The Ultimate Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe: Sweet, Chewy & Irresistible
Imagine the aroma of warm, freshly baked goods filling your kitchen, promising a delightful treat. These homemade Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels deliver exactly that and more! Each pretzel boasts a deliciously soft and chewy interior, perfectly contrasted by a delicately crisp outer layer. The tender, pillowy dough is further elevated by a generous, sweet, and buttery coating, making every bite an unforgettable experience.
Just like those irresistible pretzels you fondly remember from trips to the mall, these homemade wonders are coated in a fragrant blend of cinnamon and sugar. You’ll instantly fall in love with the harmonious balance of warm spice and sugary goodness, creating a comforting sensation with every single bite. They are the perfect snack for any time of day, a delightful dessert, or a fun baking project for the whole family.
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About This Recipe
If you’ve ever had a sudden craving for a sweet yet subtly salty pretzel, reminiscent of those found at your favorite mall vendor, but simply didn’t want to leave the comfort of your home, then this recipe for homemade soft pretzels is absolutely perfect for you! We elevate the classic soft pretzel by pairing it with an irresistible cinnamon sugar coating and a delicate sprinkle of coarse sea salt, creating the ultimate flavor pairing that hits all the right notes.
One of the best aspects of these cinnamon sugar pretzels is the minimal prep work required. Don’t be intimidated by working with yeast; our simple steps make it approachable even for novice bakers. These pretzels bake up perfectly every single time, yielding consistent results that will impress both you and your loved ones. What’s more, you’ll likely find that you have most of the ingredients on hand already, making this a convenient and spontaneous baking project.
For those who also appreciate savory delights, consider pairing these sweet treats with these Pretzel Bites with Olives and Parmesan. They offer a fantastic contrast and make for another yummy savory snack that complements the sweet pretzels beautifully, creating a balanced snack spread.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pretzels
Crafting these delectable cinnamon sugar soft pretzels requires only a handful of common pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that signature pretzel texture and flavor. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Active Dry Yeast: This is the leavening agent that makes your pretzels soft and fluffy on the inside. Don’t be intimidated by yeast; as long as you follow the activation steps and give it time, it’s surprisingly easy to work with!
- Warm Water: Crucial for activating the yeast and hydrating the flour to form the dough. Ensure the water is warm (between 105-115°F or 40-46°C) but not hot, as excessively hot water will kill the yeast.
- Granulated Sugar: Not only does it add a touch of sweetness to the dough, but it also serves as food for the yeast, promoting healthy fermentation and a good rise.
- Olive Oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough, contributing to that desirable soft texture. You can use another neutral oil, like vegetable or canola oil, if you prefer, as it won’t impart too much flavor.
- Honey: Provides a natural, subtle sweetness and helps the pretzels achieve a beautiful golden-brown color during baking. It also contributes to the dough’s overall pliability.
- All-Purpose Flour: The fundamental building block of your pretzel dough, providing structure and chewiness. For best results, measure your flour by weight or use the spoon-and-level method to avoid over-measuring.
- Coarse Sea Salt: This is a key ingredient for both the dough and the topping. It beautifully contrasts with the cinnamon sugar, adding that classic sweet and salty pretzel experience. The coarse texture also gives a satisfying crunch.
- Baking Soda: This is the secret ingredient for giving homemade pretzels their iconic flavor and signature browned, slightly crisp exterior while ensuring the insides remain wonderfully soft and fluffy. It acts as a safe alternative to traditional lye.
- Cinnamon: The star of the show for the sweet coating! Use a good quality ground cinnamon for a warm, aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with sugar.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Homemade Perfection
Making homemade cinnamon sugar soft pretzels is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly soft, chewy, and deliciously coated pretzels right in your own kitchen.
