Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Let’s get one thing straight: the smell of warm Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels baking in your own kitchen is a form of pure, unadulterated happiness. It’s the cozy scent of Saturday mornings, holiday cheer, and that irresistible mall kiosk, but made by you, in your pajamas.

Now, I know yeast dough can seem intimidating, but trust me, this recipe is your friendly guide to homemade pretzel perfection. We’re going to make the most heavenly, pillow-soft pretzels with that classic chewy bite, all coated in a buttery, crackly layer of cinnamon sugar. So, tie on your apron, this is about to be the most fun you’ll have with flour all season.

WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

A Fun, Rewarding Baking Project

Listen, there’s something incredibly satisfying about working with your hands to shape dough into those iconic pretzel loops. It’s a tactile, joyful process that’s perfect for a lazy afternoon or a fun activity with family. Unlike fussy pastries, these pretzels are wonderfully forgiving. Furthermore, the magic of watching them transform in the oven, puffing up into golden-brown beauties, never gets old. The reward is instant and delicious.

Unbeatable Fresh-from-the-Oven Flavor

While store-bought versions are fine, a homemade Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel is a revelation. The texture is superior: steaming soft and tender inside with just the right amount of chew. The flavor is deeply authentic, thanks to a quick bath in a baking soda solution that gives them that distinctive “pretzel” taste. And that fresh, homemade cinnamon sugar coating? It’s miles better than anything that comes out of a packet.

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HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON SUGAR SOFT PRETZELS

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Dough:

• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 4-4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ teaspoons fine salt

For the Baking Soda Bath:

• 8 cups water
• ½ cup baking soda

For the Topping:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Directions

• First, activate the yeast. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the warm water and brown sugar together. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes foamy.

• Next, using the dough hook attachment, add the melted butter and 4 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.

• Now, with the mixer running, add the salt. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup of flour, a little at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is only slightly tacky to the touch. Knead with the mixer for 4-5 minutes.

• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

• Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and spray them lightly with non-stick spray. Also, prepare the baking soda bath by bringing the 8 cups of water and baking soda to a gentle boil in a large pot.

• Once risen, punch the dough down and divide it into 10-12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 20-22 inches long. Shape each rope into a classic pretzel shape: form a U, twist the ends together twice, and then fold them down to meet the bottom of the U, pressing to seal.

• Here’s the signature step: carefully lower each pretzel, one or two at a time, into the simmering baking soda bath. Let them bathe for 30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.

• Immediately, bake the pretzels for 10-12 minutes, or until they are a deep, gorgeous golden brown.

• Finally, while the pretzels are still piping hot, brush them generously with the melted butter. Then, one by one, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture you’ve whisked together in a shallow bowl. Serve warm and enjoy the bliss!

NUTRITION AND HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

A Thoughtful Treat

Let’s be honest, these are a special-occasion indulgence, and that’s perfectly okay! Baking them at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients. You can use organic flour, real butter, and adjust the sugar level in the coating if you wish. It’s a treat made with real, recognizable ingredients, which is always a better choice than heavily processed snacks.

Enjoying in Moderation

The beauty of making a full batch is that you can share, which naturally helps with portion control. One of these rich, satisfying pretzels is often plenty. For a slightly lighter option, you can brush with a little less butter before coating, or simply dust them with a cinnamon-sugar blend instead of rolling for a thinner layer.

HOW TO SERVE CINNAMON SUGAR SOFT PRETZELS

The Ultimate Dipping Situation

While these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are stars on their own, serving them with dips takes them to another level. A side of warm vanilla cream cheese frosting for dipping is pure heaven. For contrast, a simple sweet cream cheese dip or even a side of warm chocolate ganache makes for an unforgettable dessert.

Perfect for Gatherings

These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a guaranteed hit at any party. Stack them on a wooden board for a gorgeous presentation at a brunch or holiday gathering. They’re fantastic with a cup of hot coffee, cold milk, or even as a sweet side to a frothy hot chocolate bar. Honestly, they disappear faster than you can make them.

HOW TO STORE CINNAMON SUGAR SOFT PRETZELS

Keeping Them Fresh

These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are truly best the day they are made. However, if you have leftovers, let them cool completely and store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cinnamon sugar coating will soften, but the flavor will still be wonderful.

Reheating for That Just-Baked Feel

To recapture the magic, reheat pretzels in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes until warm. You can also microwave a single pretzel for 10-15 seconds, though this will soften the exterior more. I do not recommend freezing them after they are coated, as the sugar coating can become sticky and wet upon thawing.

TIPS TO MAKE CINNAMON SUGAR SOFT PRETZELS

Tips and Notes: Your Kitchen Companion

• Yeast Check: Ensure your water is warm, not hot. Hot water will kill the yeast. It should feel comfortably warm to your wrist.
• Bath is Key: Don’t skip the baking soda bath! This is what gives the pretzels their signature color, chew, and flavor.
• Work Quickly: Shape all your pretzels before starting the bath and baking process to keep the workflow smooth.

Details

The Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but not so sticky that it clings to your hands. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix and knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes.

Variation

For a fun twist, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the melted butter before brushing. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar. For a seasonal apple pie version, add a little dried apple powder to the sugar mix.

Notes

Be careful when adding the pretzels to the baking soda bath, as it will foam up. Use a large pot and don’t overcrowd it. Also, the baked pretzels will look dark golden brown. This is correct and ensures they’re cooked through.

CINNAMON SUGAR SOFT PRETZELS FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can! After the first rise, punch the dough down, place it in a greased bowl, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes, then shape, boil, and bake.

Why do I need to boil the pretzels in baking soda?

This bath is the secret! It creates a alkaline environment on the dough’s surface, which is what causes the deep browning (the Maillard reaction) in the oven and gives the pretzel its unique, slightly tangy flavor and chewy crust.

My pretzels aren’t very brown. What happened?

This usually means your baking soda bath wasn’t alkaline enough or the oven wasn’t hot enough. Make sure your baking soda is fresh and your oven is fully preheated. You can also increase the baking soda in the bath to 2/3 cup for a deeper color.

CONCLUSION

Baking these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels is more than just following a recipe—it’s about creating a moment. It’s the joy of a shared project, the pride of pulling something beautiful from your oven, and the simple, soul-warming pleasure of biting into a treat made with your own two hands. This Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels recipe is your ticket to that experience. So go ahead, embrace the floury mess, and get ready for your kitchen to smell like a bakery dream. You’ve absolutely got this.