Homemade Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels Recipe

Ready to upgrade your snack game? Meet your newest obsession: Homemade Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels. Imagine biting into a pillowy, golden-brown twist that’s still warm from the oven, drenched in melted butter and showered with glimmering cinnamon sugar—it’s a treat that never fails to charm. These classic soft pretzels are easier than you’d think to make at home and fill your kitchen with the sweetest, most nostalgic aromas. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family movie night or just craving something deliciously irresistible, Homemade Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels are the answer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Homemade Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels is how simple, everyday pantry staples come together to create something magical. Each ingredient has its moment to shine, making your pretzels soft inside, crisp outside, and utterly flavorful.

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your pretzels, lending them structure while keeping them tender.
• Instant Yeast: For that signature airy, fluffy texture—and a hands-off rise that frees you up for other fun!
• Dark Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and ensures your pretzels have just the right depth of flavor.
• Unsalted Butter (melted): Used twice! First in the dough for richness, then brushed on at the end to help the cinnamon sugar stick.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together—make sure it’s comfortably warm but not hot to the touch.
• Baking Soda: Boiling pretzels in a baking soda bath is the secret for that shiny, chewy, deep-brown crust.
• Granulated Sugar: Combines with cinnamon for the classic sweet coating.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice, bringing warmth and that nostalgic snickerdoodle vibe.

How to Make Homemade Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

Step 1: Prepare the Pretzel Dough

Kick off your journey to snack paradise by melting butter in short bursts until it’s silky and aromatic. In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, yeast, brown sugar, and salt—these are the foundation. Pour in that melted butter and warm water, then stir until everything starts looking a bit shaggy (don’t worry, it’s supposed to look a little scrappy at first!). This means you’re on the right track to dreamily soft pretzels.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Once your dough has roughly come together, transfer it to a floured surface and knead away. Give it about 8 minutes by hand (or let your mixer’s dough hook do the work in 6), until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and a bit glossy. Shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and leave it somewhere warm until it doubles in size—around 2 hours. This is when the yeast works its magic and gives those Homemade Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels their signature puff.

Step 3: Get Ready to Bake

Fire up your oven to a toasty 425°F, and grease a baking sheet with butter (or use a silicone mat for surefire nonstick results). Avoid parchment paper here—it tends to cling to the pretzels as they bake. While the oven heats, bring 10 cups of water and half a cup of baking soda to a gentle boil in a large pot, setting up a classic pretzel bath.

Step 4: Shape the Pretzels

Divide your risen dough into 8 even pieces, covering the rest as you work so nothing dries out. Roll each piece into a long rope—about 24 inches—and shape it into that iconic pretzel twist: a U, cross the ends, and fold them back down to press onto the bottom. It’s a lot easier than it looks, and even the “imperfect” ones will taste absolutely incredible!

Step 5: Boil and Bake

Now for the magic that gives Homemade Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels their signature chew: carefully lower two pretzels at a time into your boiling baking soda bath. Let them bathe for 30 seconds per side, then lift out, letting the excess water drip off. Arrange the pretzels on your prepared baking sheet and continue with the rest. Bake them for 15 to 20 minutes, until they turn deeply golden and your kitchen smells like pure bliss.

Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Topping

While the pretzels are still warm, melt your remaining butter and create the cinnamon-sugar mix in a small bowl. Toss each pretzel in the melted butter, then in the cinnamon sugar, coating them on every side so every bite is sweet, spiced, and perfect. Now comes the best part—dig in!

How to Serve Homemade Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

Garnishes

Sometimes, a little extra touch can elevate your Homemade Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels to a whole new level. Try a drizzle of vanilla glaze, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for contrast. If you want to go over the top, a thin brush of honey or a dash of orange zest can make them extra special. Serve them warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth treat.

Side Dishes

These pretzels are absolutely delightful on their own, but if you’re putting together a snack spread, pair them with fresh fruit, a mug of hot chocolate, or even apple slices for dipping. If you love dipping sauces, a sweet cream cheese dip or a caramel sauce makes a dreamy match. You can even serve them with coffee or spiced tea for the coziest afternoon break.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange your Homemade Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels in a basket lined with a festive napkin or stack them on a big platter for everyone to share. If you’re hosting brunch, try threading mini pretzels onto skewers with fruit for a playful twist. For a special gift, wrap them in cellophane with a ribbon—who wouldn’t love that surprise?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Homemade Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels (unlikely, but it happens!), just pop them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight to ensure they stay soft and flavorful. If you want your pretzels to still have that just-baked tenderness, wrap them individually in plastic wrap before stashing them away.

Freezing

Want to save your pretzels for later? Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh and tasty in the freezer for up to 2 months. To avoid clumping, freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer to a bag. When the cinnamon sugar craving strikes, you’ll be just minutes away from homemade goodness!

Reheating

To bring your Homemade Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels back to their soft, warm glory, simply pop them in a 300°F oven for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, let them thaw on the counter for an hour first. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that slightly crisped crust.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Absolutely! Just activate the active dry yeast in the warm water with the sugar for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to your flour mixture. This allows the yeast to wake up and get going, ensuring a fluffy pretzel.

Why do I have to boil the pretzels before baking?

Boiling the pretzels in a baking soda bath is key—it gelatinizes the outside, giving them that characteristic chewy, deeply bronzed crust. It also helps the cinnamon sugar stick later on!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature, then proceed with shaping, boiling, and baking when you’re ready.

What if I don’t have dark brown sugar?

No worries! Light brown sugar works just fine, and in a pinch, substitute with granulated sugar plus a teaspoon of molasses for depth of flavor.

How do I get perfectly shaped pretzels?

Practice makes perfect! Roll out the ropes evenly and keep them a bit thick so they stay soft inside. If your twists turn out rustic, don’t stress—Homemade Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels will taste amazing no matter what.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a joyful, from-scratch baking project that delivers both in flavor and fun, Homemade Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels absolutely deserve a spot in your kitchen. Roll up your sleeves, share them with people you love, and enjoy every pillowy, cinnamon-sugar-coated bite. Go ahead—try them once, and you’ll be hooked!

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