Name: Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 2 h 14 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ¾ cups (565 grams) all purpose flour; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast; ½ cup (120 ml) lukewarm water; 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, lukewarm; 1 egg yolk for egg wash; 2 tablespoons baking soda; ½ cup (110 grams) cream cheese, room temperature; 1 cup (120 grams) confectioners’ sugar; 1 tablespoon heavy cream; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Oh, you’re in for a real treat with this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe! These pretzels are the perfect blend of soft, chewy dough wrapped in buttery cinnamon sugar goodness, paired with a luscious cream cheese dip that’s just the perfect touch. Every time I make these, the whole kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma, and I can’t wait to share them with friends and family—they’re simply perfect for cozy weekend mornings or a fun snack for movie nights.

What I really love about this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe is how approachable it is, even if you think pretzel-making is tricky. With a few simple steps and some practical tips, you’ll get bakery-quality soft pretzels that taste like a little slice of heaven. Plus, the dip is creamy, sweet, and so easy to whip up—it just elevates the whole experience. Trust me, you’ll want to try this recipe again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe really comes together with quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Using room temperature dairy and fresh yeast helps give your dough that ideal soft texture, while the cinnamon sugar mix adds the perfect sweet and spicy kick. Here are all the key players you’ll want in your pantry and fridge for success.

All Purpose Flour: This forms the chewy yet tender base of the pretzels; go for a high-quality brand for best results.
Kosher Salt: Essential for flavor balance—don’t skip it or substitute with table salt directly.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note to the dough, helping with browning too.
Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh and active for a good rise; it creates that lovely soft texture.
Water (Lukewarm): Lukewarm avoids killing the yeast while helping it wake up.
Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature): Butter lends richness and tenderness to the dough.
Whole Milk (Lukewarm): Adds moisture and helps with a soft crumb.
Egg Yolk: Use in the egg wash to give those pretzels a shiny, golden finish.
Baking Soda: Key for that classic pretzel crust when boiling—don’t skip it!
Cream Cheese (Room Temperature): The base for an irresistibly creamy dip.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens the dip without any graininess.
Heavy Cream: Adds luscious smoothness to the cream cheese dip.
Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla makes the dip taste homemade and cozy.
Granulated Sugar: For that crunchy cinnamon sugar coat.
Ground Cinnamon: Compliments the sugar with warmth and spice.
Melted Unsalted Butter: Used to help the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly on the warm pretzels.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe is. Sometimes I tweak the sweetness or add a twist on the dip to keep things interesting. Feel free to make it your own—pretzels are endlessly customizable and perfect for mixing things up depending on what you’re craving.

Savory Version: Swap out the cinnamon sugar for garlic butter and sprinkle with parmesan—my family enjoys this for game nights!
Gluten-Free Dough: I once tried a gluten-free flour blend and, while the texture changes a bit, it still won the hearts of guests with the cream cheese dip.
Fruit-Flavored Dip: Add a spoonful of strawberry or apricot jam to the cream cheese dip to create a fruity surprise that’s perfect for brunch.
Spiced Cinnamon Sugar: Mix a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon sugar for an extra cozy fall vibe.
Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives; I’ve done this with great success using almond milk and vegan cream cheese brands.

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

Step 1: Bring Your Yeast to Life

Start by mixing lukewarm milk, a tablespoon of sugar, and yeast in a medium bowl. This little yeast bath wakes those tiny guys up and gets them foaming, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes. If it doesn’t foam, don’t panic—your yeast might be old, so it’s best to try a fresh batch for that perfect rise.

Step 2: Mix and Knead Your Dough

Next, toss your flour, remaining sugar, salt, and softened butter into a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add the foamy yeast mixture along with lukewarm water, then mix on medium speed until combined. Lower the speed and knead for about 5 minutes until you have a soft, sticky dough. If you don’t have a mixer, no worries—hand kneading works too, just expect a bit of arm workout!

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Form your dough into a smooth ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to get your cinnamon sugar and cream cheese dip ready.

Step 4: Shape Your Pretzels

Divide your dough into 12 equal portions (about 81 grams each). Roll each into a long 20-inch rope—it takes a bit of practice, but don’t worry if they aren’t perfect! Shape each rope into a U, twist the ends twice, then fold down and pinch firmly to seal. Lay them on parchment-lined trays and cover again for a short 20 to 30-minute rise.

