Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate homemade treat: Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels. Imagine buttery, pillowy-soft pretzels, warm from the oven, covered in a sparkling blanket of cinnamon sugar—each bite perfectly chewy, just sweet enough, and irresistibly nostalgic. These pretzels bring together the comfort of classic soft pretzels and the joy of a cinnamon-sugar coating, making every twist and turn worth it. Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are not just a snack; they’re a showstopper for any occasion, a cozy baking project, and a guaranteed hit for friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised at how uncomplicated the ingredient list is, but each one is absolutely essential to achieving that signature taste and tenderness. Here’s a breakdown of the stars behind your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels, and why you don’t want to leave any of them out:

• Active dry yeast: The secret behind the pillowy, soft rise—make sure it’s fresh for the fluffiest pretzels.
• Warm water: This wakes up your yeast and gets things bubbling; aim for just-warm to the touch, not hot!
• Granulated sugar: A touch for sweetness in the dough and, of course, for that sparkling cinnamon sugar topping.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the pretzel dough, bringing structure and chew.
• Salt: Essential for flavor; it brings out the best in the dough and balances all the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds extra richness and gives your pretzels that unforgettable soft texture.
• Baking soda: Used in the water bath—this classic pretzel step gives you that golden, chewy crust.
• Large egg, beaten: For a glossy, golden finish and to help the cinnamon sugar stick.
• Ground cinnamon: Warm, cozy spice that melds perfectly with the sweet sugar topping.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Kick things off by pouring your warm water into a small bowl, sprinkling the active dry yeast over the top, and then stirring in a tablespoon of sugar until it’s dissolved. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it turns bubbly and foamy—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, blend together the flour and salt. When your yeast mixture is nice and frothy, pour it right into the flour, then add the melted butter. Mix everything together until a slightly shaggy dough forms—it should be soft and a bit tacky, but manageable.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when poked. This step gives your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels that unbeatable chewy bite.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rise in a cozy, draft-free spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it’s doubled in size. Don’t rush this part—the slower the rise, the better the flavor and texture.

Step 5: Shape the Pretzels

Once the dough has puffed up, punch it down gently to release any big air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 18 inches long, then form that classic pretzel shape: make a U, twist the ends, and fold them back to the bottom. This is where your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels start to look the part!

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath

While your oven preheats to 375°F (190°C), bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, adding the baking soda once it’s bubbling. This baking soda bath gives the pretzels their beautiful color and signature pretzel flavor.

Step 7: Boil the Pretzels

Gently drop each shaped pretzel into the boiling water, letting them cook for about 30 seconds each. This crucial step puffs up the dough and helps create that chewy outer layer. Remove each with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 8: Egg Wash and Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Brush each pretzel generously with the beaten egg to give them a gorgeous bakery-shop shine. While the egg wash is still wet, sprinkle on a thick layer of cinnamon sugar—just mix the granulated sugar with ground cinnamon so every pretzel gets covered in sparkle and spice.

Step 9: Bake and Cool

Pop your pretzels into the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until they’re golden and your kitchen smells heavenly. Let them cool briefly on a wire rack so you don’t burn your fingers, then dig in while they’re still warm!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Garnishes

The beauty of Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels is that you don’t need much to dress them up. For an extra special touch, drizzle with a quick vanilla glaze, dust with more cinnamon, or add a hint of flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast that’s absolutely addictive.

Side Dishes

If you’re looking to serve these as part of a larger spread, they pair beautifully with fresh fruit, creamy yogurt dips, or even a homemade hot chocolate. Their gentle sweetness means they play well in both breakfast and dessert settings—kids and adults alike won’t be able to resist!

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels high on a rustic wooden board, tuck them into a napkin-lined basket, or thread them on pretty ribbon for a whimsical party touch. For brunch, serve on their own pedestal or together with mini jars of sweet cream cheese or fruit preserves for dunking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightfully soft for up to two days—just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

These pretzels freeze beautifully! Once cooled, wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll taste fresh for up to 2 months. When the craving strikes, you’re always just a few minutes away from warm, homemade pretzels.

Reheating

For that just-baked taste, warm your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or briefly zap in the microwave until soft and steamy. If you like, brush with a little melted butter and a fresh sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to make them taste bakery-new.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! Substitute instant yeast using the same amount and skip the activation step—just add it straight to your flour. Your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels will turn out just as soft and puffy.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature, shape your pretzels, and proceed from there. This actually helps develop an even fuller flavor!

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

If you’re out of parchment, simply grease your baking sheet well with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Watch the pretzels closely as they bake to avoid over-browning.

Can I double the recipe?

Of course! This recipe doubles beautifully if you’re serving a crowd. Just make sure you have enough room for rising and baking, and perhaps boil and bake the pretzels in batches.

Do I have to use the baking soda bath?

The baking soda bath gives Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels their signature chewy crust and deep golden color. You can skip it if you’re in a pinch, but the results just won’t be quite as classic. It’s definitely worth the extra step!

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the taste and aroma of freshly baked Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels made in your own kitchen. Give these a try and share the warm, sweet goodness with those you love—making (and eating) them is an experience that just might become tradition!

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