Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites Recipe: Sweet, Soft & Irresistible Dish

When I first made these cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, I couldn’t believe how much they reminded me of the soft pretzels I used to get at the mall.

The warm, chewy texture with that sweet cinnamon sugar coating instantly brought me back to those childhood moments.

The best part? They taste even better when you make them fresh at home. I love how each bite is buttery, golden, and perfectly sweet. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to keep a batch ready for every occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything I used to make these bites taste just right.

1 packet instant yeast (makes the dough rise and gives it that soft, fluffy texture)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the dough)
1 cup warm water (helps activate the yeast—make sure it’s warm, not hot)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (keeps the dough soft and workable)
1 teaspoon fine salt (balances the sweetness and enhances flavor)
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (gives the pretzels their light, pillowy structure)
½ cup baking soda (key for that signature chewy pretzel crust when boiled in water)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly)
½ cup granulated sugar (for the sweet, crunchy topping)
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (adds warm spice and cozy flavor)

Optional Cream Cheese Dip:

4 ounces cream cheese (rich and creamy base for dipping)
2 tablespoons butter, softened (makes the dip smooth and fluffy)
2–3 tablespoons cream or milk (to adjust the consistency)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (adds depth and sweetness)
½ cup powdered sugar (sweetens the dip just right)

Note: This recipe makes several servings, perfect for sharing or saving for later.

Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to make this recipe your own.

Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a less refined sweetness.
Try vegan butter and plant-based milk to make the recipe dairy-free.
Add nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for an extra warm spice twist.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long it takes from start to finish.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 1 minute

Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes everything easier.

Stand mixer – kneads the dough until smooth and elastic.
Bench cutter – helps cut even bite-sized pieces.
Large bowl – used for mixing dough and making the baking soda bath.
Baking sheets with parchment paper – prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Slotted spoon – removes bites from the baking soda bath without too much water.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites?

Making these is simple and so much fun. Here’s how I do it step by step.

Prepare the Dough

I start by mixing yeast, brown sugar, warm water, oil, and salt in my stand mixer bowl. Then I slowly add flour while the mixer kneads for about 5 minutes. Once the dough turns smooth and elastic, I cover it with a towel and let it rise for an hour until it doubles in size.

Shape the Pretzel Bites

After rising, I punch the dough down to release air. I divide it into six pieces, roll each into long ropes, and cut them into small bite-sized pieces. Even if they aren’t perfectly shaped, they bake up beautifully.

Baking Soda Bath

Next, I dissolve baking soda in boiling water. I drop the dough pieces into the bath for about 30 seconds. This is what gives pretzels their chewy crust. Then I transfer them onto parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake the Pretzels

I preheat my oven to 400°F and bake the pretzel bites for 12–15 minutes, turning the pan halfway through. Once golden brown, I pull them out and get ready for the best part—coating them.

Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While they’re still warm, I toss the bites in melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated on all sides. This step makes them taste magical.

Make the Cream Cheese Dip (Optional)

For extra indulgence, I whip softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and cream together. Then I mix in powdered sugar until smooth. It’s the perfect dip for these sweet bites.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I’ve made these a few times, and here are some tips that always help me.

I always check the water temperature (about 110°F) so the yeast activates properly.
Covering the dough with a damp cloth keeps it from drying out while rising.
Never skip the baking soda bath—it’s the secret to authentic pretzel texture.
Using fresh ground cinnamon makes the coating more flavorful.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites?

I love serving these warm, but there are plenty of fun ways to enjoy them.

Pair with caramel sauce, chocolate dip, or honey butter.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle for dessert.
Set up a DIY pretzel bite bar with sprinkles, nuts, and syrups for parties.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick breakdown per serving.

Calories: 120
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 4g

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigeration: Once coated, I store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They taste best fresh, but they’re still good the next day.
Freezing: If I want to keep them longer, I freeze the uncoated pretzel bites for up to 2 months. When I’m ready, I thaw them, reheat in the oven, then toss with butter and cinnamon sugar.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe has so many reasons to win you over.

It’s nostalgic and reminds me of mall pretzels, but fresher and better.
The bites have the perfect contrast—soft inside, golden outside.
It’s a fun, hands-on recipe, great for weekends or baking days.
The coating is sweet, buttery, and completely irresistible.
It’s perfect for sharing at family gatherings or parties.

Making these cinnamon sugar pretzel bites isn’t just baking—it’s creating a cozy, delicious experience. Once you try them, you’ll see why they never last long on the table.

Ash Tyrrell