If you’ve ever dreamed of getting that classic mall pretzel flavor at home, you’re in for a real treat with these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites. Picture little pillows of chewy, buttery dough rolled in glistening cinnamon sugar—irresistibly warm, sweet, and just the right amount of soft in every bite! Perfect for sharing (or hoarding for yourself), these bites make any day feel like a special occasion, and you won’t believe how much fun it is to make a batch from scratch.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites is delightfully simple, and each ingredient is chosen to craft that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Don’t skip anything—every component plays its part, from building the chewy dough to delivering that magical cinnamon sugar finish.
- Warm water (1 1/2 cups, 110°F): The perfect temperature helps wake up the yeast and gives your dough a jump start.
- Active dry yeast (1 packet, 2 1/4 tsp): This is what gets your pretzel bites pillowy and light—make sure it’s fresh!
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon for dough + 1 cup for coating): The sugar feeds the yeast in the dough and adds irresistible sweetness on top.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): Gives your pretzels their chewy texture and structure.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Just enough to bring out all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons for dough + 4 tablespoons for coating): Butter makes the bites tender and gives them that glorious golden shine.
- Baking soda (2/3 cup): This gets boiled with water to give your pretzel bites their signature texture and deep color.
- Water (10 cups, for boiling): Essential for the baking soda bath that transforms basic dough into perfect pretzels.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Classic sweet spice that spins the sugar into something magical.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites
Step 1: Make the Pretzel Dough
Start by combining the warm water, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit until it’s nice and foamy—about 5 minutes. This frothy top means your yeast is alive and ready to rise! Stir in the flour, salt, and two tablespoons of melted butter, then mix until it all comes together into a shaggy dough.
Step 2: Knead and Let the Dough Rise
Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and get kneading. Five to seven minutes is perfect—it should feel smooth, elastic, and maybe even a little bouncy. Pop the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for about an hour. You’re looking for it to double in size; this is when the magic happens.
Step 3: Shape and Cut the Pretzel Bites
Once your dough has risen, gently deflate it and split it into six pieces. Roll each chunk into a rope about 18–20 inches long, then cut each rope into 1-inch bites. It’s a chance to let your inner kid play—no need for perfect pieces!
Step 4: Boil in Baking Soda Bath
Bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. Working in batches, drop in the dough bites for 30 seconds—they’ll puff up as they soak, picking up that classic pretzel color and chew. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them onto lined baking sheets.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the pretzel bites in your preheated 425°F oven for 12 to 14 minutes, watching for that deep golden color. The smell alone will let you know you’re almost there! As soon as they emerge, they’re ready to be transformed into sweet, buttery goodness.
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While the bites are still warm, brush them generously with melted butter. Then, roll them in a bowl of cinnamon sugar (made by whisking together the granulated sugar and cinnamon). Each bite should be sparkly with cinnamon sugar and dripping with buttery happiness!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites

Garnishes
Dress up your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites with a simple dusting of extra cinnamon sugar or add a little fun with a light drizzle of cream cheese glaze or caramel sauce. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top is unexpected but so good—it’s the classic sweet-salty combo!
Side Dishes
These bites are amazing solo, but if you want to make things even more special, pair them with a bowl of whipped cream cheese dip, rich chocolate sauce, or salted caramel for dunking. For a snack party, offer alongside fresh fruit, coffee, or iced chai for the ultimate sweet-and-satisfying treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn snack time into an occasion by piling the Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites in a big bowl for sharing or threading them onto skewers for a fun party platter. For dessert boards, nestle them among grapes, berries, and dips, or pop them into muffin liners for a charming bite-sized feel at brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, store your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites in an airtight container on the counter for up to two days. They’re best fresh, but a quick reheat brings them right back to life!
Freezing
You can freeze these bites for up to two months. Let them cool completely, then seal in a freezer-safe bag with a little space so they don’t get squished. Thaw them on the counter or pop them right into a warm oven from frozen—so convenient for future cravings!
Reheating
For that just-baked flavor, reheat the bites in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and soft. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps them closest to their fresh-out-of-the-oven glory.
FAQs
Do I really need to boil the bites in baking soda water?
Absolutely! Boiling in baking soda water is crucial—it gives these bites their signature chewy texture and deep color, just like the best pretzels you know and love.
Can I make these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter for vegan margarine and double-check your sugar is vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based.
How do I know if my yeast is active?
Your yeast is good to go if it becomes bubbly and foamy after sitting in the warm water with sugar for 5 minutes. If nothing happens, your yeast may be expired—grab a fresh packet for fluffy, happy dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You sure can! After kneading, cover the dough and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and finish rising before proceeding with shaping and baking.
What’s the best way to keep these bites soft for longer?
Store them in a tightly sealed container with a piece of bread inside to help retain moisture. For super softness, reheat the bites before serving and brush with a little extra melted butter.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about pulling a tray of homemade Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites fresh from the oven—the smell, the sparkle of sugar, the irresistible softness. If you’ve never made pretzels at home before, now’s your time! So grab your apron and share these sweet, chewy little bites with friends and family—or just savor them all for yourself.
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Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
- Yield: 60–70 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these delightful Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites that are perfect as a snack or dessert. Soft, chewy pretzel bites coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, these treats are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Boiling and Coating:
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let sit until foamy. Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Knead into a smooth dough. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Shape and Boil: Preheat oven. Boil water and baking soda. Divide dough, shape into bites, boil briefly, then bake until golden.
- Coat and Serve: Brush warm bites with melted butter and coat in cinnamon sugar. Serve warm.
Notes
- Best served fresh on the day they’re made.
- Try serving with cream cheese or caramel dip for a fun twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6–8 bites
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg