These cinnamon sugar soft pretzels are warm, fluffy, and oh-so-sweet! Coated in a sugary cinnamon mix, they make the perfect snack or dessert.
Who can resist a soft pretzel? I love making these for movie nights. The smell of them baking fills the house, and trust me, they disappear fast! 🍬
Making them is a breeze! Just twist, bake, and sprinkle. They pair perfectly with a cup of hot chocolate or a cozy blanket on the couch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This yeast is crucial for the dough to rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use it instead; just mix it directly with the flour.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the pretzel, giving it structure. If you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend!
Cinnamon & Sugar Coating: I love a 1:2 ratio of cinnamon to sugar for a nice balance of sweetness and spice. You can substitute brown sugar for a deeper flavor, too!
Baking Soda Water Bath: This step gives the pretzels their classic crust. Avoid skipping it; it’s key to that unique pretzel taste!
How Do I Achieve Soft and Chewy Pretzels?
Creating soft and chewy pretzels is all about the kneading and boiling technique. Both steps are essential for the right texture.
- Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour as needed.
- When boiling, make sure to add baking soda to the water. This step helps form the pretzel crust. Keep an eye on them, as 30 seconds is just enough time!
- After baking, brush with melted butter right away for extra flavor. It helps the cinnamon sugar stick better, too!
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
For Boiling:
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
For Coating:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 1 hour for the dough to rise. After assembling, you’ll bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes. Total time is about 1 hour and 35 minutes from start to finish, but the result is so worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes nice and foamy. This means your yeast is working!
2. Make the Dough:
Next, add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough starts to form. Then, on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 7-8 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. It should be a bit tacky but not sticky.
3. Let It Rise:
Place your kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and find a warm spot for it to rise. Let it hang out for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. Patience pays off!
4. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is rising, go ahead and preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
5. Boil the Pretzels:
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda to the water—this is what helps give the pretzels their beautiful golden-brown color and chewy texture.
6. Shape the Pretzels:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 20 inches) and then twist it into a pretzel shape. Don’t worry about being perfect—each pretzel is uniquely yours!
7. Boil Each Pretzel:
Carefully drop each shaped pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. This step is quick, so don’t leave them in too long! Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Butter and Coat:
Brush each pretzel generously with melted butter. In a shallow dish, mix together 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Toss each pretzel in the cinnamon sugar mix until they are well-coated.
9. Bake Your Pretzels:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the pretzels in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and smell heavenly.
10. Final Touch:
Once baked, brush the pretzels with a little more melted butter right after they come out of the oven. If you want, sprinkle some more cinnamon sugar on top for an extra sweet touch!
11. Enjoy!
Serve your warm cinnamon sugar soft pretzels with a smile. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, soft and sweet, perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself!
This recipe yields soft pretzels with a delightful cinnamon sugar coating that you’ll love! Perfect as a snack or treat, just like the ones in the picture!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! Just keep in mind that the texture may be a bit denser. You might need to add a little more water to the dough since whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
Can I Freeze the Pretzels for Later?
Absolutely! After baking, let the pretzels cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
What Should I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your water is at the right temperature (not too hot or cold) and check the yeast expiration date before using it. If the dough hasn’t risen after 1 hour, try placing it in a warmer spot, or simply restart with fresh yeast.
Can I Make These Pretzels Smaller or Larger?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the pretzels! For smaller ones, divide the dough into more pieces, and for larger ones, simply use larger sections of dough. Just remember that baking times may vary slightly based on the size, so keep an eye on them while they bake!
