If you’ve been craving a delightful treat that perfectly balances soft, chewy dough with the sweet warmth of cinnamon and sugar, then you’re going to love this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe. It’s a wonderful twist on a classic favorite, combining the fluffy tenderness of homemade pretzels with a sugary cinnamon coating that makes every bite pure comfort. Whether you’re making them for a cozy afternoon snack or a fun gathering with friends and family, these soft pretzels deliver that warm, irresistible flavor you just can’t resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe is easier than you’d think. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfectly soft texture and those sweet cinnamon-sugar notes that make these pretzels special. From the yeast that gives the dough its airy rise to the cinnamon and sugar topping that brings all the comforting flavors together, these simple pantry staples truly shine.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: This is what makes the pretzel dough rise light and fluffy, so don’t skimp on it.
- 1 cup warm water: Perfect temperature is key to activating the yeast properly without killing it.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to feed the yeast and start fermentation.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The main structure of your pretzel dough, giving it elasticity and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the dough.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a subtle buttery note to the dough.
- 1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling solution): This is what gives pretzels their signature golden, slightly crisp crust.
- 1 large egg, beaten (for topping): Helps the pretzels brown beautifully in the oven and keeps the cinnamon-sugar stuck on top.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping): The base of the sweet cinnamon coating everyone will love.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping): Brings the warm, spicy aroma and flavor that’s absolutely irresistible on soft pretzels.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing your warm water, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a bowl. This step is all about waking up the yeast to get it bubbly and alive, which usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready once the surface gets foamy – it’s like your dough’s little cheerleader beginning to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. Then, add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir everything together until it starts coming together into a dough, soft but not sticky. This mix forms the foundation for your soft pretzels, giving them structure and chewiness.
Step 3: Knead and Let Rise
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading develops the gluten, which is key to a tender yet chewy pretzel texture. Once kneaded, cover the dough and let it rest in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until it has doubled in size. Anticipation is part of the fun here!
Step 4: Shape Your Pretzels
After the dough has doubled, punch it down gently and divide it into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and twist into that classic pretzel shape. This step allows you to get creative and really feel connected to the dough you’re making from scratch.
Step 5: Boil in Baking Soda Water
Bring a large pot of water mixed with 1/4 cup baking soda to a boil. Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds—this unusual step is vital because it creates the iconic pretzel crust when baked. Carefully remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Bake
Brush each pretzel with beaten egg to give it that glorious shine and help the cinnamon sugar stick like a dream. Then, generously sprinkle with the mixture of 1/2 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Bake your pretzels in a preheated 375°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color. The smell alone will have you waiting with delicious anticipation.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
Garnishes
While these pretzels are perfect as is, adding a swirl of warm vanilla glaze or a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate them to dessert status. For a cozy twist, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or drizzle a bit of melted butter for extra silkiness.
Side Dishes
These soft pretzels are fantastic when paired with a cup of rich hot chocolate or a spicy chai latte—the warm spices complement the cinnamon sugar perfectly. For a brunch or snack board, serve alongside fresh fruit, cream cheese, or even a dollop of sweetened mascarpone.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces like caramel, honey mustard, or maple cream. You can also stack them in a pretty basket lined with a cozy linen napkin for an inviting, homey vibe that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pretzels soft and the cinnamon sugar topping fresh, ready for another round of snacking.
Freezing
To enjoy these later, freeze the pretzels after baking and cooling completely. Wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month, so you can enjoy fresh-tasting pretzels anytime you crave a comforting treat.
Reheating
When you’re ready to eat your frozen soft pretzels, simply thaw at room temperature and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This will refresh their soft texture and brings back that freshly baked aroma and flavor like magic.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour for this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe?
Absolutely! Using whole wheat flour will give your pretzels a heartier texture and a nuttier flavor. You might want to substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat to keep the dough soft and easy to work with.
Why do we boil pretzels in baking soda water?
Boiling in baking soda water is a classic pretzel-making step that helps create the chewy exterior and that signature brown crust. The alkaline baking soda reacts with the dough, resulting in that perfect pretzel texture and flavor you love.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to step 3, then refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature and let it rise again before shaping and baking. It’s a great way to save time without compromising flavor.
How sweet are these pretzels?
The Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe offers a lovely balance—the dough itself is mildly sweet, while the cinnamon sugar topping provides the main burst of sweetness. It’s just enough to feel indulgent but not overwhelming.
Can I use a different topping instead of cinnamon sugar?
Definitely! While cinnamon sugar is the star here, you can experiment with other toppings like coarse sea salt for a classic pretzel or even a mix of sugar and cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. Get creative!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade pretzels, especially when they’re packed with the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon sugar. This Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe is the perfect combination of chewy, soft dough and sweet, aromatic topping that’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your household. So grab your ingredients and dive into making these delightful treats—they’re sure to bring smiles and maybe even some happy dance moments around your kitchen!
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Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately eight pretzels
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a delightfully soft and fluffy treat, perfectly coated with a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping. Homemade and baked to golden perfection, they’re an irresistible snack or dessert that’s easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients
Dough
- 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
Topping
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture along with the melted unsalted butter. Stir the ingredients until they begin to form a dough.
- Knead and let the dough rise: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the pretzels: After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into portions to shape into approximately eight pretzels. Roll each piece into a rope and twist it into the classic pretzel shape.
- Boil in baking soda solution: Bring a large pot of water with 1/4 cup baking soda to a boil. Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds one at a time, then remove them with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add topping and bake: Brush each boiled pretzel with the beaten egg to give a shiny finish. Mix the 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the pretzels. Bake the pretzels in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and deliciously fragrant.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast effectively, ideally between 105°F to 110°F.
- Boiling the pretzels in the baking soda solution gives them their characteristic chewy crust and soft interior.
- You can substitute unsalted butter with melted margarine if preferred.
- For a fluffier texture, do not skip the dough rising step or shorten it significantly.
- Enjoy these pretzels fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and softness.
