If you’ve ever dreamed of creating the perfect sweet snack that’s both delightfully soft and beautifully golden, then you’re in for a treat with this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe. It’s an irresistible blend of fluffy, pillowy pretzels coated in a warm, fragrant cinnamon sugar that will make your kitchen smell like comfort and happiness. These homemade soft pretzels are a snack everyone will rave about, combining classic baking techniques with a cozy twist that makes every bite a little celebration of flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a spectacular snack. Each component plays a crucial role—from the yeast that gives these pretzels their perfect rise, to the cinnamon sugar coating that delivers that sweet, spicy touch everyone loves.
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F): The ideal temperature to activate the yeast without killing it, ensuring a light and airy dough.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: The magic behind the rise and softness of your pretzels.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and begins the sweetness journey right in the dough.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and chewiness that make your pretzels satisfyingly soft.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness, tenderness, and subtle buttery notes to the dough.
- 2/3 cup baking soda (for water bath): Creates the iconic pretzel crust when boiled before baking.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating): Coats the baked pretzels with a sweet sparkle of cinnamon sugar.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice and fragrance that perfectly pairs with the softness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing): Ensures the cinnamon sugar sticks and gives a luscious finish to the pretzels.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy on top. This frothy mixture tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in creating a soft, fluffy dough.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a rough dough forms. Then, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic—this kneading step is key for developing that chewy pretzel texture.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for 45 to 60 minutes or until it doubles in size. This rise brings out the tenderness in your pretzels and makes them wonderfully airy inside.
Step 4: Shape Your Pretzels
Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a long rope, then twist it into that classic pretzel shape. Don’t worry if your first few tries aren’t perfect—it takes just a little practice to get that signature look.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
Bring 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup of baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. Carefully dip each pretzel into this hot bath for 20 to 30 seconds. This step gives the pretzels their signature golden-brown crust and subtle tang.
Step 6: Bake Your Pretzels
Place the boiled pretzels on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 12 to 14 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and irresistible. Keep an eye on them as they bake to achieve that perfect balance of softness and color.
Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
As soon as your pretzels come out of the oven, brush them generously with 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Then toss or sprinkle them with a mixture of 1/2 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. This finishing touch transforms each pretzel into a sweet, cinnamony delight that melts in your mouth.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
Garnishes
While the cinnamon sugar coating is star of the show, you can get creative with garnishes to suit your mood. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, or try sprinkling chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for some added crunch and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
These pretzels pair wonderfully with a variety of dips and drinks. Try cream cheese frosting or a vanilla glaze for an indulgent dip. For beverages, a warm chai latte or rich hot chocolate complements the cinnamon notes beautifully, making your snack time feel extra cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family snacks, cut the pretzels into bite-sized pieces and serve them skewered with fresh fruit or marshmallows for a fun twist. You can also layer them on a platter with assorted dipping sauces to create an eye-catching and interactive snack board perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cinnamon sugar soft pretzels, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, though they’re always best enjoyed on the day they’re made to savor that perfect softness.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each pretzel tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Freezing is a great way to have a delicious treat ready whenever cravings hit without losing that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or day-old pretzels by placing them in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their softness and warming cinnamon sugar aroma as if they were just baked, making every bite feel like a fresh indulgence all over again.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast using the same amount. Just mix it directly with the flour instead of dissolving it in water first. Instant yeast can reduce the rising time slightly as it works faster.
Can I make these pretzels gluten-free?
While this recipe is designed for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with gluten-free baking mixes formulated for yeast doughs. Keep in mind the texture might vary, and you may need to adjust hydration and rising times accordingly.
What if I don’t have baking soda for the water bath?
The baking soda bath is essential to achieve the classic pretzel crust and flavor. Without it, the pretzels will bake but won’t have the same distinctive chewy exterior and deep golden color. If you’re in a pinch, try using baking powder but expect a milder result.
Can I make smaller pretzel bites instead of full-sized pretzels?
Absolutely! Cutting the dough into smaller portions and shaping bite-sized pretzels is a fun way to make snacks more shareable and kid-friendly. Just reduce the boiling time slightly and keep a close eye when baking so they don’t overcook.
How sweet are these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels?
These pretzels have a perfect balance of mild sweetness from the cinnamon sugar coating, complementing the slight savory notes in the dough. They aren’t overly sugary, making them an ideal treat for any time you want a lightly sweet yet satisfying snack.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe and discover just how incredibly rewarding homemade pretzels can be. There’s something truly special about pulling warm, soft pretzels out of your own oven, brushing them with melted butter, and coating them in cinnamon sugar. Whether for a cozy night in or a fun gathering with friends, these pretzels are sure to bring smiles and that wonderful feeling of comfort food done right. So get your ingredients ready, and let’s make some delicious memories!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 pretzels
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a delightful homemade snack with a perfect balance of sweet cinnamon sugar coating and a soft, chewy interior. Made from scratch using simple ingredients, these pretzels are boiled in a baking soda bath for that classic pretzel texture and baked to a golden finish. Ideal for a cozy treat or party snack, they’re best enjoyed warm and fresh.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Boiling Bath
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water (for boiling bath, not listed originally but necessary)
Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise for 45–60 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare Boiling Bath: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. This baking soda bath is essential for giving the pretzels their distinctive chewy crust.
- Shape Pretzels: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape each rope into a traditional pretzel form.
- Bake-Prep Dip: Carefully dip each shaped pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 20–30 seconds. Remove and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Pretzels: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed.
- Add Coating: While the pretzels are still warm, brush them generously with the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Then toss or sprinkle them with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve the pretzels warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to restore their soft texture.
- You can shape the dough into smaller bites instead of traditional pretzels for easier serving at parties or gatherings.
- Ensure the water for yeast activation is at the right temperature (around 110°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
