The Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe offers a delightful homemade alternative to your favorite bakery treat, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with a comforting, warm flavor. This recipe is incredibly useful for gatherings, weeknight treats, or simply enjoying a nostalgic snack with a delicious cinnamon-sugar twist.
Key Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
- 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one standard packet)
- 4 to 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons water (for egg wash)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing on pretzels)
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
This recipe for Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels promises an incredibly easy, yet supremely satisfying baking experience. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to transform basic pantry staples into these wonderfully soft, slightly chewy pretzels, coated in a sweet and warmly spiced cinnamon sugar topping. The aroma alone will fill your home with a cozy, inviting scent, making them perfect for any occasion. Expect to spend about 30 minutes of active preparation and then approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of rising and baking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface. Let it sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This indicates that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Once the yeast is active, add the melted butter to the yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour and the salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, adding more flour a tablespoon at a time if the dough is too sticky, until it becomes smooth and elastic. It should spring back when gently pressed. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can result in tough pretzels.
Step 4: First Rise
Grease a clean large bowl with melted butter or cooking spray. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the dough is rising, prepare your cinnamon sugar topping. In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the ¼ cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon. Set aside. Also, in a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and 2 tablespoons of water to create your egg wash. Set this aside as well, along with a small bowl of the additional melted butter for brushing.
Step 6: Shape the Pretzels
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope about 12-14 inches long. To form the classic pretzel shape, lay the rope on a clean surface, cross the ends over each other twice, and then bring the ends down to meet the bottom loop.
Step 7: The Boiling Bath
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add ½ cup of baking soda to the boiling water. This is a crucial step for achieving that chewy pretzel texture and golden-brown color.
Step 8: Dip and Bake
Carefully drop each shaped pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for about 20-30 seconds, flipping halfway through. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the pretzels from the water, allowing excess water to drain off. Place the dipped pretzels onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 9: Apply Egg Wash and Topping
Brush the tops of each pretzel generously with the egg wash. Then, immediately dip the tops of the pretzels into the cinnamon sugar mixture, gently pressing to ensure a good coating. For an extra rich flavor, you can brush the sides of the pretzels with a little of the additional melted butter before or after the cinnamon sugar.
Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzels are a deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
Step 11: Brush with Butter and Serve
As soon as the pretzels come out of the oven, brush them with the remaining melted butter. This adds an extra layer of richness and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere. Serve warm and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
You’ll absolutely fall in love with these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels because they are the perfect blend of comforting familiarity and delightful sweetness, making them a step above your average snack. Unlike store-bought versions that can sometimes be too hard or too soft, these homemade pretzels boast that ideal chewy interior encased in a beautifully golden, slightly crisp exterior. The warm embrace of cinnamon and sugar creates an irresistible aroma and flavor profile that is both deeply satisfying and incredibly budget-friendly, saving you money compared to frequent bakery visits.
Imagine the joy of biting into a warm, pillowy pretzel, fragrant with cinnamon and sweet like a hug. They are far more delicious and customizable than a simple sugar cookie and offer a wonderful, interactive baking experience for families. The ease of this recipe means you can whip up a batch for a cozy movie night or a festive gathering without breaking the bank. So, ditch the frozen aisle and gather your ingredients – you and your loved ones will adore this incredibly rewarding and utterly delicious treat!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Once your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels have cooled completely, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 1-2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
To reheat your soft pretzels, you have a few options:
- Oven: Place the pretzels on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisp.
- Microwave: For a quick warm-up, microwave a pretzel for 15-30 seconds. Be aware that this method may result in a chewier texture rather than a crisp one.
- Toaster Oven: Similar to a regular oven, a toaster oven can be used to reheat them at 300°F (150°C) for 5-8 minutes.
Freezing:
To freeze the pretzels, allow them to cool completely. You can freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, they can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as described above.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe is a delightful journey into homemade baking, offering a reward that’s both delicious and comforting. Gather your ingredients and embrace the joy of creating these perfect sweet treats from scratch; you won’t regret the aroma or the taste!
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface. Let it sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly.1.5 cups warm water, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- Once the yeast is active, add the melted butter to the yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour and the salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, adding more flour a tablespoon at a time if the dough is too sticky, until it becomes smooth and elastic. It should spring back when gently pressed.
- Grease a clean large bowl with melted butter or cooking spray. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare your cinnamon sugar topping. In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the ¼ cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon. Set aside. Also, in a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and 2 tablespoons of water to create your egg wash. Set this aside as well, along with a small bowl of the additional melted butter for brushing.0.25 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope about 12-14 inches long. To form the classic pretzel shape, lay the rope on a clean surface, cross the ends over each other twice, and then bring the ends down to meet the bottom loop.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add ½ cup of baking soda to the boiling water.0.5 cup baking soda
- Carefully drop each shaped pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for about 20-30 seconds, flipping halfway through. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the pretzels from the water, allowing excess water to drain off. Place the dipped pretzels onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of each pretzel generously with the egg wash. Then, immediately dip the tops of the pretzels into the cinnamon sugar mixture, gently pressing to ensure a good coating. For an extra rich flavor, you can brush the sides of the pretzels with a little of the additional melted butter before or after the cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzels are a deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- As soon as the pretzels come out of the oven, brush them with the remaining melted butter. This adds an extra layer of richness and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere. Serve warm and enjoy!2 tablespoons unsalted butter