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the active dry yeast with the warm water and granulated sugar. Stir gently. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. During this time, the yeast should become foamy and bubbly, indicating it’s active and ready to work. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be old or the water temperature was incorrect, and you’ll need to start again.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Once your yeast is active, use a wooden spoon to stir in the olive oil and honey until well combined. These ingredients will add richness and moisture to your pretzel dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and half of the coarse sea salt to the wet mixture. Mix with the wooden spoon until a shaggy dough begins to form and starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. At this stage, it will look a bit rough.
- Knead and Rise: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough vigorously for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and less sticky. Return the kneaded dough to the mixing bowl (which you can lightly grease with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking). Cover the bowl again with the towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour, or until it has approximately doubled in size. This step is crucial for developing flavor and texture.
- Shape the Pretzels: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into about 16 even pieces. Roll each piece into a thin rope, approximately 6-8 inches in length. To form the classic pretzel shape, make a U-shape with the rope, twist the ends twice, and then fold them down onto the bottom of the U to secure. Place the shaped pretzels on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Prepare the Coatings & Bake: In a shallow bowl, dissolve the baking soda in 2 cups of water – this is your pretzel bath. In another medium bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar for your sweet coating. Carefully dip each pretzel into the baking soda mixture (ensuring it’s fully coated), then immediately transfer it to the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating. Arrange the coated pretzels back on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with the remaining half of the coarse sea salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 450 degrees F (232°C) for 8 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Pretzels
Curious about the science behind these delightful treats? Here are some common questions answered to help you become a pretzel master!
Traditionally, soft pretzels are dipped in a lye solution before baking. Lye (sodium hydroxide) is a highly alkaline substance that reacts with the starches on the pretzel’s surface, creating that distinctive deep brown crust, unique flavor, and chewy texture. However, working with lye can be dangerous due to its caustic nature. This recipe wisely uses baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as a safer, readily available, and highly effective alternative. While not as intensely flavored as lye-dipped pretzels, the baking soda bath still achieves that desirable crust, browning, and characteristic “pretzel” flavor profile without the risks.
For an authentic pretzel experience, I highly recommend using coarse salt for homemade pretzels, specifically coarse sea salt. Its larger crystals adhere well to the dough and provide a delightful textural crunch with every bite, as opposed to fine salt which can dissolve or disappear into the crust. Coarse salt also provides a more pronounced burst of salty flavor, which is essential for balancing the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar. It works perfectly as both an ingredient within the pretzel dough and as a decorative, flavor-enhancing topping.
Dipping pretzels in a baking soda solution (or lye, traditionally) before baking is a crucial step for several reasons. Firstly, it gives them their iconic pretzel flavor and aroma, which is distinctly different from regular bread. Secondly, the alkaline solution promotes significant outer browning during baking, creating that beautiful deep golden-brown crust. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, this alkaline bath helps to create the characteristic chewy interior while ensuring the outside gets a slightly crisp “skin.” In scientific terms, the basic mixture alters the pH of the dough’s surface, causing the starch to “gelatinize” more rapidly at lower temperatures, effectively sealing the outer layer and allowing the interior to steam and cook into a soft, tender consistency. The more you know!
Yes, you can! After the initial rise (step 4), you can gently punch down the dough, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dough from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour (it may rise slightly again), and then proceed with shaping, dipping, and baking as instructed from step 5 onwards. This makes them a great make-ahead option for parties or busy mornings.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pretzels
Achieving bakery-quality soft pretzels at home is entirely possible with a few insider tips. Keep these in mind as you embark on your pretzel-making journey:
- Grease the Bowl for Easy Removal: Before returning your kneaded dough to the bowl for its first rise, give the inside of the bowl a light brush or spray with olive oil or cooking spray. This simple step will prevent the dough from sticking to the sides after it has doubled in size, making it much easier to remove without deflating it too much.
- Confirm Yeast Activation: The crucial first step involves activating your yeast. After combining the yeast, warm water, and sugar, ensure your mixture develops a foamy, bubbly appearance after 5 minutes. This frothiness is a clear indicator that your yeast is alive and active. If you don’t see any foam, your yeast may be dead (possibly due to expired yeast or water that was too hot or cold), and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast to ensure your pretzels rise properly.
