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Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites with Creamy Cheese Dip

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Soft, pillowy homemade pretzel bites coated in cinnamon sugar and served with a luscious, creamy cheddar cheese dip. This easy recipe brings the magic of mall-style pretzels to your kitchen in under 90 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 9 cups water
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for cheese dip)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for cheese dip)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Whisk gently and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand for 5-7 minutes (or with a dough hook for 3-4 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
  3. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes, until doubled in size.
  4. While the dough rises, bring 9 cups water and 1/2 cup baking soda to a boil in a large saucepan. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer.
  5. Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-inch rope, about 3/4 inch thick. Cut each rope into 1-inch bites.
  6. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Working in batches, drop pretzel bites into the baking soda bath for 20-30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon, shake off excess water, and arrange on baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating trays halfway, until golden brown.
  9. Melt 4 tablespoons butter. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Brush warm pretzel bites with butter, then toss in cinnamon sugar to coat.
  10. For the cheese dip: In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup milk, then add cream cheese. Stir until smooth, then add cheddar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until creamy and thick. Add a splash of milk if needed to thin.

Notes

For best results, measure flour by weight. Don’t skip the baking soda bath for authentic pretzel flavor. Brush bites with butter while warm for best cinnamon sugar adhesion. Cheese dip can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of milk. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and plant-based dairy substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, homemade pretzel bites, cheese dip, snack, party food, easy pretzel recipe, mall pretzel, sweet pretzel, comfort food, baking

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/cinnamon-sugar-pretzel-bites-recipe-easy-homemade-with-cheese-dip/