Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
There is something truly magical about biting into warm, golden-brown treats speckled with cinnamon and sugar. These Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are that perfect blend of chewy, sweet, and buttery goodness that feels like a comforting hug from the inside out. Whether you’re craving a cozy snack on a crisp afternoon or planning to wow guests at your next gathering, this recipe brings a bakery-quality delight right to your kitchen. The dough is soft and fluffy, the cinnamon sugar topping adds just the right amount of sweetness, and every bite leaves you wanting more. Trust me, these pretzels are so good, they’ll become your go-to indulgence in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with these Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels is delightfully simple since the ingredients are pantry staples that work together flawlessly to create the perfect texture and flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in turning basic dough into soft, flavorful pretzels that taste like they came straight from a specialty bakery.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and chewiness essential for soft pretzels.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: The key to that light, airy rise in your dough.
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F): Activates the yeast while keeping it comfortable enough to work its magic.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds just a hint of sweetness to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping): Creates that irresistible sugary crunch on top of the pretzels.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice and pairs perfectly with the sugar on the topping.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, for brushing): Gives the pretzels a glossy finish and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
How to Make Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl. This is where the magic begins: let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy and alive, signaling that your yeast is activated and ready to create that beautiful dough rise.
Step 2: Build the Dough
Once the yeast is bubbly, stir in the melted butter and salt to infuse the dough with richness and flavor. Gradually add in the flour, mixing as you go to prevent lumps. The dough starts to come together here, getting soft and sticky before you move on to the kneading.
Step 3: Knead to Perfection
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll want to work it until it’s smooth, elastic, and just a little springy when you poke it. This step really builds the structure that makes these pretzels so satisfyingly soft.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Pop your kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm spot for about 30 minutes. This rise allows the dough to double in size and develop flavor—so you get that airy, soft texture we all love in soft pretzels.
Step 5: Shape Your Pretzels
Make sure your oven is preheated to 450°F (232°C). Once the dough has risen, give it a punch to release the trapped air, then divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 24 inches long, then twist into that classic pretzel shape. Placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet ensures easy transfer and cleanup.
Step 6: Boil in Baking Soda Water
This one might surprise you, but boiling each pretzel in water with baking soda for 30 seconds gives the pretzels their signature chewy crust and beautiful golden color when baked. It’s a crucial step that transforms your dough into the curls of soft pretzel perfection.
Step 7: Bake and Sugar Coat
Bake the boiled pretzels in the hot oven for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn that stunning golden brown. Right after pulling them from the oven, brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with your cinnamon sugar mixture. This final flourish seals in moisture and adds the sweet, spicy zing that makes these pretzels truly irresistible.
How to Serve Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Garnishes
While the cinnamon sugar topping is classic and addictive, you can add an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar or even a light drizzle of cream cheese glaze for an even more decadent treat. Freshly ground cinnamon on top also amps up that warm aroma that fills the kitchen.
Side Dishes
These soft pretzels shine on their own but can also be paired with vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy dessert. If you’re serving them as a snack, a small bowl of melted caramel or chocolate sauce on the side makes for a dip that’s hard to resist.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the pretzels on a wooden board with small dishes of dipping sauces like honey butter or cream cheese frosting. You could also thread miniature version pretzels onto skewers for a fun, shareable snack platter that will have everyone talking about these Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers—though that’s rare—they keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This prevents them from drying out while maintaining their softness.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the pretzels by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months and are perfect for a quick snack whenever cravings hit.
Reheating
Reheat your soft pretzels in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes to regain that freshly baked warmth and softness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them chewy or tough.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Instant yeast can be used; just skip the proofing step with warm water and mix it directly with the flour. It may speed up the rising process, so keep an eye on your dough.
Is there a way to make these pretzels gluten-free?
Gluten-free pretzels require a different dough base, usually made with specialized flour blends and extra binders. You could experiment with gluten-free baking mixes, but texture will differ significantly from traditional soft pretzels.
Why do we boil pretzels before baking?
Boiling in a baking soda solution creates the chewy crust and helps the pretzels develop their iconic rich brown color. This step is essential for authentic soft pretzel texture.
Can I substitute cinnamon sugar with other toppings?
Definitely! You can try coarse salt for a savory twist or sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning for a unique flavor. But for these Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels, cinnamon sugar is truly the star.
How long do the pretzels need to rise?
A 30-minute rise is ideal for dough to double in size and become light and airy. If your kitchen is cool, you might want to let it rise a bit longer for the best results.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into these Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels. They’re the perfect way to bring a cozy, sweet treat into your home with simple ingredients and a straightforward process that delivers extraordinary results. Once you try them, these pretzels will not just be a recipe you make but a warm, delicious memory you keep coming back to. Give it a go, and watch how quickly these soft, cinnamon-kissed delights disappear!
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Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 pretzels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a delightful homemade treat featuring a soft, chewy texture and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Perfect for snacking or dessert, this recipe guides you step-by-step to make bakery-style pretzels right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
Topping Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour until a dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm place until it doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
- Shape Pretzels: Roll each piece into a 24-inch long rope. Twist into the classic pretzel shape by forming a U-shape, crossing the ends over each other twice, and pressing the ends onto the bottom of the U.
- Boil Pretzels: In a large pot, boil water and add baking soda (about 1/4 cup soda to 8 cups water). Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds to get that chewy texture. Remove with a slotted spoon and place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish with Toppings: Immediately brush the hot pretzels with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the pretzels while the butter is still warm.
Notes
- Using warm water between 110°F to 115°F is essential to activate the yeast properly.
- Boiling pretzels in a baking soda solution gives them their characteristic chewy crust and rich color.
- Make sure to brush the pretzels with butter immediately after baking for the cinnamon sugar to stick well.
- You can store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For an extra twist, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt alongside the cinnamon sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: soft pretzels, cinnamon sugar pretzels, homemade pretzels, sweet pretzels, snack recipe, cinnamon sugar snack
