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Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

Cinnamon sugar pretzel bites are a delightful mix of fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon, and a crunchy coating. Paired with a creamy dip, they become an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

These treats are not just your average pretzel bits! Here are a few reasons to fall in love with this recipe:

Sweetly Spiced Flavor: Unlike traditional pretzel bites known for their saltiness, these have a delightful blend of butter, sugar, and cinnamon on top, elevating their flavor profile.
Perfect for Parties: If you’re on the lookout for a snack that encourages mingling, these bite-sized delights will do the trick!
Sweet or Savory: With this versatile dough, you can whip up both sweet and savory variations, pleasing all palates!

Ingredients

Active Dry Yeast & Warm Water: This combination activates the yeast to help the dough rise beautifully.
Brown Sugar: Provides nourishment for the yeast and adds subtle sweetness, contributing to that lovely golden crust.
Salt: Enhances flavor and helps control the yeast growth.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the pretzels, offering structure and that classic chewy texture.
Unsalted Butter: Brings richness to the dough, making it tender and flavorful.
Baking Soda: Essential for achieving that distinctive dark and shiny crust typical of pretzels.
Egg & Water: The egg wash that gives these treats their glossy, golden finish.
Granulated Sugar & Ground Cinnamon: Used for rolling the warm pretzel bites to give them that irresistible sweet coating.
Cream Cheese Dip: A creamy blend of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, ideal for dipping!

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

While the preparation is a bit more involved than using pre-made dough, the outcome is certainly worth it. Follow these steps for your homemade cinnamon sugar pretzel bites:

Combine: In a stand mixer bowl, mix warm water, brown sugar, melted butter, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it starts to foam.
Add: Incorporate salt and about 4 1/2 cups of flour. Use a dough hook on low to mix, then increase to medium speed to get a smooth, elastic dough. Add additional flour if the dough feels too sticky.
Roll: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and shape it into a ball. Place it into an oiled bowl, turn it to coat, and cover. Let it rise in a warm draft-free area for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat: While your dough is rising, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Boil: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Gradually stir in the baking soda until it’s fully dissolved.
Divide: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope about 1/2 inch thick, then cut into 1-inch pieces to form the pretzel bites.
Drop: Carefully place the dough pieces into the baking soda bath for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Brush: Lightly brush the gathered dough with the egg wash for that beautiful golden finish, then pop them into the oven to bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.
Toss: While the pretzel bites are still warm, toss them in a mixture of melted butter and the cinnamon-sugar blend until well-coated.
Beat: To prepare the cream cheese dip, beat together the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla, then add milk until you reach your desired consistency for dipping!

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

Though this recipe is straightforward, here are some helpful tips to ensure your pretzel bites turn out perfectly:

Use a thermometer: Check the temperature of the water; it should not exceed 110°F (43°C). Too hot, and you’ll risk killing the yeast.
Look for froth: Your yeast should be frothy after resting. If it’s not, you may need to start over with fresh yeast or water that’s at the right temperature.
Create a warm rising area: If your home lacks a warm spot, turn your oven to the lowest setting for just a minute, then switch it off immediately. Place the dough inside to let it rise.
Boil in small batches: To prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking, boil 10-15 bites at a time.
Keep the bath clean: After boiling your first batch, if the water appears murky, replace it with fresh water to maintain the unique pretzel texture.
Make ahead: For convenience, you can shape the unbaked pretzel bites, freeze them, and then boil and bake them straight from frozen when needed.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to switch out the cinnamon sugar for variations like powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or your favorite sweet spices. For a savory twist, try seasoning them with sea salt, garlic, parmesan, or herbs.

How to Store

While pretzel bites are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can certainly store them for later:

To Store: Allow the bites to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
To Freeze: Lay pretzel bites in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before reheating.
To Reheat: Warm in an oven set at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-8 minutes, or microwave for about 10–15 seconds, being careful not to overheat, as this could dry them out.