Quick & Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe for Beginners

Crafting delectable cinnamon sugar soft pretzels unleashes pure kitchen magic for adventurous bakers.

Sweet aromas will soon dance through your home with minimal effort.

Twisty golden dough becomes a canvas for irresistible sugary goodness.

Salt and cinnamon create a delightful contrast that makes taste buds sing.

Homemade pretzels might seem intimidating, but this straightforward recipe changes everything.

Crisp exterior and pillowy interior guarantee smiles around your table.

One bite promises to transport you straight to comfort food heaven.

Cinnamon Pretzel FAQs

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Simply reduce the amount by 25% and skip the proofing step since instant yeast activates faster.

• How do I know if my yeast is still good?

Check the expiration date and test by mixing yeast with warm water and sugar. If it becomes foamy within 5-10 minutes, the yeast is active and ready to use.

• What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Ensure your water is warm (not hot) and your environment is draft-free. Ideal rising temperature is around 75-80°F. If the dough still doesn’t rise, your yeast might be expired.

• Can I make the pretzel dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking.

Perfectly Soft, Sugary, and Fun to Twist

• No advanced pastry skills needed – even novice bakers can nail this simple recipe with basic ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Warm, soft pretzels coated in sweet cinnamon sugar create an irresistible treat that appeals to kids and adults alike, making them ideal for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
• These pretzels work brilliantly as after-school snacks, movie night munchies, or unexpected dessert options that require minimal preparation and deliver maximum deliciousness.

Must-Have Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps form dough consistency.
• Yeast: Essential for bread rising and developing flavor.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps with fermentation.
• Melted Butter: Adds rich flavor and soft texture to pretzels.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for pretzel dough.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity.

• Cinnamon, Sugar: Adds sweet and warm flavor coating for pretzels, best when using fresh ground cinnamon and granulated white sugar.

How to Roll, Boil, and Bake These Sweet Pretzels

Step 1: Activate The Yeast

Grab a spacious mixing bowl. Pour in warm water, sprinkle yeast, and add sugar. Gently whisk everything together. Allow the mixture to rest until it becomes wonderfully frothy and bubbly.

Step 2: Create Pretzel Dough

Add salt and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate flour, stirring one cup at a time, until a cohesive dough emerges.

Step 3: Knead The Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead energetically for several minutes until the texture becomes smooth and springy.

Step 4: First Rise

Lightly grease a clean bowl. Place the dough inside and cover with a soft kitchen towel. Let the dough rest in a cozy, warm location until it dramatically expands, roughly doubling in size.

Step 5: Shape The Pretzels

Punch down the risen dough. Divide into equal portions. Roll each section into a long rope. Twist each rope into classic pretzel shapes.

Step 6: Boil And Prepare

• Water
• Baking soda

Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil. Add baking soda. Briefly dunk each pretzel, creating that signature chewy exterior.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

• Cinnamon
• Granulated sugar

Bake until beautifully golden brown and irresistibly aromatic.

Step 8: Final Delicious Touch

Immediately after removing from the oven, dust with additional cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve warm and enjoy the magical transformation of simple ingredients into delectable treats.

Tips for Getting the Perfect Chewy Center

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating a soft, fluffy pretzel texture.
• Knead with Confidence: Use the heel of your hand to push and fold dough, creating smooth gluten strands that give pretzels their signature chewy consistency.
• Rise in Warmth: Cover dough with a damp towel and place in a draft-free spot like a turned-off oven to help it rise evenly and develop rich flavor.
• Coat with Cinnamon Sugar Magic: Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish, then generously coat warm pretzels for maximum sweet-spicy deliciousness.
• Store Smart: Keep pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to a month to enjoy later.

Store Soft Pretzels Without Losing Moisture

• Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them at room temperature away from direct sunlight to maintain their soft texture.
• Wrap individual pretzels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Sprinkle pretzels with water to restore moisture. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy edges return.
• Heat pretzels for 15-20 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent toughness. Enjoy within minutes of reheating for best taste and texture.

Treats and Drinks That Go with Sweet Pretzels

• Creamy vanilla latte or hot cocoa perfectly complement the warm cinnamon sugar coating, creating a cozy comfort drink experience.
• Serve alongside whipped cream cheese or mascarpone dip, enhancing the pretzel's sweet-salty profile with rich, smooth textures.
• Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans around the pretzels to add delightful crunch and nutty depth that elevates the cinnamon sweetness.
• Select a light moscato or sweet riesling that echoes the pretzel's sugary notes while providing a sophisticated adult twist.

Sweet and Savory Pretzel Twists to Try

• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Pretzels: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend made from rice, almond, or cassava flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Cinnamon Soft Pretzels: Swap butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine and use maple syrup or agave instead of traditional sugar to create a dairy-free and vegan-friendly version.
• Whole Wheat Cinnamon Pretzels: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber content and add a nutty, rustic flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Almond Flour Pretzels: Use almond flour as a primary ingredient to reduce carbohydrate content, perfect for ketogenic or low-carb dietary needs.

Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade cinnamon sugar soft pretzels deliver a delightful twist on classic German bakery treats. Warm, golden-brown spirals dusted with sweet cinnamon sugar promise a comforting snack that brings bakery magic straight to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Pretzel Preparation and Topping:

• 8 cups water
• ½ cup baking soda
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water, allowing the mixture to become frothy and activate for approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Gradually incorporate salt and melted butter into the yeast mixture, then slowly fold in flour until a cohesive dough develops.
3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 5-6 minutes, working the dough until it becomes smooth, supple, and elastic.
4. Lightly grease a clean bowl and gently place the kneaded dough inside, covering it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent surface drying.
5. Position the covered bowl in a warm, draft-free environment and allow the dough to rise and expand, approximately 45-60 minutes, until its volume doubles.
6. Punch down the risen dough to release trapped air and prepare it for shaping into classic pretzel twists.
7. Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each section into long, rope-like strands.
8. Form each strand into a traditional pretzel shape by creating a U-shape, crossing the ends, and pressing them onto the bottom of the curve.
9. Prepare a baking soda bath by whisking baking soda into warm water to enhance the pretzels’ golden-brown exterior.
10. Carefully dip each shaped pretzel into the baking soda solution, ensuring complete coverage.
11. Transfer pretzels onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and generously sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
12. Bake in a preheated oven until pretzels turn a deep golden brown and emit a tantalizing aroma.
13. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving, allowing the cinnamon sugar to set and create a delectable crisp coating.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water temperature is between 110-115°F for optimal yeast performance, preventing killing or under-activating the yeast.
• Kneading Technique: Use the heel of your hand to push and fold the dough, creating a smooth texture that develops gluten and ensures soft pretzels.
• Rising Environment: Choose a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on to help dough rise consistently.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the pretzel’s structural integrity and chewy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 406
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 145 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg