These cinnamon sugar soft pretzels are warm, chewy, and sprinkled with sweet cinnamon goodness! They’re perfect for a snack or dessert, and your kitchen will smell amazing while they bake.
I can’t resist the aroma wafting through my home; it always brings back fun memories! Pair them with a cup of hot chocolate for the ultimate treat after a chilly day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for making the dough rise and gives pretzels their soft texture. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can substitute with instant yeast. Just skip the step of letting it froth in water!
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the pretzels structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture may vary a bit.
Granulated Sugar: It adds sweetness to the pretzel dough and the cinnamon sugar coating. Brown sugar can be a nice alternative for a deeper flavor, though it will change the color slightly.
Cinnamon: It brings warmth to the sugar coating. If you’re a fan of spices, adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can elevate the flavor even more!
How Do I Get the Perfect Pretzel Shape?
The twisting process is key to getting that classic pretzel shape. To do this right, follow these simple steps:
- Divide the dough into equal pieces to ensure even size.
- Roll each piece into a rope about 20-24 inches long. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; just keep it even in thickness!
- To twist, form a U shape with the rolled dough. Cross the two ends over each other, then twist them downwards, and bring the ends back up to the bottom of the U.
- Press the ends into the dough to ensure they stay in place during boiling.
Practice makes perfect, and each pretzel will become your favorite little masterpiece!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups water (for boiling)
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour for the dough to rise. After that, baking takes around 12-15 minutes. So, overall, you can enjoy warm, fresh pretzels in roughly 1 hour and 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix together the warm water, yeast, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is alive and ready to make your pretzels fluffy.
2. Mix and Knead:
Next, add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, and then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Take your time; this will help develop the pretzel’s chewy texture!
3. Let It Rise:
Place your kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens!
4. Preheat the Oven:
While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. We want everything ready for that delicious, warm pretzel goodness.
5. Boil the Pretzels:
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. The baking soda bath is what gives pretzels their distinct flavor and chewy texture.
6. Shape the Pretzels:
Once the dough has risen, turn it onto a floured surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 20-24 inches long. Twist them into the classic pretzel shape.
7. Boil and Bake:
Use a slotted spoon to carefully lower each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Then, remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Brush each pretzel generously with melted butter.
8. Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix together the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and the ground cinnamon. Make sure each butter-coated pretzel is evenly coated in the cinnamon sugar mixture for that delightful sweetness!
9. Bake:
Bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
10. Enjoy:
Once done, remove the pretzels from the oven and brush them once more with any leftover melted butter if you like. Serve them warm, and enjoy your cinnamon sugar soft pretzels with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate!
Enjoy your delicious homemade bites – they’re best served fresh!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes! While all-purpose flour gives the best texture, you can use bread flour for a chewier pretzel. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can work, but expect a slightly different texture.
How to Thaw Frozen Dough?
If you’ve made the dough ahead of time and frozen it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, let it come to room temperature and rise again for about 30 minutes before shaping and boiling.
Can I Store Leftover Pretzels?
Absolutely! Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to warm and regain some crispiness!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Pretzels?
These pretzels are best enjoyed warm and fresh! You can serve them plain, with a sweet icing dip, or a side of cream cheese for a delightful contrast to their sweetness. They also pair wonderfully with a hot beverage!
