Hey y'all! If you're looking for a sweet treat that's soft, fluffy, and unbelievably crave-worthy, these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are just what you need. Perfect for cozy movie nights, family gatherings, or just an indulgent snack whenever the craving strikes, these pretzels combine the pillowy goodness of classic soft pretzels with a sparkly, sweet cinnamon sugar coating. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat—so grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Buttery, pillowy texture pairs perfectly with the sweet crunch of cinnamon sugar.
- Easy enough for beginners yet impressive for special occasions or parties.
- Customizable—serve them warm, dip in sauces, or twist into fun shapes.
- Fresh-baked aroma will make your whole kitchen smell amazing.
- Ready in just about an hour, including rise time!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for dough)
- 10 cups water (for baking soda bath)
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
Directions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Stir and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- Add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons melted butter to the bowl. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 4-5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 30-40 minutes.
Step 4: Shape the Pretzels
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 20-inch rope, then twist into the classic pretzel shape.
Step 5: Baking Soda Bath
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups water and the baking soda to a boil.
- Gently lower each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spatula and place on prepared baking sheets.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 7: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Mix ½ cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Brush each warm pretzel generously with melted butter, then dip into the cinnamon sugar, making sure to coat all sides.
Notes
- Be sure your water isn’t too hot or it may kill the yeast—aim for 110°F (43°C).
- If the dough feels too sticky, add up to ¼ cup additional flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- The baking soda bath is what gives the pretzels their signature chewy crust—don’t skip it!
Variations
- Mini Pretzels: Cut dough into smaller pieces and make bite-sized pretzel nuggets for easy snacking.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with melted chocolate or dip in chocolate sauce after adding cinnamon sugar.
- Stuffed Pretzels: Place a line of cream cheese inside the rope before twisting for a creamy surprise.
Required Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Large pot
- Slotted spatula
- Basting/pastry brush
Storage Instructions
- Store cooled pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, freeze pretzels (uncoated) for up to 2 months. Warm and add cinnamon sugar before serving.
- Pretzels are best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 minutes to revive their softness.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Dip your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels in cream cheese icing, caramel sauce, or melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Pair with a cup of hot cocoa, chai latte, or spiced apple cider for a cozy treat.
- Serve as a fun brunch addition alongside fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits.
Pro Tips
- Form tight pretzel shapes to keep them from unraveling during boiling.
- Brush the pretzels with butter while they’re still warm for maximum cinnamon sugar stickiness.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot to ensure the softest, fluffiest texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes! Substitute 2 ¼ teaspoons of instant yeast and skip the proofing step—just mix it in with the flour.
- How do I keep my pretzels soft? Store them in an airtight container and enjoy within two days, or freeze for longer freshness.
- Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and divide the dough accordingly when shaping.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 30-40 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for dough)
- ¼ cup baking soda (for boiling water)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
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2Add flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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3Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
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4Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add baking soda. Divide the dough into 8 pieces, roll each piece into a rope, and shape into pretzels.
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5Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for 20-30 seconds, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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6Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Brush warm pretzels with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
220 caloriescal
Protein:
4gg
Fat:
6gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
38gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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