Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a warm, sweet treat that’s perfect for snacking. They’re soft, chewy, and coated in a delicious mix of cinnamon and sugar!
Making these pretzels is surprisingly easy! I love how the smell fills the kitchen while they bake. They taste great fresh out of the oven, but you may want to save some for later! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is crucial for the dough to rise and become fluffy. If you’re out of active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead, just skip the proofing step. One packet of yeast (2 1/4 tsp) works great!
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the pretzels their structure. For a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may differ slightly.
Baking Soda: Boiling the pretzels in baking soda water gives them that classic pretzel flavor. Don’t substitute it with baking powder, as they won’t get the same chewy texture.
Cinnamon & Sugar: It’s all about the topping! If you want to try something different, mix in some nutmeg with the cinnamon for a unique flavor. You can also use brown sugar instead of white for a richer taste.
How to Achieve the Perfectly Twisted Pretzel Shape?
Making that iconic pretzel shape might seem tricky, but it’s simple! Here’s how to twist your dough perfectly:
- Take one piece of dough and roll it into a long rope, about 20-24 inches. The longer you roll, the thinner it can become!
- Once you have the rope, form it into a U shape. Cross the ends of that U over each other twice.
- Now, bring the ends down to meet the bottom of the U. Press the ends slightly to seal.
- Voila! You’ve got a pretzel shape! Just make sure the twists are tight, so they hold well during boiling.
Practice makes perfect, and even if they don’t look perfect, they’ll taste delicious! Happy baking!
How to Make Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pretzel Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For Boiling:
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of rising time, plus about 12-15 minutes of baking time. Overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 45 minutes until you can enjoy those delicious warm pretzels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir it gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to your yeast mixture. Stir everything together until it forms a rough dough. It’s time to get your hands a little messy! Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 4-5 minutes.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
Place your dough into a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is when the magic happens!
4. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). While it heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
5. Prepare for Boiling:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. This step is key for getting that perfect pretzel color and flavor!
6. Shape the Pretzels:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 20-24 inches long, and twist it into a pretzel shape. (Don’t worry if your first few look a little funny; they’re homemade with love!)
7. Boil the Pretzels:
Carefully place each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spatula to remove them and place them on your prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake the Pretzels:
Put the pretzels into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown and your kitchen smells amazing!
9. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
While your pretzels are baking, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. Once the pretzels are out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter and then roll or sprinkle them in the cinnamon sugar mixture so they’re fully coated!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the pretzels cool slightly, then dig in and enjoy them while they’re still warm. They make for a perfect treat or snack any time of the day!
Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels fresh or slightly warm!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Yes, you can! Simply skip the proofing step. Mix the instant yeast directly with the flour and proceed with the recipe as usual. You might see a slightly different rise, but the pretzels will still be delicious!
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it might be due to inactive yeast. Ensure the water is warm but not too hot (about 110°F/43°C). If the yeast has expired or wasn’t activated during proofing, it won’t rise properly. For best results, check the expiration date on your yeast!
How to Store Leftover Pretzels?
Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
Can I Freeze the Pretzels?
Absolutely! After baking, let the pretzels cool completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven before serving!
