Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe

If you’ve ever strolled through a bustling mall and swooned over the sweet aroma of fresh-baked pretzels, you’ll instantly fall for this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe. These irresistibly pillowy treats boast a buttery exterior, a shimmery cinnamon-sugar coating, and that perfect springy chew inside. Even better, anyone can achieve that classic bakery magic right in their own kitchen, thanks to simple, wholesome ingredients. Get ready to fill your home with the nostalgic, cinnamon-kissed scent of happiness with every batch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every part of this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe comes together with pantry staples that work in harmony to create that golden, melt-in-your-mouth pretzel experience. Each ingredient has its own special role, from the fluffy rise to the sweet finish—and they’re all easy to find, so you can whip up a batch on a cozy afternoon!

• Warm milk: Kickstarts the yeast and makes the dough ultra-soft and flavorful.
• Yeast: The secret to making those pretzels puff up and get pillowy.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and a gentle caramel sweetness to the dough.
• Butter (melted): Gives the dough richness and ensures a soft crumb—plus it adds shine and flavor on top!
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the pretzels irresistibly snackable.
• Flour: The backbone of the dough—adjust as needed for perfectly soft but sturdy pretzels.
• Baking soda: Part of the traditional pretzel bath for that classic chewy crust and golden color.
• Warm water: Used in the baking soda bath for texture and flavor.
• Sugar: Essential for rolling the finished pretzels and getting that sparkly, toothsome coating.
• Cinnamon: The star aroma and flavor, pairing cozy nostalgia with each bite.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Begin by adding your yeast to the warm milk in a large mixing bowl, or directly into your stand mixer bowl. Let it sit until bubbly and fragrant—this signals that your yeast is alive and ready to puff up those pretzels. The process just takes a few minutes, but it’s the secret base for that signature soft texture in our Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Stir in the brown sugar, melted butter, one cup of flour, and the salt. Blend everything until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Next, gradually add the rest of the flour, one cup at a time, mixing continuously. The dough should end up soft, elastic, and just a little bit sticky—easy to work with, but not dry.

Step 3: Let it Rise

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour. By the end, you’ll see the dough doubled in size, which means it’s airy and ready for shaping. All that rising results in a beautifully light and tender crumb once the pretzels bake.

Step 4: Shape the Pretzels

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Prepare two baking sheets with parchment. Punch down your risen dough and divide it into twelve equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, then twist them into that classic pretzel shape—cross the ends, twist, and press them down. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect, they’ll bake up beautifully unique!

Step 5: Baking Soda Bath

Mix the baking soda into the warm water until it dissolves completely. Dip each formed pretzel into the solution for a few seconds, then place them on the prepared baking sheets. This bath is the magic behind that signature chewy, shiny crust that makes this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe truly authentic.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your baking sheets into the oven and bake for 7 to 11 minutes, until the pretzels are a deep golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly—just like a bakery!

Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While the pretzels are still warm, brush them generously with melted butter. Whisk the sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow dish, then dip each pretzel to coat all over. The buttery exterior helps the cinnamon sugar stick, creating that iconic sparkle and flavor you crave.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra finishing touch, try a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top for extra sparkle or a delicate drizzle of cream cheese glaze. Both elevate the Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe into an unforgettable treat fit for lazy weekends or festive gatherings alike.

Side Dishes

These pretzels pair beautifully with mugs of hot chocolate, fresh cold milk, or even a tangy fruit salad for a wonderful contrast of flavors. They also make a fun addition alongside a sweet brunch spread—think fresh berries, yogurt, and coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking them in a tall, rustic basket lined with a pretty napkin for parties, or serve them warm on a wooden board with little bowls of extra cinnamon sugar for dipping. For special occasions, shape a few pretzels into hearts or letters to add a playful twist to your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay softest if you wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe fresh even longer, freeze the baked (and completely cooled) pretzels in a zip-top freezer bag for up to two months. Slice of parchment between each one makes them easy to grab and thaw as needed.

Reheating

To reheat, just pop a pretzel in the oven at 300 degrees for about 5–7 minutes, or microwave in 10-second bursts until warm. A quick brush of melted butter after reheating will bring back that just-baked softness and shine!

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast for this recipe?

Absolutely! Instant yeast works beautifully for the Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe. You can add it directly to the dry ingredients without blooming, though letting it sit in the warm milk still helps with flavor and rise.

Can I make mini pretzels instead of large ones?

Yes, just divide your dough into smaller pieces and roll shorter ropes for adorable bite-size pretzels. Baking time may be a couple minutes shorter, so keep an eye on them for that perfect golden color.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No mixer? No problem! You can easily knead the dough by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It’s a fun, hands-on part of the Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe experience and totally doable even without special equipment.

Can I skip the baking soda bath?

While you can technically skip it, that quick dip in baking soda water helps achieve the chewy, golden crust that’s the essence of a true soft pretzel. It’s worth the extra step for the best results!

Can I add more spices or flavorings?

Definitely! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a dash of vanilla to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for your own unique twist on this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been dreaming of fresh bakery-style treats at home, look no further than this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe. Unbelievably fluffy inside, sparkling with cinnamon-sugar sweetness, and so fun to make—give them a try and let your kitchen fill with joy!

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