Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

$- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast - 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C) - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - Baking soda (for boiling) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon To make cinnamon sugar soft pretzels, gather these ingredients first. The active dry yeast helps the dough rise. Warm water activates the yeast and gives it life. Granulated sugar sweetens the dough. All-purpose flour gives structure and chew. Salt enhances the flavor, while melted unsalted butter adds richness. Baking soda is key for boiling. It gives pretzels their unique texture. You will need extra melted butter for brushing on top. The cinnamon and sugar mix creates the sweet coating. These ingredients come together to create a treat that is both soft and flavorful. Each one plays an important role in making the pretzels taste amazing. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to wake up the yeast. In a medium bowl, mix 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast with 1 cup of warm water and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Stir it gently. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. You will know it's ready when the mixture looks frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to work. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Next, pour in the melted butter and the yeast mixture. Mix everything well until you have a shaggy dough. After that, transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the dough to feel smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks, sprinkle a little more flour as needed. Now, shape the dough into a ball. Put it in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Place the bowl in a warm area. Let it rise for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size. This step is important as the yeast helps the dough become fluffy. While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Fill a large pot with about 6 cups of water and bring it to a gentle boil. Add ½ cup of baking soda to the boiling water. It will bubble up, which is normal. When the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 24 inches long. Twist the ends to shape each rope into a classic pretzel form. Carefully drop the pretzels into boiling water, one at a time. Cook them for about 30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to remove them. Let the excess water drip off before placing them on the baking sheets. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Brush the top of each pretzel with melted butter. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over each pretzel. Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. They should turn golden brown and smell amazing. Enjoy the warm, sweet treats right from the oven! To get the best soft pretzels, kneading is key. Knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes. This builds gluten, which makes the pretzels chewy and soft. If the dough sticks to your hands, add a little flour. Be sure to feel the dough; it should be smooth and elastic. Yeast activation is also important. Mix the yeast with warm water and sugar. Wait until the mixture is frothy, about 5 minutes. This shows the yeast is alive and ready to help your pretzels rise. You can adjust the spice mix for your cinnamon sugar. If you love a strong taste, add more cinnamon. For a twist, try adding nutmeg or even vanilla to the mix. Alternative toppings can take your pretzels to new heights. You could sprinkle sea salt or even Parmesan cheese for a savory treat. Get creative with what you have on hand! Pair your warm pretzels with fun dips. Melted cheese or a sweet chocolate sauce works well. You can even serve them with a creamy ranch or mustard dip. For a beautiful presentation, use a rustic wooden board. Dust extra cinnamon sugar on top for a nice touch. You could also add a small bowl of dip on the side. This will make your pretzels look exciting and inviting! Pro Tips Yeast Activation: Ensure the water temperature is around 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it. The mixture should become frothy within 5 minutes. Dough Consistency: When kneading, aim for a dough that is smooth and elastic. If it feels sticky, gradually add more flour, but avoid over-flouring. Boiling Technique: Adding baking soda to the boiling water gives the pretzels their characteristic color and flavor. Be cautious as it creates a strong reaction. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: For an extra touch, brush the pretzels with melted butter immediately after boiling, then coat them generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture for maximum flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the flavors of your soft pretzels. One fun idea is to add chocolate chips. Just mix them into the dough after you knead it. The warm dough will melt the chips slightly, creating a gooey treat. You can also add nuts for a crunchy twist. Chopped pecans or almonds work well. If you prefer savory pretzels, try cheese or herbs. Grated cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, can be mixed into the dough. You could also sprinkle herbs like rosemary or thyme on top before baking. This creates a great contrast to the sweet cinnamon sugar. If you need gluten-free pretzels, you can make some easy swaps. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. Brands like Bob's Red Mill or King Arthur Flour have great options. You might also add a bit of xanthan gum to help with texture. To achieve the right softness, make sure to knead the dough well. Gluten-free dough can be a bit different, so watch for tackiness. If it feels too sticky, add more gluten-free flour little by little. These tips will help your pretzels turn out soft and chewy, just like the classic version. To keep your pretzels fresh, place them in a sealed container. Use an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If you stack them, add parchment paper between layers. This helps prevent sticking. Store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To enjoy soft pretzels later, reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pretzels on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5-10 minutes. This will help restore their soft texture and warm flavor. You can also microwave them for a quick fix. Heat each pretzel for about 15-20 seconds. For longer storage, freeze your pretzels. Wrap each pretzel tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Homemade pretzels stay fresh for about 2 days if you store them in the pantry. Keep them in a sealed bag to keep them soft. If you move them to the fridge, they may last up to 5 days. However, they can get a little tough in the fridge. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After you knead it, cover it well and place it in the fridge. It can stay there for about 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping. Absolutely! Freezing soft pretzels is easy. Once they cool, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, just leave them in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven for a few minutes. Making homemade pretzels is fun and rewarding. You learned about the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. The baking process transforms simple items into delicious snacks. Experimenting with different flavors and variations can make each batch unique. Remember to store your pretzels properly for freshness. Reheating methods will keep them tasty. Enjoy your soft pretzels with dips or as a tasty treat. Your own kitchen can become a pretzel paradise. Happy baking!$

Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Delicious soft pretzels coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for a sweet treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
0.5 cup baking soda (for boiling)
0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
0.5 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the active dry yeast and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in warm water. Stir gently and let it sit for approximately 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Pour in the melted butter along with the yeast mixture. Combine all ingredients thoroughly until a shaggy dough starts to form.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface, kneading it for about 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and place it in a warm area. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Fill a large pot with approximately 6 cups of water and bring it to a gentle boil. Carefully add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the boiling water—this will create a bubbly reaction.
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, approximately 24 inches in length, then shape each rope into a classic pretzel form by twisting the ends together.
One by one, carefully drop the shaped pretzels into the boiling water and allow them to cook for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove each pretzel, letting excess water drip off, and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Brush the top of each pretzel liberally with the melted butter, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over each pretzel.
Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and aromatic.

Notes

Serve warm with a side of melted chocolate or creamy dip.

Keyword cinnamon sugar, pretzels, snack