These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are soft, chewy, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar crust—just like the ones from your favorite mall pretzel stand! With their golden-brown exterior and pillowy center, these poppable bites are irresistible and ideal for parties, holiday treats, or satisfying your sweet tooth at home. Paired with a tangy cream cheese dip, they’re an addictive, nostalgic snack you’ll want to make on repeat.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Dough:

• 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4½ to 5 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

For the Baking Soda Bath:

• 12 cups water (3 quarts)

• ½ cup baking soda

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

For the Cream Cheese Dip:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1–2 tablespoons milk

Directions

1. In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm water, brown sugar, butter, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add salt and 4½ cups flour. Mix on low with a dough hook, then knead on medium until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides. Add more flour if needed.

3. Shape dough into a ball and place in an oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

5. Bring 12 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Slowly stir in baking soda until dissolved.

6. Punch down dough and divide into 8 portions. Roll each into ½-inch thick ropes and cut into 1-inch pieces.

7. In batches, drop dough pieces into the baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheets.

8. Brush each piece with egg wash. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes.

9. In a shallow bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar. Toss warm pretzel bites in melted butter, then coat with cinnamon sugar mixture.

10. For the dip, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, and mix until creamy.

11. Serve pretzel bites warm with cream cheese dip on the side.

Nutrients (Per bite, approx. based on 80 bites)

• Calories: 33 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 4 g

• Fat: 1 g

• Saturated Fat: 1 g

• Cholesterol: 5 mg

• Sodium: 270 mg

• Sugar: ~1.5 g

• Protein: <1 g

• Calcium: Trace

• Vitamin A: 63 IU

Why These Pretzel Bites Are So Irresistible

There’s something about the contrast of textures and flavors in cinnamon sugar pretzel bites that makes them so addictive. The outside bakes up golden brown with a light crispness, while the inside stays tender and chewy. Each bite is generously coated in cinnamon sugar, creating a warming sweetness that hits just the right nostalgic note.

It’s not just about the sugar, though. These pretzels are first dipped in a traditional baking soda bath before baking, which gives them that signature pretzel flavor and a subtle, savory edge that balances the sweetness beautifully. Then, when they’re still warm from the oven, they’re tossed in melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar for that perfect final touch.

A Homemade Take on the Mall-Favorite Snack

What makes these pretzel bites stand out is how closely they replicate the flavor and texture of your favorite mall pretzels—but without the preservatives or price tag. This homemade version lets you control every ingredient and tailor the flavor to your liking. Prefer extra cinnamon? Add more to the coating. Want a richer dough? Swap in a touch of honey or vanilla extract. The possibilities are endless, and each batch feels just a little more special when made from scratch.

These bites also offer all the satisfaction of traditional soft pretzels but in a more snackable, shareable format. Their mini size makes them easy to portion, dip, and devour—perfect for parties, game days, or serving to kids after school.

The Magic of the Baking Soda Bath

A key step in pretzel-making is the baking soda bath, and it’s not just for show. Boiling the dough briefly in baking soda water helps gelatinize the outside, which creates that slightly crisp, deep golden crust and gives the pretzels their characteristic texture and flavor. It also helps the cinnamon sugar stick better by creating a drier surface post-baking.

This process might seem intimidating at first, but it’s easier than it sounds and completely worth it. In fact, it’s the step that elevates these bites from soft rolls to authentic pretzels—transforming the dough into something special with just a quick dip.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating That’s Totally Addictive

After baking, the warm pretzel bites are brushed with melted butter and rolled in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar. This finishing touch is what gives them their signature flavor and that irresistible, lightly crunchy coating.

The butter ensures the sugar sticks well and adds a richness that enhances the soft dough. The cinnamon brings warmth and spice, creating a comforting aroma and flavor that’s perfect for cozy weather or sweet cravings year-round. It’s the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery—and has everyone asking for seconds.

Don’t Skip the Cream Cheese Dip

While these pretzel bites are delicious on their own, the optional cream cheese dip takes them to another level. This tangy-sweet dip is rich and velvety, providing the perfect contrast to the sweet, spiced coating on the bites. Made with softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla, it’s smooth, dippable, and just sweet enough.

You can also customize it to your liking—try adding a hint of lemon zest, a dash of cinnamon, or even a spoonful of caramel sauce for extra flair. Whether you’re serving these bites warm at a gathering or packing them up for an afternoon treat, the cream cheese dip is the finishing touch that makes this recipe feel extra indulgent.

Perfect for Parties, Holidays, and Everyday Snacking

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are the ultimate party snack. They’re easy to make in big batches, simple to serve, and always a hit with guests of all ages. Place them in a big bowl with a side of dip, or arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for a more elegant presentation.

They also make a fantastic addition to holiday dessert tables, weekend brunch spreads, or afternoon tea. If you’re hosting a movie night, pack them in paper cones or snack bags for easy grab-and-go options. And if you have little ones at home, these bites make a fun and kid-approved activity to bake together.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly

One of the best things about this recipe is how make-ahead friendly it is. The dough can be prepped in advance and refrigerated until ready to shape and bake. Baked pretzel bites also reheat beautifully—just pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore that freshly baked texture.

You can even freeze unbaked pretzel dough pieces after shaping. Simply let them thaw slightly before boiling and baking, and you’ll have fresh-from-the-oven pretzels anytime you want them. This makes them perfect for meal prepping, holiday planning, or keeping on hand for last-minute entertaining.

Customizable for Every Taste

While cinnamon sugar is a classic, you can easily switch up the flavor to suit different occasions. Roll the bites in powdered sugar for a donut-like finish, drizzle them with vanilla or chocolate glaze, or dip them in melted Nutella or peanut butter for extra indulgence. You can even go savory—omit the cinnamon sugar and butter, and sprinkle the pretzel bites with garlic powder and Parmesan for a more savory snack.

This flexibility makes the recipe endlessly fun and allows you to adapt it for seasonal flavors, dietary preferences, or just whatever you’re in the mood for.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are everything you love about soft pretzels—chewy centers, golden crusts, and comforting sweetness—packed into irresistibly snackable bites. Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday, or just to treat yourself, these bites hit all the right notes of nostalgia, indulgence, and homemade charm.

Tossed in warm butter and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, then paired with a creamy, tangy dip, they offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Easy to prepare, fun to serve, and absolutely delicious, this is a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. Once you try these cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, don’t be surprised if they become a go-to favorite for every occasion.