There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked soft pretzels filling the kitchen, and when that warm, golden dough is coated with a delicious cinnamon-sugar topping, it becomes irresistible. Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are the perfect treat, combining the chewy, salty goodness of a classic soft pretzel with the sweet, aromatic warmth of cinnamon and sugar. Whether you’re making them for a snack, dessert, or a fun family activity, these pretzels are bound to be a hit. The recipe is simple to follow and gives you the flexibility to make these soft pretzels whenever you need a sweet, comforting bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels for a few key reasons. First, they’re incredibly easy to make from scratch, and the dough comes together quickly with a few basic ingredients. The chewy, soft texture of the pretzel dough pairs perfectly with the sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s both indulgent and comforting. Second, you can customize them by making the dough ahead of time or experimenting with different toppings and dips. Lastly, these soft pretzels make a great snack or dessert that everyone can enjoy. From kids to adults, there’s something magical about breaking apart a freshly baked pretzel and dipping it into a warm cinnamon-sugar bath. It’s the perfect treat for a cozy afternoon or a fun party appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups warm milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast (or instant)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 1/2 cups flour (more or less as needed)
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 3 cups warm water
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Let’s Get Started
Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to get started on making these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels! Follow these easy steps to make this delicious treat.
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture
Start by heating 2 cups of milk in a saucepan until it’s warm to the touch, but not hot. Add the active dry yeast and brown sugar to the warm milk. Stir gently until the yeast is dissolved. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Make the Pretzel Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, salt, and the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring as you go. You may need to adjust the flour slightly depending on the consistency. Continue mixing until a dough begins to form. Once the dough is formed, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it becomes manageable.
3. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This is the perfect time to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Shape the Pretzels
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each portion into a long rope, about 18 inches long. To shape the pretzels, form each rope into a “U” shape, then twist the ends over each other and press them into the bottom of the “U” to form the traditional pretzel shape. Place the shaped pretzels onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
In a large bowl or shallow dish, combine 3 cups of warm water with 1/3 cup of baking soda. Gently dip each pretzel into the baking soda solution for about 30 seconds, ensuring they’re fully coated. This step helps create that signature chewy pretzel texture. After dipping, return each pretzel to the baking sheet.
6. Bake the Pretzels
Place the baking sheet with the pretzels into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the pretzels are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While the pretzels are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar by combining the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. As soon as the pretzels come out of the oven, brush them with the remaining melted butter and immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat them evenly.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Allow the pretzels to cool for a few minutes, then enjoy the warm, chewy, and sweet goodness of your homemade Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels! These are best served fresh, but they’re still delicious if you save some for later.
Servings and Pairing
This recipe yields 8 soft pretzels, making it perfect for a small group or a family treat. They are great for snacking or serving as a dessert. Pair these pretzels with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a warm mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy experience. You can also serve them as a fun addition to parties or gatherings where everyone can grab a pretzel and enjoy a sweet bite.
Variations
While the Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are amazing as-is, here are a few variations to make the recipe your own:
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add an extra layer of indulgence by drizzling melted chocolate over the cinnamon-sugar pretzels.
- Maple Glaze: For a different kind of sweetness, try brushing the warm pretzels with maple syrup and then rolling them in cinnamon sugar.
- Add Nuts: For a crunchy twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Caramel Dipping Sauce: Serve your pretzels with a side of warm caramel sauce for dipping to make them even more decadent.
Storage Tips
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a low-temperature oven or microwave. If you want to freeze the pretzels for longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their chewy texture.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough the night before, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?
Absolutely! If you have a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough, which will save time and effort. Mix everything in the bowl, and once the dough forms, knead for about 5 minutes using the stand mixer.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it will change the texture and flavor of the pretzels slightly. The result will be denser but still delicious.
What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, make sure your yeast is active and the liquid you used was warm, not hot. If the yeast is old, it may not work well, so try using fresh yeast for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack or a fun dessert. The combination of warm, chewy dough with the sweet cinnamon-sugar coating makes for a comforting and indulgent experience. Easy to make and customizable, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy the sweet smell of homemade pretzels!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 pretzels
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a delicious homemade treat with a soft, chewy texture and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast (or instant)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 1/2 cups flour (more or less as needed)
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 3 cups warm water
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
- Warm milk and mix with yeast and brown sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Combine melted butter, salt, and the yeast mixture in a large bowl. Gradually add flour and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes.
- Let dough rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
- Shape dough into pretzels, dip in a baking soda bath, and place on the sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Notes
- Adjust the flour to get a smooth, elastic dough.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- rising time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes