Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

There’s something so comforting about the smell of cinnamon and sugar swirling through a warm kitchen. These cinnamon sugar soft pretzels are soft and fluffy on the inside, golden on the outside, and wrapped in that dreamy coating of sweetness that sticks to your fingertips in the best way. Whether you’re baking for a cozy evening snack or planning a sweet twist on a classic party treat, this recipe has a little bit of magic in every bite.

Behind the Recipe

It all began with a memory of walking through a bustling fair, the scent of freshly baked pretzels calling from a stand a few booths away. But instead of the usual salted ones, I was drawn to a sweet version dusted in cinnamon and sugar. That first bite? Game-changer. Soft, warm, slightly chewy, and sweet in all the right ways. Ever since, I’ve been on a mission to perfect a version at home that captures that same joy. These pretzels are a result of that love affair.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Soft pretzels have a rich history dating back to early European monasteries, where they were given to children as rewards for learning prayers. The shape was meant to resemble arms crossed in prayer. Fast forward a few centuries and a sugary twist on this beloved snack started to appear in bakeries across the U.S., especially in mall food courts and street fairs. Cinnamon sugar soft pretzels bring together the charm of an old-world treat and the sweet indulgence of modern baking.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Baking these is half the fun, eating them is the other half. Here’s why they’re a keeper:

Versatile: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, pack them in lunchboxes, or serve as a party snack.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

Quick and Easy: With simple steps and no fancy equipment, anyone can make these.

Customizable: Add a drizzle of icing, a pinch of nutmeg, or even dip in chocolate for a twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, adults, and even picky eaters love them.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough ahead and bake when needed.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat in the oven for a just-baked feel anytime.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

You don’t need to be a pretzel pro to get it right, but a few insider tricks will make yours bakery-worthy.

1. Use warm water around 110°F: This helps activate the yeast properly.
2. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot: Cover it with a damp towel to keep it moist.
3. Don’t skip the baking soda bath: It gives the pretzels that classic chewy crust.
4. Brush with melted butter before adding cinnamon sugar: This helps the coating stick perfectly.
5. Serve while warm: That’s when the sugar coating glistens and the inside is pillowy soft.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before we dive into baking, make sure your kitchen is stocked with these basics:

Mixing Bowls: For combining and proofing the dough.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters for the perfect dough.

Wooden Spoon or Stand Mixer: Either works well for mixing the dough.

Baking Sheet: A large one to bake all your pretzels evenly.

Parchment Paper: Keeps pretzels from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Large Pot: For the baking soda bath.

Slotted Spoon: Helps remove pretzels safely from the water.

Pastry Brush: For brushing melted butter before the cinnamon sugar coating.

Ingredients in Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Every ingredient plays its part in creating that perfect bite. Here’s the lineup:

1. Warm Water: 1 ½ cups. Activates the yeast and starts the dough process.
2. Active Dry Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons. Helps the dough rise and creates airiness.
3. Granulated Sugar: 1 tablespoon. Feeds the yeast and gives a touch of sweetness to the dough.
4. Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons. Adds depth and a caramel note to the flavor.
5. All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups. The backbone of the dough, providing structure and chew.
6. Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons. Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
7. Baking Soda: ½ cup. Essential for the water bath to give the pretzels their signature crust.
8. Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (melted). Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds buttery richness.
9. Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon. Brings warmth and aroma to the sugar coating.
10. Coarse Sugar: ⅓ cup. Gives that signature sparkle and sweet crunch.
11. Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon. Keeps the dough moist during proofing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Baking should be flexible. If you’re missing something, try these swaps:

All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour for a chewier texture.

Active Dry Yeast: Instant yeast (just skip the proofing step).

Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar or additional granulated sugar.

Unsalted Butter: Vegan butter for a dairy-free version.

Vegetable Oil: Olive oil or melted butter.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground Cinnamon: This humble spice brings a sweet warmth and a cozy aroma that makes these pretzels so irresistible.

Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper sweetness compared to regular sugar, which enhances the cinnamon flavor beautifully.

