If you love the warm embrace of sugar, cinnamon, and impossibly soft bread, these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels will absolutely sweep you off your feet! Imagine a bite that’s pillowy on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and swaddled in buttery cinnamon sugar perfection. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, treating yourself to a cozy weekend snack, or making memories in the kitchen with little ones, this recipe is a surefire way to fill your home with laughter, irresistible aromas, and pure comfort. One pretzel just isn’t enough—once you’ve tried these, you’ll crave them again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels lies in their simplicity: all you need are a handful of staple ingredients, each one doing its important part. From fluffy dough to the sparkling cinnamon sugar topping, here’s what you’ll need for pretzel bliss.
- Warm water (1 ½ cups, 110°F): Gets your yeast alive and kicking, ensuring a tender, airy pretzel.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons, 1 packet): This is where the magic starts; the yeast gives your pretzels their signature rise and chew.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon + 1/2 cup): A touch helps activate the yeast, while the rest becomes the glistening sweet coat!
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The sturdy backbone of your dough—don’t swap it out if you want that classic soft pretzel texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Gives that necessary balance and boosts all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons for dough, 1/4 cup melted for topping): Melted right into the dough and brushed on top for rich flavor and softness.
- Baking soda (1/2 cup): Dunking the pretzels in a baking soda bath is what gives them their iconic golden-brown color and faintly crisp crust.
- Hot water (4 cups for bath): Solves the baking soda for perfectly prepped pretzels.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): For that classic cozy flavor, mixed with sugar and ready to dust each pretzel in warmth.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels adventure by waking up your yeast! In a large mixing bowl, mix together the warm water, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes—watch for bubbles and foam, which means your yeast is happy. Now, add in the flour, salt, and that first bit of melted butter. Stir until it all starts to come together, then transfer the dough onto a floured surface for a good old-fashioned knead. Knead for around 5–7 minutes, working in a rhythm until the dough feels smooth, bouncy, and elastic.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Once you’ve got your dough dancing, plop it into a greased bowl, turning it once so it gets lightly coated in oil. Cover with a tea towel or plastic wrap and let it rest in a cozy, draft-free corner. After about an hour, it should be doubled in size—puffy and full of promise, the perfect foundation for your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels.
Step 3: Shape the Pretzels
While your dough rises, set the stage: preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 18 inches—think of it like rolling out a play dough snake! To shape them, twist each rope into a classic pretzel knot. It’s fun, quick, and a wonderfully satisfying process.
Step 4: Give Them a Baking Soda Bath
This step is what takes these from bread with a twist to true pretzels! Mix the baking soda into 4 cups of hot water in a large bowl. Dip each shaped pretzel into the bath for a few seconds, then place them straight on your prepared baking sheets. This helps give your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels the shiny, golden exterior that is oh-so-inviting.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Slide those trays into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Make sure to rotate the pans halfway through if your oven heats unevenly. You’ll want your pretzels to turn a rich, golden brown, the kind of color you just know will be delicious. The smell at this point is guaranteed to make everyone wander into your kitchen!
Step 6: Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Magic
When the pretzels come out, don’t wait too long—brush them generously with melted butter while they’re still warm. In a shallow dish, blend together the cinnamon and sugar. Toss or roll each buttery pretzel in the cinnamon sugar mixture until every nook is coated in sparkly, fragrant sweetness. That final dusting is what makes these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels truly unforgettable!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, try drizzling your finished pretzels with a simple cream cheese glaze or a bit of melted white chocolate. A sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or toasted coconut can also add crunch and color, making your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels look as dreamy as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair your pretzels with a mug of hot cocoa, a creamy latte, or apple cider for cozy gatherings. They’re also right at home with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or alongside a platter of fresh fruit at a party.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the pretzels in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin for a homey feel, or thread them on ribbon for a pretty party display. You can even set up a “make-your-own” pretzel bar, with bowls of extra toppings, glazes, and dips—kids and guests will have a blast customizing their own Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you do find yourself with extra pretzels (unlikely, but possible!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Their soft texture stays lovely when they’re wrapped up, but if you want to keep them longer, read on for freezing tips.
Freezing
These pretzels freeze beautifully after baking. Allow them to cool completely, then tuck them into a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months—a quick portal to sweet pretzel heaven whenever the mood strikes.
Reheating
From the freezer, warm your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels in a 300°F oven or air fryer for about 5–7 minutes. If they’re just at room temp, a quick 2–3 minute reheat in the oven brings back their soft, pillowy texture. For best flavor, brush with a dab more melted butter post-reheat!
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge instead of at room temperature. This slow ferment not only gives your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels an even deeper flavor but also makes your bake day totally relaxed. Just bring the dough to room temperature before shaping.
Is there a way to make them vegan?
Yes! Swap out the butter for a plant-based substitute and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. These changes keep the pretzels fluffy and tender while making the recipe plant-powered and equally scrumptious.
Do I have to use the baking soda bath?
For authentic pretzel flavor and that shiny, golden crust, the baking soda bath is essential. It’s what sets apart real soft pretzels from regular bread. Without it, your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels will still taste good, but they’ll miss a bit of that classic texture.
Can I do different shapes?
Absolutely! You can shape the dough into little bites, classic twists, or even fun shapes like hearts for special occasions. No matter the shape, all those lovely ups and downs catch extra cinnamon sugar.
How do I prevent soggy pretzels when storing?
Cool the pretzels completely before storing to avoid any trapped steam. Place a sheet of parchment between layers in your storage container to help absorb moisture and keep those Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels perfectly soft, not sticky.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that’s warm, cozy, and impossible to resist, these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are the answer. Dive in and share them with friends—or sneak one for yourself right off the tray. Give them a try; your kitchen will never smell better!
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Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 pretzels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a delightful twist on the classic savory pretzel, offering a sweet and comforting treat. Soft and fluffy on the inside, with a cinnamon sugar coating that adds a perfect touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Main Dough:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 4 cups hot water (for baking soda bath)
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and melted butter, and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, stir baking soda into 4 cups of hot water.
- Shape and Bake: Divide dough into 12 pieces and roll each into a rope about 18 inches long. Twist into pretzel shapes. Dip each pretzel into the baking soda bath, then place on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Finish: Brush warm pretzels with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar mixture to coat. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes.
- These freeze well once baked—just reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rise time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
