The aroma of warm cinnamon sugar filling the kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. As the soft pretzels bake to golden perfection, you’ll start to see the sugar melt into the dough, creating that irresistible, sweet crust. When they come out of the oven, it’s tempting to dive right in. The contrast between the slightly salty pretzel dough and the sweet, aromatic cinnamon sugar is absolutely perfect—each bite is a cozy moment of indulgence. I love rolling my pretzels in the cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm, so that every crevice is coated in sweetness. It’s a simple step, but it makes all the difference. These pretzels are best served fresh, when the sugar has that perfect, melty texture, and the dough is soft and chewy in the middle. Whether you’re making them for a weekend snack or as a treat for friends, they’re bound to be a crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients in Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
The magic of cinnamon sugar soft pretzels starts with a handful of simple ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating that perfect balance of chewy dough and sweet, aromatic crust. Let’s break down each one!
– Active dry yeast
This little powerhouse is responsible for making the dough rise and giving the pretzels their soft, airy texture. The yeast activates when combined with warm water and sugar, helping the dough to expand and puff up as it bakes.
– Warm water
Water activates the yeast and helps bring the dough together. The warmth is key here—it’s just the right temperature to wake up the yeast without killing it.
– Granulated sugar
Sugar does more than sweeten the dough. It provides food for the yeast, helping it to grow and ferment, which results in that wonderful rise. It also adds a touch of sweetness to the dough, which balances out the cinnamon sugar topping.
– All-purpose flour
The foundation of the dough, flour provides structure and chewiness. It’s the ingredient that holds everything together, giving the pretzels that perfect balance between softness and a slight firmness.
– Salt
Just a little bit of salt enhances the flavor of the dough, balancing out the sweetness from the sugar and cinnamon later. It also helps to control the yeast activity, ensuring the dough doesn’t rise too quickly.
– Unsalted butter, melted
Butter brings richness to the dough, giving it a slightly tender crumb. The fat from the butter also helps the dough to develop a beautiful golden color as it bakes.
– Water
The second round of water comes into play when it’s heated with baking soda for the pretzel bath. This step is crucial for giving the pretzels their signature chewy texture and deep golden color on the outside.
– Baking soda
Baking soda is the secret to pretzel perfection! When the dough is briefly dunked in the baking soda water before baking, it creates that iconic dark, slightly crisp crust. This step is a must for authentic pretzel texture and flavor.
– Granulated sugar
This sugar gets mixed with cinnamon to form the delicious coating for the pretzels. As the warm dough is rolled in this sugar mixture, it melts into the crevices, creating that irresistible sweet, sugary crust.
– Ground cinnamon
Cinnamon adds the warm, aromatic spice that transforms these soft pretzels from simple to sublime. It’s the flavor that wraps everything in cozy, sweet goodness, making each bite feel like a comforting hug.
These ingredients are the building blocks of the perfect cinnamon sugar soft pretzels. Together, they create a treat that’s irresistible, comforting, and utterly delicious!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
1. In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast, warm water, and granulated sugar. Stir gently to dissolve and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix together to combine.
3. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture along with the melted butter. Stir everything together until the dough starts to come together.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
6. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 equal portions.
8. Roll each portion of dough into a long rope, about 20 inches in length. Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a U-shape, crossing the ends over each other, and then twisting the ends down to form the classic pretzel shape.
9. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, carefully stir in the baking soda. The water will bubble up, so be cautious.
10. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water, one at a time. Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds, flipping them halfway through.
11. Use a slotted spoon to remove each pretzel from the water and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
12. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of each pretzel.
13. Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
14. Remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
– Pair with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee
There’s something magical about the combination of warm cinnamon sugar pretzels and a rich, velvety hot drink. Whether it’s a steaming mug of hot chocolate or your favorite coffee, the balance of sweet, spicy, and warm flavors will make each bite even more comforting.
– Serve with a creamy dipping sauce
For an extra indulgent treat, try serving your cinnamon sugar pretzels with a side of cream cheese frosting or a caramel dip. The creamy sweetness pairs beautifully with the chewy, cinnamon-coated pretzels, adding a whole new layer of deliciousness.
– Make it a fun dessert platter
Cut your pretzels into smaller pieces and arrange them on a platter with an assortment of fresh fruit, like apple slices or strawberries. This way, guests can enjoy a little sweet-and-savory snack with their favorite fruits, making for an impressive and interactive dessert spread.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy cinnamon sugar pretzels? I’d love to hear how you like to serve them!
How to Store Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
If you happen to have leftover cinnamon sugar pretzels (which, let’s be honest, doesn’t always happen!), you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh for as long as possible. Here are a few easy ways to store them:
– Room temperature:
For the best flavor and texture, store your pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. This will help keep them soft and chewy. Just be sure the container is sealed tight to prevent any air from making them dry out!
– Freezer:
If you want to keep your pretzels for a bit longer, freezing them is the way to go. Wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.
– Reheating:
To bring your pretzels back to life, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will make them warm and slightly crispy on the outside, just like when they were freshly baked.
Storing them properly ensures that every bite is as delicious as the first, whether you’re enjoying them today or saving them for a later treat!
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! You’ve just unlocked the secret to making the most delicious cinnamon sugar soft pretzels, with all those irresistible flavors and that perfect balance of sweet and salty. From mixing the dough to dunking it in the baking soda bath, every step is part of the magic that turns simple ingredients into something absolutely divine.
Whether you’re baking these pretzels for a special treat, a cozy snack, or a fun dessert for friends, I’m sure they’ll be a hit! I just love how easy it is to make something so comforting and satisfying at home, especially when you can share it with others.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Do you like to get creative with your cinnamon sugar pretzels or stick to the classic recipe? Maybe you’ve got a favorite dipping sauce or drink pairing you swear by—share it with me! And if you run into any questions or need a little help while baking, feel free to reach out. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of those warm, cinnamon-coated pretzels!
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Description
Warm, soft pretzels coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar glaze—each bite offers the perfect balance of tender dough and irresistible sweetness. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these treats are pure comfort in every twist!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast, warm water, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
-
In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix together to combine.
-
Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture along with the melted butter. Stir everything together until the dough starts to come together.
-
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
-
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
-
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
-
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 equal portions.
-
Roll each portion of dough into a long rope, about 20 inches in length. Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a U-shape, crossing the ends over each other, and then twisting the ends down to form the classic pretzel shape.
-
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, carefully stir in the baking soda. The water will bubble up, so be cautious.
-
Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water, one at a time. Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds, flipping them halfway through.
-
Use a slotted spoon to remove each pretzel from the water and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
-
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of each pretzel.
-
Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
-
Remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving.
Note
- The yeast mixture should be frothy before proceeding; if it doesn’t bubble, the yeast might be expired or the water too hot.
- When kneading the dough, ensure it's smooth and elastic to avoid dense pretzels.
- For a deeper pretzel color, brush with an egg wash before baking.
- If you prefer softer pretzels, reduce the boiling time to 20 seconds.
- Experiment with adding vanilla extract to the cinnamon sugar for a unique flavor twist.
