Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels – Warm, Chewy & Irresistibly Sweet

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The Allure of Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Picture walking into a bakery or mall food court: the warm, sweet scent of soft pretzels wafts through the air, instantly bringing a smile to your face. Now imagine recreating that experience in your own kitchen, filling your home with that same comforting aroma. There’s something inherently nostalgic about soft pretzels—the chewy, tender interior, the golden-brown crust, and the sweet sprinkle of cinnamon sugar that melts slightly on top.

These cinnamon sugar soft pretzels are the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. They transform a simple snack into an experience that evokes childhood memories, festive fairs, or cozy afternoons with a warm beverage. Unlike store-bought options, homemade pretzels offer complete control over flavor, sweetness, and texture. You can make them as a quick treat for yourself, a family snack, or a crowd-pleasing addition to parties.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step—from selecting the right ingredients and mastering the dough, to shaping, baking, and finishing with that iconic cinnamon sugar coating. Along the way, we’ll share tips and tricks to ensure each pretzel comes out soft, chewy, and perfectly golden. By the end, you’ll feel confident making these irresistible treats at home, ready to impress your family or friends with bakery-quality pretzels.

Why You’ll Love These Pretzels

CinnamOn sugar soft pretzels offer a sensory delight in every bite. Their texture is what makes them unforgettable: a soft, chewy interior balanced by a slightly crisp exterior that gives way to the tender dough inside.

The flavor is equally compelling. The sweet cinnamon sugar topping pairs perfectly with a hint of salt in the dough, creating a balance that’s neither too sweet nor too bland. The subtle buttery notes in the dough further enhance the overall taste, making each bite satisfyingly rich without being heavy.

These pretzels are versatile as well. They can serve as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea, a dessert with a drizzle of chocolate, or even a fun treat for gatherings and parties. Homemade pretzels allow you to control portions, sweetness, and toppings, offering a customizable experience that store-bought options simply can’t match.

Essential Ingredients & Their Roles

The key to perfect cinnamon sugar soft pretzels lies in using quality ingredients and understanding their roles.

Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure necessary for the dough to rise and hold its shape while remaining soft and chewy.

Yeast: Active dry yeast acts as the leavening agent, creating air pockets that give the pretzel its characteristic soft interior. Ensuring your yeast is fresh and properly activated is crucial for a successful rise.

Sugar: Granulated sugar feeds the yeast, helping it to ferment and create a light, airy dough. Brown sugar can also be added for a richer, slightly caramelized flavor in the dough.

Butter: Adds richness, tenderness, and flavor to the dough, ensuring that each pretzel is soft and slightly indulgent.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating: This classic topping combines cinnamon and sugar for the signature sweet crust. It’s applied after baking, often over melted butter, to help it adhere and create that irresistible glaze.

Baking Soda Bath: Dipping the shaped pretzels into a boiling baking soda solution before baking is what gives them their golden-brown color and slightly crisp exterior. This step is essential for achieving an authentic pretzel texture and appearance.

Optional additions like a pinch of salt in the topping or a light brush of egg wash can enhance flavor and shine, but the foundational ingredients above are all you need for a classic, crowd-pleasing result

Step-by-Step Preparation

Dough Mixing:

Begin by dissolving yeast in warm water (between 100°F and 110°F) with a pinch of sugar. Allow it to bloom until frothy, about 5–10 minutes. Mix in flour, remaining sugar, melted butter, and a small pinch of salt. Stir until a rough dough forms.

Kneading:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Proper kneading develops gluten, which is key for a chewy texture.

First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, usually 1–2 hours depending on room temperature.

Shaping:
Divide the dough into equal portions, then roll each into a long rope about 18 inches. Form each rope into a classic pretzel shape by making a U, crossing the ends, and pressing them onto the bottom of the U.

Baking Soda Bath:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda. Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling water for 20–30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Baking:
Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Coating:
Brush hot pretzels with melted butter immediately after baking, then generously sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. The warmth helps the topping stick, creating that signature sweet crust.

Tips for Perfect Pretzels

  • Water Temperature: Ensure the water for yeast activation is warm but not hot (100–110°F). Too hot will kill the yeast; too cold will slow fermentation.

  • Kneading: Don’t skip kneading—this develops the gluten network that gives the pretzel its chewy interior.

  • Baking Soda Bath: Essential for authentic color and texture. A shallow dip is sufficient; over-soaking can make pretzels too soft.

  • Serving: Best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore warmth and softness.

  • Customization: Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar or even a pinch of coarse salt for contrast. Drizzle chocolate or caramel for dessert-style pretzels.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels – Warm, Chewy & Irresistibly Sweet

Treat yourself with these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels! Soft, chewy pretzels are baked to golden perfection and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, making them the perfect snack, dessert, or party treat. Easy to make at home and loved by kids and adults alike, these pretzels are cozy, delicious, and utterly irresistible!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack, Treat
Cuisine American, Bakery-style, Homemade Snack
Servings 8 pretzels (or 16 mini bites)
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large pot (for baking soda bath)
  • Slotted spoon
  • Pastry brush

Ingredients
  

Dough:

  • 1 ½ cups warm water (100–110°F / 38–43°C)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp salt

Baking Soda Bath:

  • 4 cups water
  • 2–3 tbsp baking soda

Topping:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1–2 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional: coarse sea salt for savory variation

Instructions
 

  • Activate Yeast:
    Combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar in a bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  • Mix Dough:
    Add flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Stir until a rough dough forms.
  • Knead Dough:
    On a floured surface, knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • First Rise:
    Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
  • Shape Pretzels:
    Divide dough into 8 portions. Roll each into an 18-inch rope, form a U, cross ends, and press down to create classic pretzel shape.
  • Prepare Baking Soda Bath:
    Boil 4 cups water and add baking soda. Carefully dip each pretzel 20–30 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake:
    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake pretzels 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
  • Add Topping:
    Brush hot pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar. Optional: add coarse salt for a sweet-salty contrast.
  • Serve & Enjoy:
    Serve warm with dips like cream cheese frosting, chocolate sauce, or caramel.

Notes

  • Storage: Airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore softness.
  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked pretzels on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag; bake from frozen.
  • Whole Wheat Option: Replace up to half the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor.
  • Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter; omit egg if recipe calls for an egg wash.
  • Creative Twists: Add chocolate chips, pumpkin puree, or shape into mini bites for parties.
Keyword cinnamon sugar pretzels, easy pretzel recipe, homemade pretzels, soft pretzels, sweet pretzels