Christmas Cranberry Dijon Pretzel Bites

Christmas Cranberry Dijon Pretzel Bites are the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, buttery holiday magic. These irresistible little morsels take soft pretzel nuggets and transform them into glossy, sticky, flavor-packed bites that vanish almost as soon as they hit the tray. The combination of whole cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, and honey delivers a beautifully balanced glaze — festive, bright, and just complex enough to feel special.

As the pretzel bites bake, the cranberry-Dijon mixture caramelizes ever so slightly, creating a luscious coating that clings to every nook and cranny. The melted butter and sprinkle of thyme add savory warmth, while the coarse salt gives each bite the classic pretzel finish. The result is an appetizer that feels both nostalgic and inventive, with familiar holiday flavors presented in a fresh, crowd-pleasing way.

These bites come together in minutes, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in. They’re especially delightful served warm, with a side of softened cream cheese that adds a cool, rich contrast to the tangy glaze. Their festive color, sticky sheen, and addictive flavor ensure they’ll become a returning favorite every December.

Simple, delicious, and wonderfully seasonal, these pretzel bites offer all the joy of holiday snacking with almost no effort — exactly what busy celebrations call for.

Servings: About 24 bites
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 bag soft pretzel nuggets or 24 soft pretzel bites
• 1 cup whole cranberry sauce
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1/2 tsp fresh chopped)
• 1 tsp coarse salt
• Optional: 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for dipping)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic powder until smooth.
Add the pretzel bites to the bowl and toss gently until fully coated.
Spread the pretzel bites evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with thyme and coarse salt.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until glossy, sticky, and slightly caramelized.
Serve warm, with softened cream cheese on the side if desired.

Variations

• Add a pinch of cayenne to the glaze for a sweet-heat twist.
• Swap Dijon for whole-grain mustard for extra texture and tang.
• Use raspberry preserves in place of cranberry sauce for a fruity variation.
• Sprinkle with crushed pistachios after baking for a festive crunch and color.

Tips

• Warm the cranberry-Dijon sauce on the stovetop first for an extra-silky coating that adheres beautifully.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; spacing helps the glaze caramelize evenly.
• For extra shine, brush pretzels with a final layer of warm glaze just before serving.
• Serve immediately for the best texture — warm and slightly sticky is perfection.