Dessert

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites Recipe

ByIsabella Vance October 11, 2025October 11, 2025

Introduction

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are a delightful treat combining soft, warm pretzel dough with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Paired with a creamy cream cheese dipping sauce, they make a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion.

A close-up image showing several soft, golden-brown pastry bites covered in a thick layer of sparkling sugar and cinnamon, stacked closely together with a slightly crispy texture on top. Each piece is somewhat square or rounded in shape with a light, fluffy inside visible under the sugar topping. The pastries are placed on a white marbled surface with a shallow depth of field focusing on the textured sugar crystals. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 envelope (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant dry yeast
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 cup milk
½ cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 egg, lightly beaten
5 tablespoons salted butter, melted
¾ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, the granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Step 2: In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk, water, and olive oil until the temperature reaches about 120°F.
Step 3: Carefully pour the warmed milk mixture into the flour mixture and stir just until combined. Fold in the remaining 2 cups of flour to form a soft dough.
Step 4: Knead the dough on a floured surface or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 4 to 6 minutes, until smooth and slightly elastic. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and roll each into a rope about 16 inches long. Cover and rest for another 5 minutes.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 7: Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces, arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, and brush each piece with the beaten egg.
Step 8: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the pretzel bites turn golden brown. Meanwhile, mix together the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
Step 9: Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and let them cool briefly. Brush each bite with melted butter and toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat completely.
Step 10: To make the cream cheese dipping sauce, beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl for about 1 minute. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to beat until smooth.
Step 11: Stir in the vanilla extract and add milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the sauce reaches a creamy, dippable consistency.
Step 12: Serve the warm cinnamon sugar pretzel bites with the cream cheese dipping sauce for a delicious snack.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar coating.
Use melted coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
Try dipping the bites in fruit preserves or chocolate sauce instead of cream cheese sauce.

Storage

Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their softness. The cream cheese dipping sauce is best kept refrigerated and used within 3 days; stir well before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a white round plate full of small, golden-brown bread bites covered with a cinnamon-sugar coating, giving them a rough, slightly sparkly texture. On the left side of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with thick, creamy white dipping sauce, swirled in a smooth pattern and lightly dusted with cinnamon powder on top. The plate rests on a white cloth, placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. Two vintage silver forks are positioned on the top right corner of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What if I don’t have a thermometer for the milk?

The milk should be warm but not hot to the touch—about body temperature or slightly warmer. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast; if too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly.