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

If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s soft, warm, and full of cozy cinnamon flavor, let me introduce you to my Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe. These homemade pretzels are everything you want from a comforting snack—the perfect balance of a tender, chewy bite dusted in cinnamon sugar, paired with a luscious cream cheese dip that’s smooth and sweet. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll find yourself reaching for them any time you need a little pick-me-up.

I’ve found this recipe really shines for weekend brunches, movie nights, or casual gatherings with friends. The beauty of this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe is that it feels a little fancy but comes together without any complicated steps. I love that you can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake fresh pretzels whenever you want—no store-bought pretzels can match that homemade magic, especially with the dip!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this recipe work beautifully together to create that soft pretzel texture and the irresistible cinnamon sugar coating. Whenever I shop for this, I always go for good quality butter and real yeast—not the fast-rise kind—to get that rich flavor and perfect crumb.

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and chew for soft pretzels.
Kosher salt: Adds a bit of savory balance to the sweet cinnamon sugar coating.
Light brown sugar: Adds subtle molasses notes to the dough for richness.
Yeast: The magic behind the dough rising and that soft, airy texture.
Lukewarm water: Activates the yeast; make sure it’s not too hot or yeast won’t work.
Unsalted butter (room temperature): European-style butter makes this so rich and creamy.
Whole milk (lukewarm): Helps tenderize the dough while developing flavor.
Egg yolk: Used for the egg wash to give the pretzels a golden finish.
Baking soda: Helps create that pretzel’s classic crust when boiled before baking.
Cream cheese (room temperature): Key for the creamy, dreamy dip.
Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese dip perfectly.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and perfect dip consistency.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the dip’s flavor with a subtle warmth.
Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon: Classic combo for coating pretzels with a perfect sweet-spicy kick.
Unsalted butter (melted): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully to the pretzels.

Variations

I like to play around with this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe depending on the occasion and who’s joining me in the kitchen. Making it your own is half the fun!

Gluten-free twist: I’ve experimented with gluten-free flour blends with decent success—just know the texture will be a bit different, but still delicious.
Spicy cinnamon sugar: Adding a pinch of cayenne or ground cloves to the cinnamon sugar gives these pretzels a subtle but interesting kick I love serving at fall gatherings.
Dip variations: Sometimes I swap the cream cheese dip to a maple cream cheese dip by folding in some pure maple syrup—it’s an entirely different level of indulgence.
Mini pretzels: I’ve made smaller pretzels for kid-friendly snack portions, which also helps speed up baking time.

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

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix Your Dough

Start by combining the lukewarm milk, a tablespoon of sugar, and yeast in a medium bowl. This step is crucial—let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it’s bubbly and foamy; that’s how you know the yeast is alive and kicking. Then, in your mixer bowl, whisk together the rest of the sugar, flour, kosher salt, and butter. Pour in the milk-yeast mixture and lukewarm water, and mix on medium speed until it forms a sticky dough. I usually let my mixer knead it for about 5 minutes on low speed; the dough should be soft yet a bit tacky to the touch.

Step 2: Rise and Shape the Pretzels

After kneading, transfer your dough to an oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about an hour until it doubles in size. Patience here pays off—this step creates that light, pillowy texture you want. Then divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a long 20-inch rope. Form each rope into a traditional pretzel shape: make a U, cross the ends twice near the bottom, fold the crossed ends back over the base, and pinch to seal.

Step 3: Boil, Bake, and Cinnamon Sugar Coat

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Carefully bring a large pot of water to boil, add the baking soda, then drop the pretzels one at a time in the water for 40 seconds per side—this step gives pretzels their signature shiny crust. Use a strainer to remove them and transfer to your baking trays. Before baking, brush each with an egg wash made from egg yolk and water for a gorgeous golden crust. Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. While still warm, brush melted butter generously on each pretzel and toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture—that final step seals in that irresistible flavor.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Dip

While the pretzels are baking, whip together cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, then whip until fluffy. This dip is dreamy and perfectly balances the cinnamon sugar pretzels with its sweet tanginess. I always chill it a bit before serving, but it’s tasty even if you’re eager and want to dig right in.

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

A close-up image shows a woman’s hand holding two soft pretzels stacked together, both covered in a layer of cinnamon sugar that gives them a grainy texture and a warm brown color. Behind them, several more cinnamon sugar pretzels rest on a silver wire rack placed on a white marbled surface. The pretzels have a smooth, baked dough texture with the sugar coating adding a slightly rough look. In the background, a small white container with creamy sauce is partially visible out of focus. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar just before serving to up that visual appeal and extra crunch. Sometimes I add a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on one or two pretzels for that sweet-salty combo—it’s unexpectedly delicious!

Side Dishes

These pretzels are perfect on their own, but if you want to turn your snack into a full affair, try pairing them with fresh fruit like apple slices or berries that complement the cinnamon sugar nicely. For brunch, I love serving them with scrambled eggs and a fruit salad on the side—a cozy, full meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Got a party or special occasion? Arrange the pretzels upright in a tall glass or mug for a fun “pretzel bouquet,” with little ramekins of cream cheese dip at the base for easy dipping. Wrapping individual pretzels in parchment paper and tying with a cinnamon stick makes an adorable edible gift or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re not serving all the pretzels right away, store the baked ones in an airtight container at room temperature—but don’t add the melted butter or cinnamon sugar until just before serving. This keeps them from getting soggy and helps maintain that fresh-out-of-the-oven texture the next day.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing the shaped pretzels right after the first rise (before boiling and baking). Wrap them tightly in cling film and freeze up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, let them rise again briefly, then proceed with boiling, baking, and cinnamon-sugaring. It’s a game-changer for quick homemade treats on busy days.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes—this refreshes the soft texture perfectly without drying them out. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that chewy exterior intact. Don’t forget to brush with melted butter and cinnamon sugar again after reheating for that fresh-baked goodness.

FAQs

Can I make the Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk (make sure it’s unsweetened), and replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese spread. The texture and taste will be slightly different, but you’ll still get that cozy cinnamon sugar goodness.
How important is the baking soda bath?

The baking soda bath is key to achieving the authentic pretzel crust and that slightly chewy bite. It changes the pH of the dough surface, helping it brown beautifully in the oven. Don’t skip this step—even if it sounds unusual, it’s what sets pretzels apart from regular bread.
Can I prepare the cream cheese dip ahead of time?

Yes! The cream cheese dip can be made a day in advance and stored tightly covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving and maybe soften it at room temperature for 10 minutes if it’s too firm.
How can I shape the pretzels if I’m new to this?

It might seem tricky at first, but once you get the hang of rolling out ropes and making the classic pretzel twist, it becomes second nature. I recommend watching a quick tutorial video or practicing with scrap dough. It’s all about gentle twisting and pinching to seal.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it blends nostalgia with a touch of simple elegance. It’s one of those recipes I return to again and again whenever I want to impress guests or simply treat myself to something homemade that feels indulgent but not fussy. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in making and eating these soft, cinnamon-spiked pretzels dipped in creamy goodness as I do!