Why Make This Recipe
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a delightful treat that combines a warm, soft dough with a sweet and fragrant cinnamon-sugar topping. They are perfect for snacking, parties, or even a cozy movie night at home. Making your own pretzels allows you to enjoy fresh, homemade goodness while being able to customize the flavors to your liking. Plus, the smell of baking pretzels will fill your kitchen, making it a truly inviting space.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions
- To begin, pour 1 cup of warm water into a small bowl.
- Sprinkle 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the warm water.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar until dissolved.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and become foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture.
- Add 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to the bowl.
- Stir everything together with a spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a damp towel.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a long rope, about 18 inches in length.
- Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a U-shape, twisting the ends, and folding them over the center.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium-sized pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil.
- Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the boiling water and stir to dissolve.
- One at a time, carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water, letting them cook for about 30 seconds each.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzels from the water, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg to give them a glossy finish.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the pretzels while they are still wet from the egg wash.
- Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Allow the pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are best served warm. You can enjoy them plain or with a side of icing or cream cheese for dipping. They are great as a snack, dessert, or even a special breakfast treat. Pair them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee for a delightful combination.
How to Store Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
To store leftover pretzels, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them. Just wrap each pretzel in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Tips to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot, when activating the yeast.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic for the best texture.
- Don’t skip the boiling step; it helps create that classic pretzel texture.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a little vanilla to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Variation
You can change things up by adding toppings like coarse sea salt or even chocolate drizzle. Experiment with different flavors, such as pumpkin spice or honey, to create a unique pretzel experience.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just skip the step of activating it in water; mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
How do I reheat leftover pretzels?
To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick fix, but they may lose some of their crunch.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure you have enough space to let the dough rise and enough baking sheets to bake all the pretzels at once.
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful soft pretzels topped with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, perfect for snacking or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Pour warm water into a small bowl and sprinkle yeast over it, stirring in sugar until dissolved. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Pour yeast mixture into flour mixture and add melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough and divide into 8 portions.
- Roll each portion into an 18-inch rope and shape into a pretzel.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil 10 cups of water with baking soda, drop pretzels in one at a time, cooking for 30 seconds each.
- Transfer pretzels to a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with egg, and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with icing or cream cheese dip.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg