These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a perfect blend of soft, chewy dough and sweet cinnamon sugar, making them a delicious treat for any occasion. Warm, golden brown pretzels brushed with butter and coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture are perfect for snacking or serving at parties. This homemade recipe is easy to follow and delivers that iconic pretzel taste right in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These soft pretzels are everything you want in a snack—tender, fluffy dough with a crisp exterior and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. The baking soda dip gives them that classic pretzel texture, while the cinnamon sugar topping adds a delightful sweetness. These pretzels are perfect for serving at a party, as an afternoon snack, or just when you’re craving something warm and comforting.
Ingredients
For the Pretzels:
- 2 cups warm milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons yeast
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 1/2 cups flour (more or less as needed)
For the Topping:
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 3 cups warm water
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes bubbly and foamy.
- Mix the Ingredients: Add the brown sugar, melted butter, one cup of flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Add the Flour: Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a smooth, slightly sticky dough forms. You may need more or less flour, depending on the humidity and your flour brand.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Pretzels:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
- Divide the Dough: After the dough has risen, divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, skinny rope (about 18-24 inches long), then twist each rope into a pretzel shape.
- Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: In a medium bowl, mix the warm water and baking soda until the baking soda dissolves. This will give the pretzels their signature texture.
- Dip the Pretzels: Dip each pretzel into the baking soda solution, making sure it’s fully submerged for a few seconds. Remove and place the pretzel onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Pretzels:
- Bake the Pretzels: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 7-11 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Add the Topping:
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the pretzels are baking, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Butter and Coat: Once the pretzels are done, remove them from the oven and brush each one with melted butter. Immediately dip the pretzels into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating them thoroughly.
Serve:
- Enjoy: Serve the cinnamon sugar pretzels warm. They’re perfect on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like chocolate or caramel.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes 12 soft pretzels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 7-11 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes (including rising time)
Variations
- Chocolate Dipped: After brushing the pretzels with butter, drizzle them with melted chocolate instead of the cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.
- Add Nuts: For added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) onto the pretzels before baking.
- Savory Version: Skip the cinnamon-sugar topping and sprinkle the pretzels with coarse sea salt or garlic powder for a savory option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best eaten fresh but can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked pretzels after shaping them. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Reheat pretzels in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore some of their original texture.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After mixing the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour if you don’t have bread flour. The texture will be slightly different, but the pretzels will still be delicious.
How do I get the pretzels to be crispy on the outside?
The baking soda bath is crucial for creating the crispy exterior. Be sure to dip the pretzels in the baking soda solution for a few seconds before baking.
Can I make mini pretzels?
Yes, you can make mini pretzels by dividing the dough into smaller pieces and adjusting the baking time (reduce it to about 5-7 minutes for smaller pretzels).
Can I make these pretzels gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking to make gluten-free pretzels. Be sure to follow the instructions on the gluten-free flour packaging, as some require xanthan gum or other ingredients.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a fun and easy treat that’s perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. The soft, pillowy texture of the pretzels combined with the warm cinnamon sugar coating makes for a delicious snack or dessert. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, these pretzels are sure to be a hit with friends and family. Enjoy!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 pretzels
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a perfect blend of soft, chewy dough and sweet cinnamon sugar. These warm, golden brown pretzels are coated with a delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture, making them a perfect treat for snacking or parties.
Ingredients
2 cups warm milk
1 1/2 tablespoons yeast
1/4 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 teaspoons salt
4 1/2 cups flour (more or less as needed)
1/3 cup baking soda
3 cups warm water
4 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly and foamy.
- Add brown sugar, melted butter, 1 cup of flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a smooth, slightly sticky dough forms. Add more or less flour as needed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel and let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- After the dough has risen, divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (18-24 inches) and twist into a pretzel shape.
- In a medium bowl, mix warm water and baking soda until dissolved. Dip each pretzel into the baking soda solution for a few seconds, then place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 7-11 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- While the pretzels are baking, mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Once baked, remove the pretzels from the oven and brush with melted butter. Immediately dip them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating them thoroughly.
- Serve the pretzels warm. Enjoy as a snack or dessert, and pair with dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel.
Notes
- For a chocolate twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the pretzels instead of the cinnamon sugar.
- For added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds onto the pretzels before baking.
- For a savory version, skip the cinnamon-sugar and sprinkle with coarse sea salt or garlic powder.
- Leftover pretzels can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Unbaked pretzels can be frozen after shaping. Bake straight from the freezer, adding extra minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 7-11 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
