These cinnamon sugar soft pretzels are a cozy treat! They are warm and fluffy, with a sweet cinnamon and sugar coating that makes them simply irresistible.
Making these pretzels feels like a fun baking adventure. I love serving them fresh out of the oven with a smile—who can resist that delicious smell? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is crucial for the dough to rise and get that soft texture. If you don’t have it, you can use instant yeast (same amount) since it works faster and doesn’t need to be activated in warm water.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour gives a good structure. If you’re looking for something heartier, you could use bread flour, which adds a chewy texture. For gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Baking Soda: Boiling the pretzels in a baking soda solution gives them their distinctive flavor and that pleasant brown color. Don’t skip this step! Substituting with lye can be done but requires more careful handling.
Cinnamon and Sugar Topping: The classic combo for sweetness! Feel free to adjust the cinnamon levels according to your taste or even use a mix of spices like nutmeg for a unique twist.
What’s the Best Way to Shape Pretzels?
Shaping pretzels can be a bit tricky, but here’s how to nail it:
- After dividing the dough into pieces, use your palms to roll each piece into a long rope, about 20-24 inches.
- Form a U shape with the rope.
- Twist the ends around each other twice and then press them down to the bottom of the U to create that classic pretzel shape. They should look like a knot!
Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if a few shapes don’t come out perfectly at first. Just have fun with it!
How Can I Get that Perfectly Golden Brown Color?
To achieve that beautiful golden brown crust, follow these tips:
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
- Keep an eye on your pretzels as they bake; once they start to brown, they can go from golden to dark quickly.
- If they are getting too dark too fast, reduce the oven temperature slightly.
Brushing them with melted butter after baking helps add flavor and keep them soft, so don’t skip that part!
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pretzels:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Boiling:
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes total, including about 60 minutes for rising, 15 minutes for baking, and 5-10 minutes for preparation. A perfect treat to make for an afternoon snack or dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
In a large bowl, mix together the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This shows that the yeast is active and ready to help your pretzels rise!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Use a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment to stir until a soft dough forms. This is the beginning of your delicious pretzel dough!
3. Knead the Dough:
Sprinkle some flour on your countertop and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can mix it for about 4-5 minutes instead.
4. Let Dough Rise:
Put the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and place it in a warm area to rise. Let it sit for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for fluffiness!
5. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Prepare for Boiling:
Once the dough has risen, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large pot. The baking soda helps give the pretzels that golden brown color.
7. Shape the Pretzels:
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, approximately 20-24 inches long. Form a U shape, twist the ends twice, and then press them down to create your pretzel shape.
8. Boil the Pretzels:
Carefully drop each pretzel, one at a time, into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. This step is important to develop the pretzel crust! Use a slotted spatula to remove them and place them on the baking sheets.
9. Bake the Pretzels:
Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the pretzels are baking, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. This creates the sweet topping that makes these pretzels irresistible!
11. Brush with Butter:
Once the pretzels are out of the oven, immediately brush them with the melted butter. This helps the topping stick and adds extra flavor.
12. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
While the butter is still wet, generously sprinkle or roll each pretzel in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well-coated. This is the best part!
13. Serve and Enjoy:
These warm, soft pretzels are best enjoyed right away. They’re perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself—yummy!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Yes, you can! Use the same amount of instant yeast, and you don’t need to activate it in warm water — just mix it directly into the dry ingredients.
What If I Don’t Have Baking Soda for Boiling?
Baking soda is crucial for that classic pretzel taste and color. If you don’t have it, I recommend getting some, but if you must, you can boil without it; just know the pretzels won’t have the same flavor and color.
How Should I Store Leftover Pretzels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then they’ll last up to 1 month in the freezer!
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite toppings. Try using sea salt for a savory twist, or even drizzle melted chocolate over them after baking for a sweet treat!
