If the mere mention of fresh, pillowy pretzels makes your heart skip a beat, then Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels are about to become your new obsession. Imagine pulling a tray of golden, sweetly spiced knots from your oven, irresistible in both aroma and appearance. Each bite delivers that classic chewiness you love in a pretzel, blanketed in butter, sugar, and cinnamon for a comfort-filled twist that’s perfect any time of day. Whether for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive treat to share, these Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels have an unmatched homemade magic that will wow anyone lucky enough to enjoy them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels is how they rely on simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Every element plays an important role, from building structure and flavor to creating that signature tender texture and gorgeous golden brown exterior.
- Warm water (1 1/2 cups, 110°F): Activates the yeast and brings the dough together for that soft, tender crumb.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Helps the pretzels rise perfectly, creating their light, airy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon & 1/2 cup): Feeds the yeast and adds a gentle sweetness in both the dough and the cinnamon sugar coating.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): Serves as the foundation, creating a chewy interior that holds its shape.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors into focus and enhances the overall taste.
- Baking soda (2/3 cup for water bath): Gives the pretzels their authentic flavor and that shiny, golden exterior after boiling.
- Water (10 cups): Used for the baking soda bath, which is the secret to a classic pretzel crust.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Provides richness and helps the cinnamon sugar topping stick beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Delivers warm, fragrant spice that pairs perfectly with the soft pretzel base.
How to Make Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start your Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels adventure by combining the warm water, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar in a large bowl. Let this bubbly mixture sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is lively and ready, promising that classic, fluffy pretzel bite.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
With your yeast alive and kicking, it’s time to stir in the flour and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for roughly 5 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and a little tacky. It’s a hands-on, therapeutic process—and you’ll know it’s just right when the dough feels silky and cohesive.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer your dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it up, and give it a warm place to hang out for about an hour. Watch as it doubles in size—the sign that your Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels are well on their way to ultimate puffiness. This rise is essential for that signature soft texture.
Step 4: Shape the Pretzels
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 20 inches) and twist it into a classic pretzel shape. Shaping is fun and kid-friendly, and your uniquely twisted pretzels will feel extra rewarding when baked.
Step 5: Boil in Baking Soda Bath
Bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Using a slotted spatula, dunk each pretzel into the simmering bath for 20 to 30 seconds. This baking soda dip is the game-changer for chewy, glossy Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels with that signature flavor and crunch on the outside.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Carefully transfer the boiled pretzels onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake in a preheated 450°F (230°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they turn a deep golden brown. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly as these beauties transform before your eyes.
Step 7: Brush and Dust with Cinnamon Sugar
While the pretzels are still warm, generously brush each knot with melted butter, then immediately sprinkle with the combined cinnamon and sugar mixture. The butter ensures the topping sticks, while the sugar and cinnamon melt into every twist and turn of the Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels.
How to Serve Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels
Garnishes
A warm, buttery pretzel coated in cinnamon sugar is wonderful on its own, but adding a bit of flair can be truly delightful. Cream cheese dipping sauce—plain or slightly sweetened—makes a tangy, creamy complement. A drizzle of vanilla icing or a dusting of powdered sugar can also highlight their sweet side and make them even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels with hot drinks like chai, coffee, or hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy combo. For a weekend brunch, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, or even savory items like eggs for a delightful sweet-and-savory balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your pretzels high on a rustic wooden board, arrange them in a basket lined with a cheerful napkin, or skewer them onto sticks for a party-ready display. For gatherings, tie a little ribbon around each pretzel for an adorable, giftable snack everyone will love. Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels can steal the show at potlucks or serve as a unique dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftover Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll retain their tenderness and flavor, perfect for sneaking a quick snack later or packing into a lunchbox.
Freezing
Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels freeze like a dream. Let them cool completely, then wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap or foil. Pop them into a zip-top freezer bag, and they’ll keep for up to two months. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up straight from the freezer.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth and softness, reheat your Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes, or briefly in the microwave if you’re short on time. If you want to refresh the cinnamon sugar coating, brush lightly with butter, sprinkle extra sugar and cinnamon, and warm for an added burst of coziness.
FAQs
How can I make my Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels extra soft?
For extra softness, don’t overbake—keep a close eye during those last minutes in the oven. Also, brushing generously with butter right after baking helps lock in moisture and adds to that irresistible tenderness.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Substitute instant yeast in equal amounts. Just skip the proofing step—mix the instant yeast right in with your dry ingredients and proceed. Your Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels will still rise beautifully.
Is it possible to make these pretzels vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and double-check your sugar is vegan-friendly. The result will still be wonderfully chewy and full of that signature cinnamon-sugar flavor.
Why is the baking soda bath necessary?
Dipping dough in a boiling baking soda bath is what creates that classic pretzel flavor and deep golden color. It also contributes to the slight crunch on the outside and that soft, chewy interior you love in Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels.
How do I know when the pretzels are done baking?
Your pretzels are ready when they have a rich, deep golden brown color and the kitchen smells like heaven. If you tap the bottom of a pretzel, it should sound slightly hollow—an easy sign they’ve baked through perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly rewarding about making Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels from scratch—the simple ingredients, the cozy aroma, the warm bite fresh from your oven. It’s a treat meant to be shared, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking seconds! You truly won’t regret giving this recipe a try.
Print
Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 pretzels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Baked Cinnamon Pretzels are a delightful treat perfect for snacking. The warm, fluffy pretzels with a hint of cinnamon sugar are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Baking Soda Bath:
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water
Topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Add flour and salt, mix, knead, and let rise.
- Shape the Pretzels: Divide dough, roll into ropes, shape into pretzels.
- Boil the Pretzels: Boil in baking soda water bath, then bake.
- Finish the Pretzels: Brush with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and serve warm.
Notes
- Best enjoyed the same day
- Try serving with cream cheese dipping sauce or icing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
