Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a warm, pillowy treat coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping. These homemade pretzels are soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and bursting with sweet cinnamon flavor. Perfect as a snack, dessert, or even a party treat, these pretzels are easy to make and absolutely irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Chewy Texture – Just like classic soft pretzels, but with a sweet twist.
- Delicious Cinnamon-Sugar Coating – A buttery, sweet finish makes them extra indulgent.
- Fun to Make – Shaping the pretzels is a fun activity for kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for snacks, dessert, or holiday gatherings.
- Customizable – Add chocolate drizzle, caramel, or a cream cheese dip for extra flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pretzels:
- All-purpose flour
- Instant yeast
- Warm water
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Unsalted butter (melted)
For the Baking Soda Bath:
- Baking soda
- Water
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
Directions
- Prepare the Dough – In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and melted butter, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead and Rise – Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Soda Bath – Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
- Shape the Pretzels – Divide the dough into 8 pieces, roll into long ropes, and twist into pretzel shapes.
- Boil the Pretzels – Drop each pretzel into the baking soda bath for 20-30 seconds, then transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake – Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar – Brush the warm pretzels with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Serve and Enjoy – Best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 pretzels
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted chocolate over the pretzels for a decadent touch.
- Stuffed Pretzels – Add a cream cheese or Nutella filling before baking.
- Salted Version – Skip the cinnamon sugar and use coarse salt for a classic soft pretzel.
- Mini Pretzel Bites – Cut the dough into small pieces and bake for bite-sized treats.
- Caramel Dip – Serve with a side of caramel or cream cheese dip for extra sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator – Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer – Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave Reheating – Heat for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
FAQs
Why do I need a baking soda bath?
It helps create the chewy texture and golden-brown crust that makes pretzels unique.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but activate it in warm water with sugar for 10 minutes before adding flour.
What if my dough is too sticky?
Add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is smooth.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight and let it come to room temperature before shaping.
How do I get the perfect pretzel shape?
Roll the dough into long ropes, form a U-shape, cross the ends over each other, and press them down.
Can I skip the baking soda bath?
It’s not recommended, as it gives the pretzels their classic texture.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly denser. A mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour works best.
How do I make them extra soft?
Don’t overbake them, and brush with melted butter immediately after baking.
Can I air fry these pretzels?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What’s the best dipping sauce for cinnamon sugar pretzels?
Cream cheese frosting, chocolate sauce, or caramel dip pair perfectly!
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a fun, delicious homemade treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their warm, buttery coating and sweet cinnamon-sugar finish, they’re impossible to resist. Whether you enjoy them plain, dipped, or drizzled with chocolate, these soft pretzels are sure to be a hit. Try them today and enjoy a warm, cozy snack!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 pretzels 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, German
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are golden brown, buttery, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture. They’re soft and chewy on the inside, with a slight crisp on the outside. Perfect as a sweet snack, dessert, or even a special breakfast treat!
Ingredients
For the Pretzels:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Baking Soda Bath:
- 8 cups water
- 1/2 cup baking soda
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in salt, melted butter, and flour, one cup at a time, until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape & Boil the Pretzels:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch rope and shape into a pretzel.
- In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Stir in baking soda.
- Drop each pretzel into the boiling water for 20-30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the baking sheet.
Bake & Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
- Brush each warm pretzel with melted butter, then dip in cinnamon sugar to coat.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make Ahead: Dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge overnight.
- Extra Sweet: Drizzle with icing (powdered sugar + milk) for a dessert-like touch.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.