If you dream of boardwalk snacks and the cozy aroma of cinnamon filling your kitchen, you’re in for a treat with these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites. They’re everything you want in a sweet snack—puffy, golden, and warm, with a buttery coating and sparkly cinnamon sugar crunch. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or anytime you need a comforting treat, these bites always bring a little extra happiness to the table and disappear fast!

Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites come together with just a handful of pantry staples, each one playing a crucial role in that soft and delicious final bite. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a quick tip on what each ingredient brings to the party:

Warm water (1 1/2 cups, 110°F): The right temperature helps your yeast come alive, ensuring those airy, pillowy bites.
Active dry yeast (1 packet, 2 1/4 tsp): The secret to a tall, fluffy rise and signature pretzel texture.
Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon + 1/2 cup): Adds sweetness to the dough and creates a sparkly, crunchy cinnamon sugar coating.
All-purpose flour (4 cups): Gives our pretzel bites just the right chew and structure—don’t substitute for whole wheat or bread flour here.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Lifts and balances all those sweet and buttery notes.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons melted + 4 tablespoons for brushing): Delivers ultimate richness into the dough and gives a glossy finish for the sugar to stick.
Baking soda (1/3 cup, for boiling): Creates the signature chewy, golden crust that separates pretzels from regular bread.
Water (6 cups, for boiling): Turns your kitchen into a bakery by bringing you those classic pretzel bites with a soft middle and golden shell.
Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The highlight of our sugar blend—warm, sweet, and so fragrant!

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until the top gets creamy and foamy. That’s your sign that the yeast is bubbly and ready to go, which means your pretzel bites will rise beautifully and taste incredible.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Whisk in the salt, melted butter, and flour to the activated yeast mixture. Stir with a sturdy spoon or dough hook until a very soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If you need, add a sprinkle more flour, but resist the urge—the dough should be soft for that classic fluff inside!

Step 3: Knead and Rise

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes, until it’s smooth, elastic, and bounces back when poked. Tuck it into a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s doubled in size and looks so puffy you’ll want to poke it.

Step 4: Shape and Cut

While your oven preheats to 425°F (220°C) and you line baking sheets with parchment, gently punch down the dough. Divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into ropes about 12 inches long, then cut each rope into 1-inch bites. These little nuggets will turn into perfect Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites!

Step 5: The Pretzel Bath

Bring 6 cups of water and the baking soda to a low boil in a large pot. Carefully drop your pretzel bites in batches into the bubbling bath for 20 to 30 seconds—this magical step gives them that signature chewy crust. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and spread out on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Pop the sheets into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bites are gloriously puffed and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell so inviting that people will come running before the timer even dings.

Step 7: Brush and Toss in Cinnamon Sugar

While the bites are still warm, generously brush them with melted butter. In a large bowl, mix together your cinnamon and sugar, then gently toss each bite in the mixture until every side is sparkling and fragrant. This last step transforms simple pretzels into a sweet, can’t-stop-at-just-one treat.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites

Garnishes

You can serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites as they are, all warm and sugar-crusted, or add a little flair with a dusting of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of honey. For some extra indulgence, set out bowls of cream cheese frosting or warm caramel sauce for dipping.

Side Dishes

These bites are a showstopper on dessert platters, but they also pair perfectly alongside fruit salads, hot cocoa, or even an after-dinner espresso. For parties, surround them with fresh berries and chocolate squares for a sweet snack tray that wows every time.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange pretzel bites in a big mason jar for a playful treat on your coffee table, or thread a few onto skewers for serving at a party. You can even pile them up in a basket lined with a cute napkin for a cozy, homemade touch that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites (if you have any!) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft, though the sugar coating might absorb a bit of moisture—still delicious for snacking.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, let the bites fully cool, then freeze them in a single layer on a sheet pan. Once they’re solid, transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep fresh and tasty for up to two months—just be sure to wait and butter/cinnamon-sugar them after reheating for best results.

Reheating

To revive that straight-from-the-oven taste, pop your stored or thawed bites onto a baking sheet and warm at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. Brush with a smidge more butter and toss in extra cinnamon sugar if you want to restore their sparkle.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, bring it to room temperature before shaping and boiling for the best texture and rise.

Do I really need to do the baking soda boil?

The baking soda bath is essential—it gives pretzel bites their classic chewy crust and golden color. Skipping it means you’ll end up with sweet bread bites, but not true pretzels.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Yes, instant yeast works just fine! You can mix it directly into the dry ingredients, but still use warm water and give the dough a similar rise so your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites stay pillowy and light.

What’s the best way to keep these soft after baking?

Store them in an airtight container while they’re still slightly warm to lock in moisture. If you want to freshen them up, a quick reheat with a new swipe of melted butter does wonders.

Can I make them vegan?

You sure can! Substitute plant-based butter and make sure your sugar is vegan-friendly—these swaps still give you fluffy, irresistible bites every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a batch of Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites—crispy on the edges, cloud-soft on the inside, and impossibly addictive warm from the oven. I hope you give this recipe a try and share it with family or friends (if you can resist keeping them all to yourself!). Happy baking!