Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites - Easy Homemade Copycat Auntie Anne’s Style
Mall food courts raised a generation, and I am not afraid to admit it. One whiff of warm pretzels and suddenly I’m thirteen again, wandering around with friends, pockets full of loose change, absolutely convinced life peaked near the pretzel stand. That cinnamon sugar cloud in the air? Iconic. Honestly, it deserves its own soundtrack.
These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites bring that whole moment home, minus the mall parking nightmare. They’re soft, fluffy, buttery, and rolled in just the right amount of cinnamon sugar. One bite and you’ll wonder why this isn’t already part of your weekly snack rotation. Dunk them into cream cheese frosting and try not to eat half before they cool. No promises, though.
Taste-wise, think Homemade Auntie Annes Pretzels Bites but somehow better. Texture? Crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside, exactly how a pretzel should behave. This is not a stressful bake either. It’s more of a relaxed afternoon vibe, music on, snacks incoming. IMO, that’s the best kind of recipe.
These pretzel bites slide perfectly into so many situations. Hosting friends? Add them to a Soft Pretzel Board and watch them disappear. Need Football Game Desserts Easy enough to balance out all the savory stuff? Done. They even qualify as Game Day Food Desserts when brownies feel too expected. FYI, they’re also sneaky-good as Football Recipes Appetizers if you lean sweet.
This is a Quick Easy Pretzel Recipe that feels special without being fussy. It’s a Homemade Pretzel Snack Recipe that hits nostalgia hard, delivers comfort fast, and smells unreal while baking. Is it technically one of those Easy Things To Make Without Cooking? No. But emotionally? It kind of feels like cheating.
Once you try this Auntie Annes Pretzel Bites Recipe, mall pretzels may never hit the same again. Are you ready for that responsibility?
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites - Easy Homemade Copycat Auntie Anne’s Style
Ingredients
Pretzel dough:- 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water, about 110°F
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 ounces cream cheese, fully softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Prepare the dough:
Add all dough ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix on low speed until everything comes together. Increase to medium speed and knead for 7–10 minutes until the dough feels smooth, elastic, and no longer sticks. Add a little extra flour only if necessary.
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Heat the oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease them.
Shape the bites:
Turn the risen dough onto a clean surface. Divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope about 20 inches long, keeping unused dough covered. Slice each rope into roughly thirteen 1 1/2-inch pieces. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space for expansion.
Baking soda bath:
Bring the water to a boil and carefully pour it into a large heat-safe bowl. Stir in the baking soda until dissolved. Drop the pretzel bites into the solution in batches, soaking for no longer than 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and return them to the baking sheets.
Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the pretzels turn golden brown. Let them rest for about 5 minutes before removing from the parchment.
Cinnamon sugar coating:
Place the warm pretzel bites into a large container with a lid. Drizzle with melted butter, then sprinkle in the cinnamon and sugar. Seal and shake until evenly coated.
Cream cheese frosting:
Beat the cream cheese, butter, milk, and vanilla together until smooth and airy, about 3 minutes. Slowly add powdered sugar and continue mixing until fluffy and light.
Serve the pretzel bites while fresh for the best texture. You can also freeze the baked pretzels before coating. Thaw completely, warm in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes, then finish with butter and cinnamon sugar before serving.
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