Instructions for Making Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Get ready for a cozy kitchen session with these sweet, chewy delights. Here are the steps you’ll follow:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add brown sugar, salt, and flour, then mix until dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Lightly oil a clean bowl with vegetable oil. Place dough inside, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a rope and shape into pretzels.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Boil 8 cups of water with baking soda. Drop each pretzel in for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the baking sheet.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden. Brush with melted butter immediately and coat generously in cinnamon sugar.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve warm with a glass of milk, hot cider, or just as they are. They’re irresistible straight from the oven.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These pretzels are the perfect mix of soft and chewy. The inside is tender like a pillowy cloud, while the outside has a golden crust that holds that cinnamon sugar magic. The buttery coating enhances the richness and makes every bite melt in your mouth. The cinnamon brings warmth and nostalgia, while the sugar adds sparkle and crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few helpful pointers go a long way:

• Use fresh yeast for the best rise and flavor.
• Roll the dough ropes evenly so all pretzels bake the same.
• Boil just enough to puff but not overdo it, or they’ll get tough.
• Don’t rush the coating step. Butter first, then sugar, while still warm.

What to Avoid

Some common missteps are easy to avoid if you know ahead:

• Skipping the baking soda bath: Your crust will be pale and lack that pretzel chew.
• Over-flouring the dough: Makes it tough instead of soft.
• Undermixing: Leads to uneven texture.
• Using cold butter for coating: It won’t help the sugar stick well.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 290
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Want to make life easier? You can prep the dough in advance and keep it in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping. Baked pretzels store well in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. You can also freeze unbaked pretzels and boil them straight from frozen before baking.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

These are perfect on their own, but you can level up by serving them with:

• A cream cheese dip or vanilla glaze
• Warm apple butter
• A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top

Serve them at brunches, cozy movie nights, or bake sales for guaranteed smiles.

Creative Leftover Transformations

If you’ve got a few pretzels left, turn them into:

• Sweet bread pudding: Chop and bake with a custard mix.
• French toast bites: Dip in egg and fry.
• Dessert croutons: Toast and toss over ice cream or yogurt.

Additional Tips

• Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving so the sugar sets.
• Use a wire rack to keep the bottoms from getting soggy.
• For extra sweetness, drizzle a little honey on top.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation is everything. Stack the pretzels in a spiral tower on a wooden platter, sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar, and add a small ramekin of dipping sauce in the center. A linen napkin and a few cinnamon sticks as garnish bring that cozy, inviting look to life.

Variations to Try

• Maple Glazed Pretzels: Swap the sugar coating for a maple glaze drizzle.
• Pumpkin Spice Version: Use pumpkin spice mix instead of just cinnamon.
• Mini Pretzel Bites: Cut dough smaller and make bite-sized snacks.
• Stuffed Pretzels: Add a dollop of cream cheese inside each pretzel before shaping.
• Chocolate Dipped Tips: Dip ends of pretzels in melted dark chocolate and let set.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

A1: Yes, just skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour.

Q2: What if I don’t have coarse sugar?

A2: You can use regular granulated sugar, though the texture will be slightly finer.

Q3: Can I make the dough ahead?

A3: Absolutely. Store it in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temp before shaping.

Q4: How do I reheat them?

A4: Place in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to revive that just-baked feel.

Q5: Can I freeze them?

A5: Yes, freeze unbaked shaped pretzels and boil them straight from frozen.

Q6: Is it okay to skip the baking soda bath?

A6: It’s not recommended. The bath is essential for the chewy crust and color.

Q7: Can I make them gluten-free?

A7: You can try with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but texture may vary.

Q8: How sweet are they?

A8: Just sweet enough to satisfy without being overpowering. You can adjust sugar to taste.

Q9: Do I need a stand mixer?

A9: No, mixing and kneading by hand works just fine.

Q10: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

A10: Yes, but butter gives a richer flavor.

Conclusion

Cinnamon sugar soft pretzels are the kind of treat that makes people stop mid-bite and smile. From their pillowy centers to the sparkling sugar coating, every detail is pure comfort food joy. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or a little self-care moment, trust me, these pretzels are worth every bite. Let your kitchen fill with cinnamon warmth and dive in.

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