheese Dipping Sauce:

• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 –2 tbsp milk

Method

 

1. Mix warm water, brown sugar, butter, and yeast. Let rest until frothy.
2. Add salt and flour. Knead until smooth. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment.
4. Bring water and baking soda to a boil. Cut dough into 1-inch pieces and boil for 30 seconds.
5. Place bites on baking sheets, brush with egg wash, and bake 15–20 minutes until golden.
6. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/cinnamon-sugar-pretzel-bites/

Notes

• Be careful not to overcrowd the boiling pot—boil the bites in small batches.
• The egg wash gives them a beautiful golden crust.
• Best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven.