Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

There’s something wonderfully comforting about warm, soft pretzels coated in cinnamon sugar, and when paired with a rich cream cheese dip? Oh, you’re in for a treat. This Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe is one of my favorite cozy snacks to whip up when I want to indulge or impress friends with minimal effort.

Whether you’re craving an afternoon pick-me-up, need a crowd-pleasing party snack, or simply want to enjoy that perfect balance of sweet and soft, these pretzels hit the spot every time. The aroma while baking completely fills the kitchen, and the cream cheese dip takes these to a whole new level of deliciousness—trust me, you don’t want to skip it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create the soft texture of the pretzels and that magical cinnamon sugar coating, plus a creamy dip that complements perfectly. When shopping, I recommend getting fresh yeast for the best rise and cream cheese at room temperature for a smooth dip.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the pretzel dough; use a good quality brand for a nice, tender crumb.
• Kosher salt: Brings out flavor without overpowering the buttery notes.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.
• Yeast: Essential for that perfect soft, pillowy texture.
• Water (lukewarm): Activates the yeast without killing it, so keep it just warm to the touch.
• Unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness to the dough and the final coating.
• Whole milk (lukewarm): Makes the dough tender and flavorful—don’t swap for skim here!
• Egg yolk: Creates a beautiful golden glaze when brushed on before baking.
• Baking soda: Creates the classic pretzel crust texture when boiled — don’t skip this step.
• Cream cheese (room temperature): The star of the dip, making it silky and tangy.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the dip without the grittiness of granulated sugar.
• Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and helps smooth out the dip.
• Vanilla extract: Gives the dip a lovely warmth and sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: For that addictive cinnamon sugar coating.
• Ground cinnamon: Key spice that pairs beautifully with sugar and butter for the coating.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe is—you can easily tweak it depending on what you’re in the mood for or the ingredients you have on hand. Here are some variations I’ve tried and really enjoyed:

• Gluten-free version: I’ve experimented with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends and while the texture is a bit different, these pretzels still come out flavorful and satisfyingly soft.
• Spiced cream cheese dip: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dip gives it an exotic twist that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Chocolate drizzle: For a decadent touch, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the finished cinnamon sugar pretzels—kids love this one!
• Vegan adaptation: Swap the butter for a vegan alternative and use a plant-based cream cheese to make it dairy-free. I’ve found this works well without sacrificing much on taste.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast – The Secret to Softness

Start by mixing the lukewarm milk, a spoonful of sugar, and the yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes until it’s frothy. This little bubble bath for the yeast ensures your dough will rise perfectly, so don’t rush it or use water that’s too hot—otherwise your pretzels won’t get that soft, airy texture I know you’re aiming for.

Step 2: Mix and Knead Your Dough

In your stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and butter. Pour the yeast mixture and warm water in, then mix using the dough hook attachment. It should take about five minutes at low speed to form a soft, sticky dough. If you’re kneading by hand, aim for the same texture—soft but not too wet. Once smooth, shape your dough into a ball and let it rest in a greased bowl covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap for an hour to rise.

Step 3: Form and Shape the Pretzels

After your dough has risen, divide it into 12 even portions. Roll each into a long rope—about 20 inches long, which might seem long but trust me, it’s just right! Then, shape into the classic pretzel form: make a U shape, twist the ends twice, and fold down, pinching to seal. It’s a simple twist that makes all the difference for that nostalgic pretzel look.

Step 4: The Magical Baking Soda Bath

This step is crucial for perfect pretzel texture. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add your baking soda. Briefly dip each pretzel for 40 seconds per side—this creates that irresistible chewy crust when baked. I usually use a slotted spatula or strainer to fish them out carefully and place them on parchment-lined trays.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Baking

Whisk together the egg yolk with a tablespoon of water and brush this all over your pretzels. This helps them bake to a beautiful golden brown. Pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 14 minutes until they look perfectly baked and smell incredible—the kitchen will smell like your favorite bakery at this point!

Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Coating and Cream Cheese Dip

While the pretzels are still warm (just after cooling for about 5 minutes), brush them generously with melted butter. Then toss them one by one in a cinnamon sugar mix until fully coated. For the dip, whip cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar together with heavy cream and vanilla until you get a smooth, luscious dip. This contrast of the warm cinnamon sugar pretzel and cool, tangy dip? Total perfection.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

Garnishes

I like adding a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top of the pretzels right before serving for a little extra aroma and spice. Sometimes, a light dusting of powdered sugar works wonders too, especially if you want a sweeter finish. Fresh mint isn’t traditional but adds a refreshing pop if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

To keep things simple yet satisfying, I often serve these pretzels with fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries, which cut through the sweetness nicely. A warm chai latte or spiced cider pairs wonderfully for a cozy vibe, perfect on a chilly afternoon.

Creative Ways to Present

In the past, I’ve arranged these pretzels in a wicker basket lined with a linen napkin and a small bowl of the cream cheese dip right in the center for parties—everyone loves picking at them! For a festive touch, add seasonal decor around the serving tray or drizzle some caramel sauce over the pretzels for a sweet twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store baked pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Important tip: do not brush with butter or toss in cinnamon sugar until just before serving, or they’ll get soggy. This keeps them fresh and delicious.

Freezing

I’ve frozen unbaked shaped pretzels by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, freezing until solid, and then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just thaw, give them a little rise time, then proceed with the baking soda bath and baking. This trick saves loads of time!

Reheating

To bring leftover pretzels back to life, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes that soft interior and crispy exterior without drying them out. Add the cinnamon sugar and melted butter coating after reheating for the best experience.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe has become one of those cozy favorites I come back to time and time again. It’s simple enough to enjoy any day of the week, yet special enough to share with guests and impress. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself baking batches for every occasion once you experience the magic of that warm cinnamon sugar crust paired with creamy dip. Happy baking, friend!

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