Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a delightful homemade treat featuring a soft, chewy texture with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfectly golden and brushed with melted butter, these pretzels make an irresistible snack or breakfast item that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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 the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir in the brown sugar, melted butter, and salt into the yeast mixture until well combined.
- Make the Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough back into the bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Baking Soda Bath: In a shallow bowl, dissolve the baking soda into the warm water to create the pretzel bath solution.
- Shape Pretzels: Divide the risen dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope and shape each rope into a classic pretzel form.
- Bake Pretzels: Dip each pretzel briefly into the baking soda bath for a few seconds, then place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the pretzels turn golden brown.
- Brush with Butter and Add Topping: Remove the pretzels from the oven and immediately brush them generously with melted butter. Then, toss or sprinkle each pretzel evenly with the cinnamon and sugar mixture while they are still warm.
- Serve Warm: Serve the cinnamon sugar soft pretzels warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- If dough is sticky, add flour a little at a time during kneading until it is manageable but still soft.
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast.
- The baking soda bath is essential for developing the characteristic pretzel crust and flavor.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking during baking.
- These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a low oven if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
