Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels: 8 Amazing Treats

Oh, hello there! It’s Anna Kowalska, and I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite baking projects with you today: these incredible Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels! There’s just something magical about pulling warm, fragrant pretzels out of the oven, isn’t there? For me, it instantly brings back memories of my own childhood kitchen, filled with the sweet smell of cinnamon and the sound of my family laughing. Baking is truly my love language, and sharing these simple, flavorful, and sweetly spiced treats with you feels just like sharing a little piece of my heart. These aren’t just any pretzels; they’re a tried-and-true recipe that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to your family’s faces, just like they always do for mine!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Pretzel Recipe

• It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for even beginner bakers!
• The flavor combination of soft pretzel and sweet cinnamon sugar is simply irresistible.
• They’re fantastic fun foods to bake with kids – everyone loves shaping their own pretzel!
• This Cinnamon Pretzel Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Gathering Your Soft Pretzel Ingredients

Alright, let’s get our kitchen ready for some pretzel magic! To get started on these wonderful Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels, you’ll need a few key players. First up, grab your yeast – 2 and 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast is what we need. It loves a cozy home, so we’ll mix it with 1 cup of warm water. Make sure that water is just right, around 100-110°F (38-43°C) – too hot and it’ll kill the yeast, too cold and it won’t wake up! A little sprinkle of 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar in there helps get it all foamy and happy.

Now for the structure: 3 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. These go into a big bowl. Then, we’ll add the foamy yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Don’t worry if the butter is still a *tad* warm, just not piping hot. We’ll stir it all up until a shaggy dough starts to form. And for the topping, we’ll need one large egg, beaten until it’s all one lovely color, and a mix of 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Oh, and don’t forget the baking soda – 1/4 cup is crucial for that signature pretzel chew!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Soft Pretzel Flavors

A quick word on a few things! That warm water for the yeast? If you don’t have a thermometer, just think of water that feels comfortably warm on your wrist, like a baby’s bath. For the flour, all-purpose is perfect, but if you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore different soft pretzel flavors, you could try a blend with a little whole wheat, though it might make the dough a bit denser. If you happen to be out of unsalted butter, salted will work in a pinch, but you might want to reduce the added salt slightly in the dough itself. And remember, the cinnamon sugar topping is divine, but you can totally play around with other pretzel flavors – maybe a touch of cardamom, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a more savory twist!

Crafting the Perfect Pretzel Dough Recipe

Now for the really fun part – making the dough! Once you’ve got your foamy yeast mixture, flour, salt, butter, and that lovely yeast mixture all together, it’s time to bring it to life. Give it a good stir until it just starts to come together into a shaggy dough. Don’t overmix it at this stage; we’re just getting things acquainted.

Turn that dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and get ready to knead! This is where the magic really happens for a good pretzel dough recipe. You want to knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Push, fold, and turn. My hands remember this part so well – it’s about developing that lovely gluten, which gives our pretzels that perfect chewy texture. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough feels smooth and elastic, and it springs back gently when you poke it. It’s like giving it a good workout!

Once it’s perfectly kneaded, find a clean bowl, give it a light oiling so the dough doesn’t stick, and pop the dough ball in. Cover it with a damp towel – this keeps it from drying out. Now, find a nice warm spot in your kitchen. It could be near a sunny window, or even in a slightly warm oven (turned off, of course!). Let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it’s doubled in size. Watching it puff up is so satisfying! After it’s risen, give it a gentle punch down to release all those air bubbles. This makes it easier to work with and ensures an even texture.

Shaping Your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Okay, dough is risen and ready to go! Now we get to make them into those classic pretzel shapes. Take that lovely risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. I like to weigh them just to make sure they’re all about the same size, but honestly, a quick eyeball works too! On your lightly floured surface, take one piece of dough and start rolling it out into a long rope, about 18 inches long. You want it to be consistent in thickness, not too thick and not too thin.

