If you’re craving a delightful treat that’s warm, soft, and perfectly sweet, this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These pretzels have that irresistible chewy texture with a golden crust, kissed by a generous coating of cinnamon and sugar that makes every bite like a hug from the inside. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night or a festive gathering, this recipe turns simple pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing sensation that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these soft pretzels comes from a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the creamy warmth of milk that wakes up the yeast to the melty butter brushing on top, every component adds layers of flavor, texture, or that signature cinnamon-sugar sweetness.
- 2 cups warm milk: Essential for activating the yeast and creating a rich, tender dough.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast: The key for fluffy, airy pretzels that rise beautifully.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of caramel depth.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted: Infuses the dough with richness and helps with softness.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet soft structure of the pretzels.
- 1/3 cup baking soda: Creates that shiny, characteristic crust when added to the water bath.
- 3 cups warm water: For the baking soda bath that helps set the pretzel’s texture.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing): Keeps the crust moist and adds a luscious finish.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: The perfect base for the cinnamon sugar topping.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and that irresistible, sweet-spicy flavor to coat the pretzels.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by mixing the warm milk with active dry yeast in a large bowl, then let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because you want the yeast to get foamy and awake, which signals it’s ready to start working its magic to make your dough fluffy.
Step 2: Combine the wet ingredients
Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, stir in the brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. These ingredients create a lovely balance of sweetness and richness that’s foundational for the dough’s flavor.
Step 3: Make the dough
Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, stirring as you go until you have a soft dough. Then knead it on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading builds gluten which gives pretzels their satisfying chewiness.
Step 4: Let the dough rise
Place the dough in a covered bowl and leave it in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This rise is where the dough develops its airy, tender crumb that makes these pretzels soft and pillowy.
Step 5: Prepare for baking
Turn your oven on to 450°F (230°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This preps your space so you can get those pretzels into the oven hot and ready to bake.
Step 6: Make the baking soda bath
Mix the warm water and baking soda in a shallow bowl. This bath is what gives pretzels their distinctive chewy crust and that glossy, golden finish after baking.
Step 7: Shape the pretzels
Divide the risen dough into 12 equal parts. Roll each piece into a rope and then twist them into the classic pretzel shape. This part is so fun and hands-on—you’ll feel proud before they even hit the oven!
Step 8: Dip and bake
Dip each pretzel quickly into the baking soda bath, then place it on your lined baking sheet. This bath jumpstarts the crust formation that makes pretzels so unique. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown and begging to be devoured.
Step 9: Butter and cinnamon sugar topping
As soon as the pretzels come out warm from the oven, brush them with melted butter and generously sprinkle or toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This final step seals in moisture and adds that unforgettable sweet-spicy crunch on top.
Step 10: Serve warm and enjoy
These cinnamon sugar soft pretzels are best enjoyed fresh and warm—the perfect cozy snack or dessert with a cup of tea or coffee.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic cinnamon sugar topping steals the show, you can add a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate finish or even a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for a tangy contrast that adds sophistication to these soft pretzels.
Side Dishes
Pair these soft pretzels with rich hot chocolate or a smooth vanilla custard dip for an indulgent treat. They also work surprisingly well alongside fresh fruit or a light yogurt dip if you want to balance sweetness with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve your cinnamon sugar soft pretzels on a wooden board nestled with small bowls of assorted dips like caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, or honey butter. Presentation turns a simple snack into an eye-catching centerpiece everyone will want to try.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover pretzels at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. To keep them soft, layering with parchment paper can prevent sticking and preserve their texture.
Freezing
If you want to save your pretzels for longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap and place them all in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked flavor, reheat pretzels in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes or warm them slightly in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel. After reheating, a quick brush with melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar refreshes their irresistible flavor.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Instant yeast can be substituted, but because it activates faster, you can mix it directly with the flour and skip the proofing step with warm milk. It’s a great way to save time while still getting soft, fluffy pretzels.
Why is baking soda used in the water bath?
Baking soda alters the pH of the dough’s surface, which helps develop that classic pretzel crust with its deep golden color and chewy texture. Skipping this step would give you more of a regular bread roll instead of a traditional soft pretzel.
How do I make the pretzels crispier instead of soft?
If you prefer your cinnamon sugar soft pretzels recipe with a bit more crunch, bake them a couple minutes longer and skip the final butter brushing. You can also try increasing the baking soda in the bath slightly—but watch closely to avoid bitterness.
Can I add other flavors to this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe?
Absolutely! While cinnamon sugar is a favorite, you can experiment with pumpkin spice, nutmeg, or even toss pretzels in a mix of crushed nuts and sugar for a fun twist.
What’s the best way to shape pretzels if I’m a beginner?
Taking your time and practicing on smaller dough pieces helps a lot. Roll the dough into long ropes, then try crossing the ends twice to make the classic shape. Watching a quick tutorial video can also give you confidence before you start handling the dough.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe is a delightful way to bring warmth and sweetness into your home baking. It’s approachable enough for any skill level, yet special enough to impress family and friends. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to this scrumptious, fluffy, and cinnamon-kissed delight—you won’t regret it!
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Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pretzels 1x
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a warm and delightful treat, boasting a soft, chewy texture with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, they combine the comforting flavors of homemade dough with a lightly crisp, golden crust, brushed with butter and dusted generously in cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups warm milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (more or less as needed)
Baking Soda Bath
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 3 cups warm water
Topping
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir in the brown sugar, melted butter, and salt into the yeast mixture, ensuring everything is well combined to create a sweet, flavorful base for the dough.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing well until a soft dough forms. Then knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size, allowing the dough to develop flavor and texture.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Make Baking Soda Bath: In a shallow bowl, mix the warm water with the baking soda. This bath will give the pretzels their characteristic chewy crust and golden color.
- Shape Pretzels: Divide the risen dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope and shape into classic pretzel forms by twisting the ropes appropriately.
- Bake Preparation: Dip each pretzel briefly into the baking soda bath for a few seconds, then place them carefully on the prepared baking sheets to set before baking.
- Bake: Bake the pretzels for 8 to 10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and develop a nice crust.
- Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Immediately after baking, brush each hot pretzel with melted butter. Then toss or sprinkle them generously with a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for a sweet and aromatic finish.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon sugar soft pretzels warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For a more pronounced pretzel flavor, allow the dough to ferment longer or refrigerate overnight for a slow rise.
- If desired, adjust the cinnamon-sugar ratio to suit your preference for sweetness or spice.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make sure the water is warm but not hot when activating the yeast to avoid killing it.
- These pretzels can be frozen after shaping and baked fresh when needed; just add a few extra minutes to baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
