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Homemade Auntie Annes Copycat Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites (Nuggets) with Cream Cheese Dipping Sauce recipe photo

Auntie Annes Copycat Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites (Nuggets) with Cream Cheese Dipping Sauce

These pretzel bites are soft, chewy, and rolled in cinnamon sugar! Pair with a creamy dipping sauce for the ultimate treat!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pretzel Bites:
  • 1 pkg active dry yeast (1/4 oz)
  • 1 cup warm water (110 degrees F)
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 Tbsp packed light-brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1.5 cups bread flour
  • 1 to 1.25 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 3 cups hot water
  • 0.25 cup baking soda
  • 0.5 cup butter (melted)
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Dipping Sauce:
  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 Tbsp butter (softened)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 Tbsp heavy cream

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Wooden Spoon or Dough Hook
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small saucepan
  • Mixing spatula

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture with brown sugar, vegetable oil, and salt. Gradually add in the bread flour and 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Mix until a dough begins to form.
  3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  5. While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into small sections and roll each piece into a rope about ½ inch thick. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces to create bite-sized nuggets.
  7. In a small saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the baking soda until dissolved.
  8. Carefully drop a few pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Brush the boiled pretzel bites with melted butter, then mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the pretzel bites.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
  11. While the pretzel bites are baking, prepare the dipping sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  12. Once the pretzel bites are done baking, let them cool slightly before serving. Dip them generously into the cream cheese dipping sauce and enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure your water is at the right temperature (110 degrees F) for the yeast to activate effectively.
  • Don’t skip the boiling step; it’s essential for achieving that authentic pretzel flavor and texture.
  • Feel free to customize the dipping sauce by adding different flavors like lemon zest or almond extract.