These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a warm and sweet treat that makes snack time special! With their fluffy texture and sugary topping, they’re hard to resist.
Who doesn’t love a soft pretzel that’s both chewy and sweet? I often make these for movie nights—they’re the perfect cozy snack, especially when paired with a warm cup of cocoa! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is key for making the pretzels rise. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast in the same amount. Just skip the foaming step!
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the perfect chewy texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend with xanthan gum. It may require a bit of tweaking, but it can work!
Cinnamon and Sugar: This topping gives the pretzels their signature sweet flavor. If you want to switch things up, you could use a mix of cocoa and powdered sugar or even pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist!
Butter: Melted unsalted butter adds richness. If you prefer a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter or coconut oil instead, and you’ll still get that deliciousness.
How Do I Get the Perfect Pretzel Shape?
Shaping your pretzels might seem tricky, but with a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time! Here’s how to get that classic pretzel twist:
- After dividing the dough, roll each piece into a long rope, about 20-22 inches. The longer the rope, the more defined your twist!
- Once you have the rope, form a “U” shape and cross the ends over each other, then twist them once more and tuck the ends under the loop. Voila!
If you’re having a hard time, remember that practice makes perfect. Your first few pretzels might not look perfect, but they’ll still taste amazing!
Why Do I Need to Boil the Pretzels in Baking Soda Water?
This step is crucial for that soft pretzel texture and flavor. The baking soda in the boiling water creates a nice crust on the outside while keeping the inside chewy. Here’s what to do:
- Boil the water and baking soda in a large pot. Be careful—this can bubble up!
- Gently place the twisted pretzels in the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to quickly turn and remove them.
This makes all the difference, so don’t skip it! Your pretzels will have that classic pretzel taste and beautiful golden color.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Boiling Solution:
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
For the Egg Wash and Topping:
- 1 large egg yolk, beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Coarse sugar or sanding sugar for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 1 hour for the dough to rise. After that, you’ll spend about 15 minutes baking. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 35 minutes to enjoy these yummy pretzels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough comes together. Then, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 7-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Don’t worry if it feels a little sticky at first; just keep kneading!
3. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size. This takes about 1 hour. While you wait, you can tidy up your kitchen!
4. Preheat the Oven:
When the dough is ready, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Also, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the pretzels from sticking.
5. Prepare the Boiling Solution:
In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. This is what gives the pretzels their chewy texture!
6. Shape the Pretzels:
Turn the risen dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 20-22 inches long. Once formed, twist it into your desired pretzel shape—think classic knot!
7. Boil the Pretzels:
Carefully place each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. You might want to do this in batches. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Apply the Egg Wash:
Brush each pretzel with the egg wash. This will help them get that gorgeous golden color when baking!
9. Add the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Generously sprinkle this mixture over the pretzels. Don’t be shy—this is where the magic happens!
10. Bake the Pretzels:
Bake the pretzels in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Cool and Serve:
Remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm and enjoy your soft, sweet treats!
Happy snacking on your delicious Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels! 🥨✨
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist! Just keep in mind that this may result in a denser texture, so you might need to adjust the liquid slightly if the dough feels too dry.
How Do I Store Leftover Pretzels?
Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresher, consider wrapping them in plastic wrap. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape the pretzels and place them on the baking sheet. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before boiling and baking.
What Should I Pair with My Soft Pretzels?
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are delicious on their own, but they can be even better with a dip! Consider serving them with icing, chocolate sauce, or even a cream cheese frosting for a sweet treat. For a savory twist, you could pair them with mustard or cheese sauce!
