Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
I’m so excited to share this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe with you because it’s one of those treats that hits all the right spots—soft, warm, and sweet with that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating. Whether you’re craving a cozy afternoon snack or planning a fun weekend baking session, these pretzels come together with surprisingly simple ingredients and deliver big on flavor. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again.
I remember the first time I made these with a friend, and watching the dough rise while we chatted made it feel like an event, not just a recipe. Plus, rolling and shaping the pretzels is oddly satisfying and perfect for getting kids involved. This Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe is a fantastic way to bring a little homemade joy to your kitchen with a comforting treat that’s far better than what you’d pick up at a mall kiosk.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work beautifully together to create soft, tender pretzels with that classic sweet cinnamon sugar finish. Getting good quality flour and fresh yeast will really make a difference in your dough’s texture and rise.
- Active dry yeast: This is your magic ingredient for giving the dough that perfect fluff and chewiness. Make sure it’s fresh and proof it in warm water for best results.
- Warm water: Not too hot or it’ll kill the yeast—aim for comfortably warm to the touch.
- Granulated sugar: One part for the yeast activation, one part mixed with cinnamon for that irresistible coating.
- All-purpose flour: The workhorse of this recipe—choose quality for better texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to add richness and tenderness to the dough.
- Baking soda: Used in the boiling water bath to give the pretzels their classic chewy crust.
- Egg: Beaten and brushed on top for that beautiful golden shine.
- Ground cinnamon: Paired with sugar for the signature cinnamon sugar topping.
Variations
I love tweaking this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe depending on the occasion or who I’m serving. It’s so fun to make it your own by changing toppings or dough flavorings to match your mood or dietary needs.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once your pretzels are baked and cooled, try drizzling melted chocolate over the tops for an extra indulgent treat. I did this recently for a movie night, and everyone loved that little extra sweetness.
- Vegan Version: Swap out the butter for coconut oil and the egg wash for a simple plant-based milk wash and you’re golden. The texture is still soft and delicious!
- Spiced Cinnamon Sugar: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a warming twist—perfect for holiday baking.
- Mini Pretzels: Shape smaller pretzels for bite-sized snacks, great for parties or lunchboxes.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by pouring 1 cup of warm water into a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir in 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy on top—that’s your sign that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. If nothing happens, your yeast might be old, so better to start fresh.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture along with the melted butter. Stir it all together until the dough starts to form. Then, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead well for about 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. This kneading time is key for that soft but chewy texture—you can really feel when the dough is just right.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel, then let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 ½ hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it has doubled in size. This rise time develops flavor and makes shaping easier, so don’t rush it!
Step 4: Shape the Pretzels
After punching down the risen dough to release air bubbles, divide it into 8 equal parts. Roll each into an 18-inch rope and form into classic pretzel shapes by making a U, crossing the ends, and folding them down. The shape can be tricky at first, but don’t worry—practice makes perfect, and rustic is charming!
Step 5: The Baking Soda Bath
Bring 10 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda, stirring until dissolved. Drop each pretzel in for about 30 seconds—this step is what gives you that gorgeous pretzel crust and chew. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet. This part feels very authentic, like you’re a real pretzel maker!
Step 6: Egg Wash and Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Brush the beaten egg over each pretzel to give them a shiny, golden finish after baking. Then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Because the egg wash is still wet, the sugar sticks perfectly, creating that sweet, crunchy topping that makes these pretzels so addictive.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake your pretzels at 190°C (375°F) for 12 to 15 minutes or until they’re a lovely golden brown. The smell that fills your kitchen is worth the wait alone! Let them cool just a bit on a wire rack before diving in—warm and soft, they’re perfect anytime.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
Garnishes
I personally like to keep it simple with just the cinnamon sugar, but if I’m feeling fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze takes things up a notch. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of crushed nuts for an unexpected crunch.
Side Dishes
These pretzels pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. For a brunch twist, I serve them alongside fresh fruit and yogurt. They also make a fun dessert when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
I’ve had great fun arranging mini cinnamon sugar pretzels in a wreath shape for holiday parties or threading them onto skewers with marshmallows and fruit for a playful snack platter. Presentation can be surprisingly festive and gets lots of compliments!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay soft if you let them cool completely before sealing. If you notice they’re a bit dry the next day, a quick warm-up revives them nicely.
Freezing
Freezing is a great option! I freeze the pretzels after baking and cooling, then wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag. They keep for about 2 months and thaw quickly for a no-fuss treat.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the pretzels in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their freshly-baked softness and that toasty cinnamon sugar aroma. Microwave will work in a pinch, but the oven gives better texture.
FAQs
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Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! You can swap instant yeast for active dry yeast in this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe. Just mix the instant yeast directly with the dry ingredients without proofing, and reduce the initial water slightly if needed. The texture and rise should be just as good.
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Why do I boil pretzels in baking soda water?
The baking soda bath is what sets pretzels apart from regular bread. It partially cooks the dough surface and creates that distinctive chewy crust and shiny, deep golden color when baked. Skipping this step makes the pretzels softer and more bread-like but less authentic in texture.
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How can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe, replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. Instead of the egg wash, use a plant milk wash (like almond or soy milk) brushed on top before baking. The flavor stays wonderful with these swaps.
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Can I make these gluten-free?
Making gluten-free pretzels is trickier because gluten gives pretzels their trademark chew. If you want to try, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum included. Expect a softer texture, and watch the dough closely while kneading.
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How do I keep pretzels soft after baking?
To keep your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe soft, store them in an airtight container once fully cooled. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out. Reheating in the oven briefly restores softness, especially if wrapped in foil to keep moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so approachable yet delivers that comforting, warm treat we all crave sometimes. I love how it brings people together—rolling dough, shaping pretzels, smelling that cinnamon sugar baking away—and I think you’ll enjoy the whole experience just as much as the end result. Give it a try next time you want a cozy homemade snack that feels like a little celebration in every bite.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 pretzels 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are delightfully soft, sweet, and coated with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Made from a simple yeast dough, boiled briefly in baking soda water and then baked to a golden perfection, these pretzels make for an irresistible homemade treat perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Boiling Solution
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
Topping
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Pour 1 cup of warm water into a small bowl. Sprinkle 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the water and stir in 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar until dissolved. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and become foamy.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour. Add 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Stir everything until a dough begins to form.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape Pretzels: Punch down the risen dough, divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each into an 18-inch rope and shape into pretzels by forming a U-shape, twisting ends, and folding them over the center.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Prepare Baking Soda Bath: In a medium pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Stir in 1/4 cup baking soda until dissolved.
- Boil Pretzels: One at a time, drop each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water and let cook for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Egg Wash and Cinnamon Sugar: Brush each pretzel with beaten egg for a glossy finish. Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, then sprinkle generously over the pretzels.
- Bake Pretzels: Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to enjoy warm and soft.
Notes
- Ensure water is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
- Boiling in baking soda water gives pretzels their signature chewy crust.
- Brush with egg wash for a shiny and golden finish.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking during baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Keywords: Cinnamon sugar pretzels, soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, sweet pretzels, cinnamon sugar snack
