These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are soft and pillowy inside, finished with a generous cinnamon-sugar coating. They’re easy to make at home and taste just like the mall favorite.
I have to confess: whenever I visit a mall, I can’t resist grabbing a cup of cinnamon sugar pretzel bites. Spotting Auntie Anne’s makes me do a little happy dance. But after making these at home, I prefer the homemade version.
Serve them plain, with a sweet cream cheese dip, or enjoy them straight from the oven. Homemade pretzels let you control the sweetness and texture, and they come out tender and fresh every time.
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
Before trying this recipe, I wasn’t a big fan of granulated sugar coatings — I assumed the sugar in the dough was enough. But the contrast of salty, soft pretzel bites with the cinnamon-sugar coating is irresistible. You can also reduce the coating sugar to taste; I used about half of the sugar listed in the original recipe I adapted.
If you love cinnamon treats, try my Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling for another comforting recipe.
I adapted this recipe from a clear, simple version I found online and adjusted it to my taste. The method is straightforward and gives bakery-style results at home.
How To Make It
- Proof active dry yeast in warm water.
- Add granulated and brown sugar, oil, flour and salt, then mix and knead into a slightly sticky dough.
- Let the dough rise until nearly doubled.
- Divide and roll the dough into ropes, then cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Quickly dip the pieces into a hot water and baking soda bath using a slotted spoon, then transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake until golden, brush with melted butter, and toss in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
After baking, toss the warm bites in cinnamon-sugar so the coating clings to the buttered surface — and enjoy them warm.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar well in a bowl, then toss the warm pretzel bites until evenly coated. Voilà — homemade cinnamon sugar pretzel bites!
Curious whether my version matched the mall’s, I bought a cup of Auntie Anne’s after baking these. The comparison confirmed it: the homemade bites were just as satisfying. Making them at home means you don’t need to visit the mall to get that classic taste.
If you enjoy a little sweet treat now and then, this is a simple, rewarding recipe to keep in your baking rotation.
Expert Tips
- Use the Right Flour: Bread flour gives a chewier texture thanks to higher protein, but all-purpose flour works well if that’s what you have.
- Dough Rising: Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot until doubled. Don’t rush this step — it creates the soft, puffy interior.
- Boiling Water Bath: A hot baking soda bath creates a glossy, golden crust. Use a wide pot so pieces can float and not stick together.
- Uniform Size: Cut evenly sized pieces for consistent baking. A bench scraper or sharp knife helps portion the dough neatly.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Mix granulated or brown sugar with cinnamon thoroughly. Toss warm bites in melted butter first so the coating adheres evenly.
- Storage: Store cooled bites in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day to avoid sogginess.
- Keep It Simple: Stick to essential ingredients like active dry yeast, flour, oil, butter and salt for the best pretzel flavor and texture.
Variations
There are many ways to customize pretzel bites beyond the cinnamon-sugar topping. Try these ideas:
- Garlic Parmesan: Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan and garlic powder plus a pinch of kosher salt.
- Sweet and Salty: After coating with cinnamon-sugar, add a light sprinkle of coarse salt for a delightful contrast.
- Cheesy Stuffed: Fill bites with a small piece of cream cheese before baking, or roll in Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
- Herb-Infused: Knead finely chopped rosemary or thyme into the dough for a savory, aromatic twist.
- Mini Pretzels with Dip: Make smaller pretzels and serve with chocolate, cream cheese, or caramel dipping sauces.
- Chocolate-Dipped: After coating in butter and cinnamon-sugar, dip bites halfway in melted chocolate for a rich finish.
- Baking Soda vs. Lye: Baking soda works well for home baking; some traditionalists use food-grade lye for a shinier, deeper crust, but it must be handled carefully.
More Homemade Baked Goods
- Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts
- Cornbread Without Buttermilk
- Sugar Coated Donuts
- Red Velvet Cake Without Buttermilk
- Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
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Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour (375g) plus more for kneading
- 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For baking soda bath
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 3 cups hot water
For coating
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
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In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast and granulated sugar. Let rest 5 minutes.
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Stir in brown sugar, oil and salt. Add half the flour, mix, then add the remaining flour and form a dough. Transfer to a floured surface and knead, adding flour as needed until slightly sticky. Oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover and let rise in a warm spot 1–2 hours until doubled.
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the dough and divide into six pieces. Roll each into a long rope (about 28 inches), cut and then cut each piece into 4–6 bite-sized pieces. Mix hot water and baking soda, briefly dip pieces in the solution, then place on parchment-lined trays.
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Bake 8–10 minutes until golden. Brush bites with melted butter, then toss in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
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Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
2. This recipe was adapted from CookingClassy.
Nutrition
Additional Info
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