Now for the iconic shape! Lay the rope out in a U-shape. Then, take the two ends and twist them around each other. Once they’re twisted, bring those twisted ends down to meet the bottom of the U, tucking them underneath. It takes a little practice, but don’t worry if your first few aren’t perfect – they’ll still taste amazing! Place your beautifully shaped Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to breathe.

The Baking Process for Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Alright, the moment of truth! We’ve shaped our beautiful pretzels, and now it’s time to give them that signature chewy crust and golden color. First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, let’s get our boiling station ready. Grab a nice big pot and bring about 10 cups of water to a rolling boil. This is where the magic happens! Carefully stir in 1/4 cup of baking soda. This alkaline bath is what gives our pretzels that wonderful chew and deep brown color. It’s a game-changer, trust me!

Now, working one at a time, gently drop each shaped pretzel into that boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon or a spider strainer to carefully lift them out. You don’t want them to get waterlogged, just a quick dip! Place them back onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. While they’re still wet from the bath, give each pretzel a gentle brush with that beaten egg. This is what helps the topping stick. Then comes the best part – generously sprinkle our cinnamon sugar mixture all over the tops. Don’t be shy!

Pop those beauties into the preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be a lovely golden brown. Once they’re out, and while they’re still warm, I *love* to brush them with a little extra melted butter. It just adds another layer of richness and makes that cinnamon sugar sparkle! Let them cool just a bit on a wire rack before diving in. The smell alone is pure heaven!

Tips for Success with Soft Pretzel Recipes

To make sure your soft pretzel recipes turn out perfectly every time, here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up. Always double-check that your yeast is active – if it doesn’t get foamy after 5-10 minutes in warm water, it’s likely old, and you’ll need fresh yeast. For the best rise, find a genuinely warm, draft-free spot for your dough; a slightly warmed oven (turned off!) is my secret weapon. When boiling, make sure the water is at a good rolling boil, not just simmering, for that perfect chew. And don’t be afraid to really load up that cinnamon sugar – it caramelizes beautifully in the oven!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Got questions about these yummy pretzels? I’ve got answers!

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can let the dough do its first rise in the fridge overnight. Just punch it down, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping. It’s a great way to fit these good baking ideas into a busy schedule!

What if my pretzels don’t hold their shape? Don’t worry, it happens! If your dough is too warm or sticky, it might be a bit floppy. Try chilling the shaped pretzels for about 10-15 minutes before boiling them; this helps them firm up. Also, make sure you’re not rolling the ropes too thin – a bit more thickness helps them keep their pretzel form.

How do I get a crispier crust? While these are meant to be soft, if you prefer a bit more crunch, you can bake them for an extra 2-3 minutes, or until they reach your desired golden-brown shade. Letting them cool completely on a wire rack also helps the crust crisp up a little more as they cool.

Can I skip the baking soda bath? You really shouldn’t! That baking soda bath is what gives pretzels their unique chewy texture and that lovely golden-brown color. Skipping it will result in a softer, more bread-like roll, not quite a pretzel. It’s a crucial step for these quick baking ideas!

Storing and Reheating Your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Now, I know these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are so good you might not have leftovers, but just in case! If you do happen to have any of these sweet treats left, the best way to keep them wonderfully soft is to store them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag at room temperature. They’ll stay lovely and chewy for about 2-3 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can gently reheat them. A few seconds in the microwave usually does the trick for a quick warm-up, but if you want to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for just 3-5 minutes. This little step really helps revive their texture and makes them taste almost as good as new. Perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings!

Understanding the Nutrition in Our Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Just so you know, the nutritional info for these yummy Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels is an estimate, as it can change depending on exactly what you use. But roughly, one pretzel has about 250 calories, 4g of fat (2g of that’s saturated), 5g of protein, and around 50g of carbohydrates, with about 15g of that being sugar and 2g being fiber. It’s a delightful treat, perfect for those times you’re looking for something a little sweet and fun!

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