These cinnamon sugar soft pretzels are a delightful treat! They are warm, soft, and coated with sweet cinnamon sugar, making them perfect for snacking.
There’s something special about the smell that fills the kitchen when I bake these. I can never resist having one right out of the oven—who could?! 😋
Making these pretzels is super fun! I love how easy it is to twist the dough into shape, and they taste amazing with a little icing or just on their own. Enjoy them fresh for the best experience!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: Use water that’s about 110°F (45°C) to activate the yeast. If you don’t have a thermometer, it should feel warm but not hot. For a twist, consider warm milk, which adds richness!
Active Dry Yeast: This is crucial for the dough’s rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use it in a 1:1 ratio. No yeast? Try baking powder, though the texture will differ.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your pretzels. For a healthier version, swap half for whole wheat flour, or use bread flour for an extra chewy texture.
Baking Soda: Used in boiling to create that classic pretzel crust. If you’re out, you can use baking powder, but the taste won’t be the same.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: The combination of sugar and cinnamon is a must! You can play around with spices like nutmeg or add vanilla extract to the melted butter for extra flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Shape Pretzels?
Shaping pretzels might seem tricky, but it’s easier than it looks. Here’s how to do it:
- After dividing the dough, roll each piece into a long rope. Aim for 20-22 inches long, but if it’s shorter, that’s okay!
- To shape, make a U with the rope. Cross the ends over each other, then twist them and pull the ends down toward the bottom of the U.
- Press the ends to secure the shape and give it a little twist to create that classic pretzel look.
Practice makes perfect! Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect—the taste will still be amazing!
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For Boiling:
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus 1 hour for the dough to rise. Baking takes another 12-14 minutes, so you should have delicious cinnamon sugar soft pretzels ready in about 1 hour and 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a large bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until you see it frothing. This means your yeast is alive and ready to go!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until combined. Then, on a floured surface, knead the dough for about 7-8 minutes, or until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Let It Rise:
Put the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise for approximately 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
4. Preheat & Prepare:
While your dough is rising, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and give them a light grease to prevent sticking.
5. Prepare the Boiling Solution:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil, then carefully add in the baking soda (it may fizz a little, so be cautious!).
6. Shape the Pretzels:
Once your dough has risen, turn it out onto a clean surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 20-22 inches long. Then, twist the rope into a pretzel shape!
7. Boil the Pretzels:
Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then use a slotted spatula to remove them and let them drain briefly. This step helps to create that chewy pretzel crust!
8. Bake the Pretzels:
Place the boiled pretzels on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one. Bake them for 12-14 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
9. Make the Cinnamon Sugar:
While the pretzels are baking, mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. Get ready for that sweet topping!
10. Coat the Pretzels:
When the pretzels come out of the oven, brush them enthusiastically with melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are well coated.
11. Serve & Enjoy:
Let the pretzels cool slightly on a wire rack before diving in. They are best enjoyed warm, so gather your friends and family to share this delicious treat!
With their golden crust and sweet cinnamon sugar coating, these soft pretzels will be a hit for snack time, parties, or movie nights. Enjoy every fluffy bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour works great, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. For a chewier texture, try using bread flour instead!
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to old yeast or not using warm enough water. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water is around 110°F (45°C). If it still doesn’t rise, you can try placing it in a slightly warmer area to encourage growth.
Can I Freeze These Soft Pretzels?
Yes, you can freeze them! After baking, let the pretzels cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their softness.
How Can I Make These Pretzels Less Sweet?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Alternatively, you can skip the topping entirely and enjoy the pretzels with savory dips like mustard or cheese sauce!