- Adjust Dough Hydration: Dough consistency can vary slightly depending on factors like humidity, flour type, and even elevation. If your dough feels too dry and stiff after adding the flour, add warm water a teaspoon at a time, kneading briefly after each addition, until you achieve a smooth, pliable, and slightly tacky (but not sticky) consistency that you’re happy with. Conversely, if your dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour (a teaspoon at a time) until it’s workable.
- Consistent Shaping for Even Baking: When rolling out your dough pieces into ropes, aim for a consistent thickness and length for each. This uniformity ensures that all your pretzels bake evenly and at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overdone.
- Don’t Over-Boil in the Baking Soda Bath: The baking soda dip is quick! Submerge each pretzel for only 20-30 seconds per side. Over-boiling can make your pretzels taste metallic and overly chewy, while under-boiling won’t achieve the desired pretzel crust and flavor.
📌 Make these super easy cinnamon sugar pretzels for a nostalgic and comforting snack anytime! Even novice bakers will delight in learning the process of letting dough rise and then bake.
Substitutions and Creative Variations
While these cinnamon sugar soft pretzels are perfect as is, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Experiment with Spiced Sugars: For an extra layer of flavor, feel free to try substituting the simple cinnamon sugar with a more complex spiced sugar blend. Think about adding a pinch of cardamom, nutmeg, or allspice to your cinnamon sugar mixture for a unique twist.
- Classic Plain Soft Pretzels: This recipe serves as an excellent foundation for traditional plain soft pretzels. Simply omit the cinnamon sugar coating entirely before baking, and instead, sprinkle with extra coarse sea salt after the baking soda bath for that iconic savory pretzel.
- Single Flavor Focus: If you prefer a less complex flavor, you could also dip your pretzels in just cinnamon for a pure spice note, or just sugar for a simple sweet crust. Both offer a delightful (though different) experience.
- Transform into a Decadent Dessert: To elevate your cinnamon sugar soft pretzels into a truly indulgent dessert, consider a variety of toppings. Dust them generously with powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness, drizzle with rich chocolate sauce, or a luscious caramel sauce for an irresistible treat. A dollop of cream cheese frosting would also be divine!
- Seasonal Pumpkin Spice Pretzels: Easily adapt this recipe for the autumn season! To create delightful pumpkin spice soft pretzels, add a blend of nutmeg, cloves, and ginger to your cinnamon sugar mixture. A good starting point would be ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon cloves, and ⅛ teaspoon ginger for the listed cinnamon sugar quantity.
- Savory Adventures: For a savory spin, skip the cinnamon sugar altogether. After the baking soda dip, sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, grated Parmesan cheese, or even everything bagel seasoning for a completely different but equally delicious snack.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage ensures your homemade cinnamon sugar soft pretzels stay delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to keep them fresh and enjoy them later:
Room Temperature Storage: Once cooled, store your pretzels in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag at room temperature. They will remain fresh and wonderfully soft for about 3-5 days. Avoid refrigerating, as it can cause them to dry out and become stale faster.
Freezing for Longer Freshness: For longer storage, soft pretzels freeze exceptionally well. Arrange cooled pretzels in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to a month. To enjoy, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before reheating.
Reheating for Optimal Enjoyment: These soft pretzels are at their best when warm. They can easily be reheated for about 30 seconds to 1 minute in the microwave. For the best results and to keep them wonderfully soft and chewy, wrap them in a slightly damp paper towel before microwaving. Alternatively, for a slightly crisper exterior, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions for Your Pretzels
These homemade cinnamon sugar soft pretzels are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of dips and beverages. Here are some ideas to make your pretzel experience even more special:
- Sweet Drizzles: To give your cinnamon sugar pretzels an extra sweet and decadent twist, drizzle them with a rich Homemade Chocolate Sauce or an Easy Chocolate Glaze. A simple vanilla glaze or even a cream cheese frosting would also be incredibly delicious.
