Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

I still remember the first time I baked Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels in my kitchen. The sweet aroma of cinnamon drifting through the house instantly transported me back to cozy afternoons at local bakeries, where warm pretzels were always the treat I couldn’t resist. What makes this recipe special is how it combines the soft, pillowy texture of classic pretzels with a sugary cinnamon coating that feels like a hug in every bite. It’s the kind of snack that’s comforting, nostalgic, and yet incredibly simple to make from scratch.

When you bite into one of these pretzels, you’ll notice the perfect balance of flavors. The dough is soft but slightly chewy, while the cinnamon sugar topping gives it just enough sweetness without being overwhelming. And the melted butter brushed over the pretzels adds a richness that makes them absolutely irresistible. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee, pack them in a lunchbox, or serve them as an afternoon snack, these pretzels truly have a way of making any moment feel special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the biggest reasons this recipe is so lovable is its versatility. You can enjoy these pretzels fresh out of the oven, reheat them the next day for a quick snack, or even dip them into cream cheese frosting for an extra treat. They’re perfect for both casual family gatherings and festive occasions.

They’re also budget-friendly, which makes them even better. With just a handful of pantry staples like flour, sugar, cinnamon, and yeast, you can create a batch of bakery-style pretzels without spending much at all. Compared to store-bought versions, homemade pretzels not only taste fresher but also give you the satisfaction of baking something from scratch.

Another reason to fall in love with these pretzels is that they’re surprisingly approachable. Even if you’ve never worked with yeast dough before, the steps are straightforward and easy to follow. The boiling step before baking may sound intimidating, but it’s actually quick and simple—it’s what gives pretzels their iconic chewy texture.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 1 cup warm water

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup baking soda

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

These ingredients come together to create pretzels that are soft, fluffy, and dusted with a sweet cinnamon sugar finish. They’re the kind of treat that looks impressive but is actually easy to pull off.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Making Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels may sound like a bakery-level challenge, but in reality, the process is simple once you break it down. The recipe involves mixing, kneading, shaping, boiling, and baking. Each step builds on the last, and together they create pretzels that are warm, sweet, and perfectly soft.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making

To start, activate the yeast. In a small bowl, pour one cup of warm water and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Stir in a tablespoon of sugar until it dissolves, then let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is ready when it becomes foamy on the surface. This step is crucial because it ensures your pretzels will rise properly and have that fluffy texture.

Next, prepare the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour with the salt. Once the yeast is activated, add it to the flour mixture along with the melted butter. Stir until a dough begins to form. At this point, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. The goal is to achieve a smooth, elastic dough that bounces back when lightly pressed.

After kneading, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for about one to one and a half hours. The dough should double in size during this time. Rising allows the yeast to work its magic, giving the pretzels their signature soft and airy texture.

When the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Divide it into eight equal portions and roll each one into a rope about 18 inches long. Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a U, twisting the ends, and folding them back over the bottom curve. This shaping step is fun and gives each pretzel its classic look.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and stir in the baking soda. Carefully drop the pretzels into the boiling water one at a time, letting each cook for about 30 seconds. Boiling in baking soda water gives the pretzels their golden crust and chewy bite.

Once boiled, transfer the pretzels to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each with the beaten egg, which helps the cinnamon sugar topping stick while creating a shiny finish. Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle generously over the pretzels. Finally, bake them for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before enjoying.

Quick and Easy

Even though the steps may look detailed, the process is straightforward. From start to finish, the active time is less than 45 minutes, with most of the waiting happening while the dough rises. The actual hands-on steps—shaping, boiling, brushing, and sprinkling—are quick and satisfying.

If you want to save even more time, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Let it rise in the refrigerator overnight instead of on the counter. The next day, simply shape, boil, and bake. This option is perfect when you want fresh pretzels for breakfast or an early snack without starting from scratch in the morning.

Customizable

These pretzels are wonderfully adaptable. While the cinnamon sugar topping is classic, you can adjust it to suit your preferences. For example, add a bit of nutmeg for extra spice, or swap the topping for coarse sugar if you prefer a lighter sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, dip them in melted chocolate or drizzle them with a vanilla glaze after baking.

You can also adjust the size. Instead of eight large pretzels, make smaller, bite-sized versions by dividing the dough into more pieces. These mini pretzels are great for parties and easy snacking. Another option is to shape the dough into sticks or twists rather than traditional pretzel shapes. The flavor remains the same, but the presentation changes.

Crowd-Pleasing

One of the best things about Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels is how much people love them. Their warm, sweet aroma fills the kitchen, drawing everyone closer. Because the recipe makes eight pretzels, it’s easy to share with family, friends, or guests. Whether served as a dessert at a dinner party, a fun weekend baking project with kids, or a treat to pack in lunchboxes, these pretzels always delight.

They’re also ideal for special occasions. Imagine serving them at a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or even a casual movie night. People of all ages enjoy them, and they tend to disappear quickly. The combination of soft dough, sweet cinnamon sugar, and buttery richness is almost universally appealing.

Baking these pretzels at home also gives you control over freshness. Unlike store-bought versions, which may sit for days, homemade pretzels come out of the oven warm and fragrant. That freshness makes a huge difference in both taste and texture. It’s what transforms them from a simple snack into a memorable experience.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Instead of letting it rise at room temperature, place it in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, bring it to room temperature, shape the pretzels, and continue with boiling and baking.

Do I have to boil the pretzels?
Boiling is an important step. It gives the pretzels their classic chewy crust. Skipping this step will result in softer rolls rather than true pretzels.

Can I freeze the pretzels?
Absolutely. Once baked, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough does not rise, the yeast may not have activated. Make sure the water is warm, not hot, when mixing with the yeast. Also, check that your yeast has not expired.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that the pretzels may be slightly denser, but they will still be delicious.

How do I keep pretzels soft the next day?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For extra softness, warm them briefly before serving.

Print