Auntie Anne’s Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites Copycat Recipe

There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a warm plate of Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites at Auntie Anne’s, but when the craving hits and going out isn’t an option, this copycat recipe brings those same flavors right to your kitchen. It’s surprisingly simple, totally budget-friendly, and perfect for family nights when you want something special without the price tag.

Why You’ll Love These Pretzel Bites

• Tastes just like your favorite mall pretzel stand
• Quick enough for a weeknight, special enough for guests
• Made with simple, affordable ingredients
• Family-approved (even picky eaters love it)
• Easy to adjust to your own taste

Simple Ingredients

These everyday ingredients make it easy to bring Auntie Anne’s flavor home.

Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps form soft dough.
Active dry yeast: Ensures the pretzel bites rise and turn fluffy.
Brown sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps feed the yeast.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
All-purpose flour: The base of the dough.
Baking soda: Used in the water bath to create the signature pretzel texture.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps cinnamon sugar stick.
Granulated sugar: For the iconic sweet coating.
Ground cinnamon: The warm spice that makes these bites irresistible.

Servings & Time

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

What Is Needed

• 1½ cups warm water
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup baking soda (for boiling water bath)
• 6 cups water (for boiling)
• 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your Auntie Anne’s Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites copycat.

• Mix warm water, yeast, and brown sugar in a bowl and let it sit until foamy (5–10 minutes).
• Add salt and flour, then knead until a soft dough forms.
• Let dough rest for 10 minutes, then divide into long ropes.
• Cut ropes into bite-sized pieces.
• Boil water and baking soda, then drop in dough pieces for 20–30 seconds.
• Bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
• Brush warm pretzel bites with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar.

How to Make Dipping Sauces

Give readers extra recipes:

Cream Cheese Dip (Like Auntie Anne’s)

• 4 oz softened cream cheese
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla

Whisk until smooth and fluffy.

Warm Caramel Dip

• ½ cup caramel sauce
• 1 tbsp heavy cream
  Warm in a small saucepan until silky.

Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla
  Whisk until pourable.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon sugar mix.
Healthier Option: Use whole-wheat flour for half the dough.
Kid-Friendly: Skip the cinnamon and toss in plain sugar for a milder sweetness.
Seasonal Swap: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice for fall flavor.

Recommended Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Saucepan
• Parchment paper

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Dough ropes can also be shaped ahead and kept chilled until ready to boil and bake.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or warm them in the oven/air fryer to restore crispness.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Cream cheese frosting dip
• Caramel dipping sauce
• Hot cocoa or vanilla latte

Fun Serving Ideas

• Serve warm in a paper cone like the mall version
• Make tiny skewered pretzel bites for parties
• Drizzle with melted white chocolate for a dessert platter
• Turn them into pretzel bite nachos with sweet dips
• Add them to a brunch board with fruit and pastries

History of Auntie Anne’s & Why Their Pretzels Are So Unique

Auntie Anne’s began as a small stand in a Pennsylvania farmer’s market, where Anne Beiler perfected her now-famous soft pretzels. What makes their pretzels stand out is the signature dough texture soft inside, slightly crisp outside and their unique baking soda bath that gives each pretzel that unmistakable golden sheen. Their cinnamon sugar pretzel bites quickly became one of the most iconic items on the menu because they feel like a warm, soft doughnut crossed with a classic pretzel.

Check out my copycat cinnabon cinnamon rolls taste better than the mall!