Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are a delightful snack featuring soft, chewy homemade pretzel dough baked to golden perfection and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. Served warm with a creamy vanilla-infused cream cheese dipping sauce, they make a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pretzel Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 envelope (2 ¼ teaspoons or 0.25 ounces) 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
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Dipping Sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Heat Wet Ingredients: Slowly heat the milk, water, and olive oil in a small saucepan to approximately 120°F (warm to touch but not hot).
- Combine Dough: Carefully pour the warmed milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, then gently fold in the remaining 2 cups of flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 4 to 6 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly elastic. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest in a bowl for 10 minutes.
- Shape Ropes: Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 16 inches long. Cover and let rest for 5 more minutes.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cut and Arrange Bites: Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. Arrange the pretzel bites evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush each piece with the lightly beaten egg to promote browning.
- Bake: Place the trays in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the pretzel bites turn golden brown.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: While baking, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl for coating.
- Cool and Coat: Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Brush each bite with melted butter, then roll thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Sauce: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer for about 1 minute. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavor and Milk: Mix in vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time, beating until the sauce reaches a creamy, dip-able consistency.
- Serve: Serve the warm cinnamon sugar pretzel bites with the cream cheese dipping sauce for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Make sure the milk mixture is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- For extra chewiness, you can let the dough rest longer or refrigerate it overnight before shaping.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute dairy milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and use a vegan cream cheese for the dipping sauce.
- The cinnamon sugar mixture can be adjusted to taste by altering the cinnamon or sugar ratio.
- Brush egg wash evenly for a shiny, golden crust on the pretzel bites.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, homemade pretzels, cream cheese dipping sauce, soft pretzel bites, sweet pretzel recipe, snack recipe
