Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are the ultimate sweet-and-salty snack—pillowy soft on the inside with a golden brown crust coated in buttery cinnamon sugar. Whether you’re looking for a cozy treat to enjoy with coffee or a fun baking project to share with family, these pretzels are the perfect choice. They combine the satisfying chew of a traditional soft pretzel with the indulgent flavors of melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon, creating a bakery-style treat you can easily make at home.

This recipe uses a simple yeast dough that’s both forgiving and easy to shape, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels. After boiling briefly in a baking soda bath, the pretzels bake up golden and fluffy, ready to be brushed with butter and tossed in a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. They’re warm, fragrant, and wonderfully addictive—perfect for movie nights, brunch spreads, or afternoon snacks. Plus, they’re highly customizable, whether you want to add a glaze, stuff them with chocolate, or serve them with a cream cheese dip. These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible texture

Soft and chewy inside with a crispy, golden exterior.

Simple ingredients

Made with pantry staples and easy-to-follow steps.

Perfectly sweet

The cinnamon sugar topping is warm, cozy, and comforting.

Versatile snack

Ideal for brunch, dessert, or a sweet afternoon treat.

Fun to make

Shaping and baking pretzels is an enjoyable hands-on activity.

Ingredients

For the pretzels

• Warm milk
• Yeast
• Brown sugar
• Butter (melted)
• Salt
• Flour

For the topping

• Baking soda
• Warm water
• Butter (melted)
• Sugar
• Cinnamon

Variations

Glazed pretzels

Drizzle with a vanilla or cream cheese glaze for an extra-sweet finish.

Stuffed pretzels

Wrap the dough around chocolate chips or Nutella for a gooey center.

Spiced sugar

Add nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix for a unique flavor.

Mini pretzel bites

Cut dough into small pieces and shape into bites for easier snacking.

Savory option

Skip the sugar topping and add coarse salt for a classic salted version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and brown sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.

Step 2

Stir in melted butter and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 3

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

Step 5

Punch down the dough and divide into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and shape into pretzels.

Step 6

In a separate bowl, dissolve baking soda in warm water. Dip each pretzel into the baking soda bath and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 8

While still warm, brush pretzels with melted butter and immediately toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use warm, not hot, milk to activate the yeast properly.
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for best results.
• Dip pretzels quickly in the baking soda bath to avoid over-soaking.
• Work quickly when coating in cinnamon sugar so it sticks best while warm.
• Don’t over-flour the dough to keep pretzels light and fluffy.

How to Serve

Serve these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels warm from the oven, optionally with a side of cream cheese dip, caramel sauce, or even melted chocolate. They make a delightful snack, a brunch table addition, or a sweet treat after dinner. You can also pack them in lunchboxes or bring them to parties and gatherings for a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked shaped pretzels after dipping in the baking soda bath. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave for 10–15 seconds until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise and shape the pretzels the next day.

2. Why use a baking soda bath?

It gives pretzels their classic chewy texture and golden crust.

3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Yes, just mix it directly with the dry ingredients and proceed without proofing.

4. What type of flour works best?

All-purpose flour works well, but bread flour will give a chewier texture.

5. How do I shape pretzels easily?

Roll ropes of dough, form a U-shape, cross the ends, and fold them back down.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply scale the ingredients accordingly and work in batches.

7. What can I use if I don’t have brown sugar?

White sugar or honey can be used, but the flavor will be slightly different.

8. How do I know when the pretzels are done?

They should be golden brown and firm to the touch with a hollow sound when tapped.

9. Can I make these vegan?

Use plant-based milk and vegan butter substitutes.

10. How do I keep the pretzels soft?

Store in a sealed container and avoid overbaking to maintain softness.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels offer the perfect combination of warmth, sweetness, and soft chewy texture. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, they’re a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a gathering, or just a cozy afternoon at home, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring smiles to everyone who tries them.

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