Step 5: The Baking Soda Bath

Here’s the secret to classic pretzel texture: boiling! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in baking soda. Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling water for 40 seconds on each side—this step gives them that signature chewy crust and deep color after baking. Use a spatula to remove and place them back on your tray.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk together one egg yolk with a tablespoon of water to make a glossy egg wash. Brush each pretzel well before popping them into the oven for 12 to 14 minutes until golden brown. The egg wash is what gives you that perfect shine everybody loves!

Step 7: Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Once the pretzels are out and cooled slightly, brush them with melted butter—this helps the cinnamon sugar stick and gives a rich, buttery finish. Toss one pretzel at a time in your cinnamon sugar mixture until coated evenly. This step is the one that makes them addictive! Don’t do this too early if you’re not serving right away, as they stay best fresh.

Step 8: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Dip

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth (about 2 minutes). Add in powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until silky and creamy. This dip is ridiculously easy and pairs perfectly with the warm cinnamon sugar pretzels—trust me, it disappears fast!

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

A woman's hand is holding a golden brown pretzel covered in a layer of fine cinnamon sugar crystals, showing its smooth and slightly twisted shape with three rounded sections. In the background, more pretzels with the same cinnamon sugar coating rest on a wire cooling rack against a white marbled surface. The warm light highlights the sugar texture and the soft, baked surface of the pretzels. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving, and sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar for that extra sweet touch. Occasionally, I add a few chopped toasted nuts like pecans for texture—that combo is a crowd-pleaser! Fresh mint leaves can also add a pop of color if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

These pretzels pair wonderfully with warm spiced apple cider or a cup of hot coffee on a crisp morning. For a fuller spread, I sometimes serve them alongside fresh fruit or a light salad when offering them for brunch or snack. The cream cheese dip is rich, so I like to add lighter sides to balance things out.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, I like arranging the pretzels stacked loosely in a charming basket lined with a colorful napkin. Using mini ramekins for the cream cheese dip makes for easy sharing and a polished look. You could even drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the pretzels to turn them into a decadent dessert treat—my kids went wild for that! Adding edible flowers for a spring brunch gives a delightful floral touch too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store your baked pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just skip brushing the butter and cinnamon sugar until right before serving—that way they stay fresh and soft without getting soggy or sticky.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these pretzels both before and after baking. If freezing before baking, shape them and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw and continue with boiling and baking. For baked pretzels, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They thaw well and you get that freshly baked goodness even days later!

Reheating

Reheat pretzels in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This restores their soft texture and slight crisp on the outside perfectly. Avoid microwaving if you can—it makes them chewy and less tender. Add the melted butter and cinnamon sugar after warming, then serve alongside freshly whipped cream cheese dip.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to proof active dry yeast in warm water with a bit of sugar for 5-10 minutes until bubbly before adding it to your dough ingredients. This recipe works well with both, but instant yeast can be added directly without proofing.
How important is the baking soda bath for the pretzels?

The baking soda bath is essential—it helps create that signature pretzel crust by giving the dough a slightly alkaline environment. Skipping this step leads to softer crusts without that classic pretzel flavor or color, so I highly recommend not skipping it.
Can I make the cream cheese dip ahead of time?

Definitely! Make the cream cheese dip up to 24 hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Give it a quick stir or whisk before serving to bring back that perfect creamy texture.
What’s the best way to get soft pretzels without them being doughy?

Proper kneading, proofing, and the baking soda bath all contribute to soft but fully cooked pretzels. Baking at the right temperature until golden and allowing them to cool slightly before coating helps prevent a doughy center.
Why shouldn’t I add the cinnamon sugar before serving if storing leftovers?

The cinnamon sugar mixed with melted butter can make pretzels soggy if left on too long. To keep your pretzels fresh and soft, add the cinnamon sugar coating just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe is truly one of my favorite comfort snacks to make and share. The combination of warm, buttery cinnamon sugar and that cool, creamy dip always brings smiles around the table. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do. Give it a try—you might just find a new go-to treat!