If you’ve ever craved a warm, magically soft treat with that perfect balance of sweet and cinnamon-spiced goodness, then this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine biting into a golden-brown pretzel with a tender, chewy center that’s lovingly coated in cinnamon sugar—pure bliss in every mouthful. This recipe brings together simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a snack that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly crowd-pleasing, perfect for cozy afternoons or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing these luscious pretzels. Each one plays an important role in building flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden color you’ll admire before your first bite.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast gently and adds a creamy richness to the dough.
- Active dry yeast: Responsible for the dough’s rise and its soft, airy texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses depth that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Butter, melted: Keeps the dough tender and adds a buttery flavor both in the dough and on top after baking.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the dough.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and chewiness—make sure to add enough to handle your dough comfortably.
- Baking soda: Creates the signature pretzel crust by reacting in the water bath before baking.
- Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon: The finishing touch that gives these soft pretzels their iconic sweet coating.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by mixing the warm milk and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the surface bubbles with a foamy layer—this tells you your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Build the dough
Stir in the brown sugar, melted butter, and salt into the yeast mixture. Then gradually mix in the flour, a little at a time, until you form a soft dough that’s not too sticky. Knead it for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic—this develops the dough’s wonderful chewiness.
Step 3: Let the dough rise
Cover the dough and set it in a warm spot to rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for getting those airy, soft insides everyone loves.
Step 4: Prepare for baking
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to keep cleanup easy. Next, create the classic pretzel bath by mixing warm water and baking soda in a shallow bowl.
Step 5: Shape the pretzels
Divide your dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and shape it into a pretzel form with those signature twists. If it takes a few tries, don’t worry—practice makes perfect and the taste will blow you away.
Step 6: The baking soda bath
Dip each pretzel into the baking soda water bath for a few seconds. This step is the secret behind that beautiful pretzel crust and deep color once baked. Place the dipped pretzels onto your prepared baking sheets.
Step 7: Bake to golden perfection
Bake your pretzels for 8 to 10 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma at this stage will have your kitchen smelling downright heavenly.
Step 8: Finish with cinnamon sugar
While the pretzels are still hot, brush them generously with melted butter and then toss or sprinkle them in your cinnamon sugar mixture. This final touch adds that melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and that warm cinnamon kick that makes every bite unforgettable.
Step 9: Serve and enjoy
Serve your warm, soft pretzels fresh out of the oven for maximum gooey delight. Trust me, these will disappear fast!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty presentation or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence. Both add unique flavors that complement the cinnamon sugar beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon sugar soft pretzels with a warm cup of hot chocolate or chai tea for a truly cozy experience. A small bowl of vanilla yogurt or cream cheese dip also makes a delightful companion for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these pretzels on a wooden board with a scattering of fresh fruit or nuts for an inviting snack platter. You can even thread mini pretzel knots onto skewers and serve them as fun party bites with cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain softness, avoid refrigeration as it can make the pretzels tougher.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each pretzel tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They stay fresh for up to a month, making it easy to enjoy them anytime a craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover pretzels in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. This will revive the soft texture and warm up the cinnamon sugar coating perfectly. Avoid microwaving, which can make them chewy or dry.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Instant yeast can be used, though it can be mixed directly with the flour without needing to proof in warm milk first. Just adjust your method accordingly for the best rise.
Why do we dip the pretzels in a baking soda bath?
The baking soda bath is a classic technique that helps develop the pretzel’s distinct chewy crust and deep golden color. It slightly alters the pH of the dough’s surface, resulting in that authentic pretzel flavor and texture.
Can I make these pretzels gluten-free?
While this recipe relies on all-purpose flour for its structure and chew, you could experiment with gluten-free baking mixes designed for breads. Keep in mind the texture will vary and may require additional binding agents.
Is it necessary to brush with butter after baking?
Brushing with melted butter after baking enriches the flavor and helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully. It also adds a luscious shine and softness to the pretzels’ surface, making every bite more enjoyable.
How long will the Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe take from start to finish?
The active prep and bake time is roughly 30 minutes, but account for about an hour of dough rising. This makes the total process approximately 1.5 hours, well worth the incredible results!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of freshly baked, warm cinnamon sugar soft pretzels straight from your own oven. With this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe, you get to relish a perfect blend of sweet and soft textures that’s sure to sweeten your day and impress your friends and family. Dive in, have fun shaping those pretzels, and enjoy every cozy bite!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pretzels 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are delightfully fluffy and coated with a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they are boiled briefly in a baking soda bath before baking to achieve their signature chewy texture and golden crust. Made from scratch with warm milk and yeast, these pretzels are soft on the inside and generously coated with cinnamon sugar for a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups warm milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (more or less as needed)
Baking Soda Bath
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 3 cups warm water
Topping
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: Stir in the brown sugar, melted butter, and salt into the yeast mixture until well combined.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing as you go until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the Baking Soda Bath: In a shallow bowl, combine the warm water and baking soda. This bath will give the pretzels their distinctive chewy crust.
- Shape the Pretzels: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope about 18 inches long and shape it into a traditional pretzel shape.
- Bake the Pretzels: Dip each pretzel into the baking soda bath for a few seconds, letting excess water drip off, then place them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until they turn a deep golden brown.
- Finish with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Immediately brush each hot pretzel with melted butter. In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then toss or sprinkle the pretzels with this cinnamon-sugar mixture while the pretzels are still warm.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon sugar soft pretzels warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Be sure to let the yeast foam properly for the best dough rise.
- Kneading is important to develop gluten which gives the pretzels their chewy texture.
- The baking soda bath is essential to get that classic pretzel crust and chewy bite.
- For extra flavor, you can add a bit of vanilla extract to the dough if desired.
- Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat before serving.