- Coffee or Hot Cocoa: A warm cinnamon sugar pretzel is the perfect companion to a steaming mug of coffee, hot cocoa, or a soothing cup of tea. It makes for an ideal afternoon pick-me-up or a comforting evening treat.
- Fruit and Yogurt: For a balanced snack, serve your pretzels alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt. The tartness of the fruit or yogurt can beautifully complement the sweetness of the pretzels.
- After-School Feast: Combine them with other delightful snacks like this crunchy Sweet Nutty Crunch or wholesome Coconut Banana Matcha Muffins for an impressive and satisfying after-school spread that kids and adults alike will adore!
More Cinnamon Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon, then you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic recipes:
- Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas – A beloved family favorite, these super easy bananas are coated in a delightful cinnamon mixture and make for a tasty, surprisingly healthy snack or a quick dessert.
- Cinnamon Pretzels and Peanuts – If you prefer your snacks with a satisfying crunch, whip up this simple snack mix that captures the same beloved sweet and salty flavors found in these soft pretzels, but in a different texture.
- Banana Cinnamon French Toast – Infuse the comforting flavor of cinnamon into your breakfast or brunch with this incredibly delicious and comforting French toast dish, perfect for a cozy morning.
- Fireball Pumpkin Pie – Don’t forget about dessert! This unique autumnal treat from Country Living in a Cariboo Valley introduces cinnamon whiskey for a fun, adult-friendly twist on the classic pumpkin pie, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
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Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Kristin King
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1 hour
15 minutes
8 minutes
16
Ingredients
For the pretzels:
-
1
tablespoon
active dry yeast -
2 ¼
cups
warm water -
1
teaspoon
white granulated sugar -
1
tablespoon
olive oil -
2
tablespoons
honey -
5
cups
all-purpose flour -
½
tablespoon
coarse sea salt -
½
cup
baking soda
For the cinnamon sugar:
-
⅛
cup
sugar -
½
tablespoon
cinnamon
Metric
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Instructions
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast, water, and sugar and cover the bowl with a towel for 5 minutes.1 tablespoon active dry yeast,
2 ¼ cups warm water,
1 teaspoon white granulated sugar -
After 5 minutes, stir in the olive oil and honey with a wooden spoon.1 tablespoon olive oil,
2 tablespoons honey -
Add the flour and half of the sea salt. Mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough begins to form and the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.5 cups all-purpose flour,
½ tablespoon coarse sea salt -
Dump the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes. After kneading the dough, return it to the mixing bowl and cover with a towel. Allow the dough to rest for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
-
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 16 equal sized pieces and roll them out into strings about 6-8 inches in length. Fold the strings over each other to form a pretzel shape.
-
Dissolve the baking soda in 2 cups of water.½ cup baking soda
-
Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a medium bowl.⅛ cup sugar,
½ tablespoon cinnamon -
Dip the pretzels in the baking soda mixture and then in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
-
Place the pretzels on a baking sheet and sprinkle with the remaining salt. Bake at 450 degrees F for 8 minutes.
Notes
- Make sure that your yeast is foamy after it sits for 5 minutes (in step 1). If it is not foamy, the yeast most likely died and you will need to start over with fresh yeast.
- Honey provides the same amount of sweetness as granulated sugar but is not processed. You can substitute sugar for the honey if you prefer.
- If your dough seems dry, add more water a tablespoon at a time. Depending on your location and elevation, you may need more or less water.
- Store your leftover pretzels in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 5 days.
- These pretzels are delicious reheated in the microwave for about 30 seconds. To keep them soft, wrap them in a damp paper towel before microwaving them.
Video
Nutrition
Calories:
166
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
34
g
|
Protein:
4
g
|
Fat:
1
g
|
Saturated Fat:
0.2
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
0.3
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
1
g
|
Sodium:
1245
mg
|
Potassium:
47
mg
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
4
g
|
Vitamin A:
1
IU
|
Vitamin C:
0.02
mg
|
Calcium:
9
mg
|
Iron:
2
mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
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