Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Bites

These Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Bites are soft, fluffy, and coated in a cozy pumpkin spice cinnamon sugar coating. Each bite is warm, buttery, and perfectly sweet — the ultimate fall twist on a classic soft pretzel. Serve them fresh from the oven with homemade chocolate sauce, salted caramel, and cream cheese dipping sauce for a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat.

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Close-up of Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Bites coated in cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate, caramel, and cream cheese dipping sauces

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Ingredients You Need:

Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!

  • Milk: Warmed to 110°F to activate the yeast and help create soft, fluffy pretzel dough.

  • Brown Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast for a light rise.

  • Active Dry Yeast: Leavens the dough, making the pretzel bites pillowy and airy.

  • Pumpkin Purée: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and cozy fall flavor to the pretzel dough.

  • Salted Butter: Adds richness to the dough and flavor to the coating and sauces.

  • Vanilla Bean Paste Or Extract: Brings warm, aromatic flavor to the dough and dipping sauces.

  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the soft and chewy pretzel bites.

  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Infuses the dough and coating with warm fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the fall flavors throughout the recipe.

  • Baking Soda: Used in the baking soda wash to give the pretzel bites their signature golden crust and pretzel flavor.

  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the pumpkin spice coating for a classic cinnamon sugar finish.

  • Cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and spice to the cinnamon sugar coating.

  • Milk Chocolate Chips: Melt into a creamy, sweet base for the homemade chocolate dipping sauce.

  • Dark Chocolate Chips: Deepen the chocolate flavor for a rich, balanced dip.

  • Heavy Cream: Creates a silky texture in the chocolate sauce and adds richness.

  • Cream Cheese: Forms the base of the cream cheese dipping sauce, adding tanginess and creaminess.

  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese dip for a smooth, velvety consistency.

  • Maple Syrup: Sweetens the easy salted caramel and adds a warm, earthy flavor.

  • Almond Butter: Thickens the caramel and adds nutty richness with a smooth texture.

  • Avocado Oil Or Coconut Oil: Helps emulsify the caramel for a glossy, pourable consistency.

Close-up of Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Bites coated in cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate, caramel, and cream cheese dipping sauces

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Bites:

  1. Soft And Fluffy Texture: Each bite is light, tender, and perfectly chewy just like a classic soft pretzel.

  2. Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Sugar Coating: A cozy, spiced sugar mixture gives every bite that warm fall flavor.

  3. Sweet And Buttery Finish: Brushed with butter before coating for extra flavor and softness.

  4. Perfect Fall Snack: The ideal sweet treat for cozy fall afternoons, game days, or dessert boards.

  5. Homemade Dipping Sauces: Served with chocolate sauce, salted caramel, and cream cheese dip for variety and indulgence.

  6. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for sharing — everyone loves soft pretzel bites with warm dips.

  7. Easy To Make: No special equipment needed, and ready in about an hour.

  8. Warm And Comforting: Best served fresh from the oven for that bakery-style texture and taste.

Close-up of Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Bites coated in cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate, caramel, and cream cheese dipping sauces

Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Bites:

  1. Use Warm Milk Or Water For The Yeast: The liquid should be about 110°F to activate the yeast properly without killing it.

  2. Let The Dough Rise Fully: Allow the dough to double in size before shaping for soft and fluffy pretzel bites.

  3. Don’t Over-Flour The Dough: Add just enough flour so the dough is soft and slightly tacky.

  4. Cut Even Pieces: Slice the dough into evenly sized bites so they bake uniformly.

  5. Brush With Baking Soda Wash: Instead of boiling, brush each bite generously with a baking soda wash for that classic pretzel flavor and golden color.

  6. Bake Until Deep Golden Brown: The pretzel bites should be lightly crisp on the outside and soft inside.

  7. Brush With Melted Butter Right After Baking: The butter helps the cinnamon sugar coating stick and adds rich flavor.

  8. Coat While Warm: Toss the warm pretzel bites in the pumpkin spice cinnamon sugar mixture immediately for the best coverage.

  9. Serve Fresh: Enjoy warm for the softest texture and best flavor.

  10. Pair With Dips: Serve with homemade chocolate sauce, salted caramel, and cream cheese dip for the ultimate sweet-and-salty combo.

Close-up of Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Bites coated in cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate, caramel, and cream cheese dipping sauces

How to Store Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Bites:

  1. Room Temperature: Store cooled pretzel bites in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The cinnamon sugar coating will stay soft and slightly crisp.

  2. Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving to restore softness.

  3. Freezer: Freeze fully baked pretzel bites in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

  4. Reheat In The Oven: Warm in a 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes until soft and warm again.

  5. Avoid The Microwave: Reheating in the microwave can make the bites chewy and cause the sugar coating to melt.

  6. Store Dipping Sauces Separately: Keep chocolate sauce, salted caramel, and cream cheese dip in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat chocolate or caramel sauce gently before serving.

Close-up of Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Bites coated in cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate, caramel, and cream cheese dipping sauces

FAQs:

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Q: Do I have to use pumpkin spice?
A: Pumpkin spice gives these pretzel bites their cozy fall flavor, but you can substitute it with a mix of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, and allspice.

Q: Why do I brush with baking soda wash instead of boiling?
A: Brushing with baking soda wash gives the pretzel bites their classic pretzel flavor and golden color without the need for boiling. It’s quicker and easier for home baking.

Q: Can I make these without a stand mixer?
A: Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Q: Can I make the bites smaller or larger?
A: Absolutely. Adjust the size as you like, just keep an eye on the baking time — smaller bites will bake faster, and larger ones may need a few extra minutes.

Q: How do I keep the pretzel bites soft after baking?
A: Store them in an airtight container once cooled and reheat briefly before serving to bring back the softness.

Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes, freeze the dough after it rises. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Q: What dipping sauces go best with these?
A: These pair perfectly with chocolate sauce, salted caramel, and cream cheese dip, but you can also try maple glaze or vanilla icing for a different twist.

Q: Are these best served warm or at room temperature?
A: They’re best served warm, fresh from the oven, when the coating is fragrant, buttery, and perfectly soft inside.

Close-up of Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Bites coated in cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate, caramel, and cream cheese dipping sauces

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