Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Warm, fluffy, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are the ultimate homemade treat. These pretzels are everything you want in a sweet snack: golden on the outside, soft and chewy inside, and bursting with flavor in every bite. They’re a perfect mash-up of a classic soft pretzel and a sugary dessert, ideal for satisfying cravings or impressing guests at your next gathering.

Whether you’re making them for a weekend indulgence, a movie night snack, or a special occasion, these pretzels hit the spot. The dough is simple to prepare and requires just a bit of patience to rise and shape. Once baked to golden perfection, each pretzel is brushed with melted butter and rolled in a cinnamon-sugar blend, giving it that iconic sweet crunch on the outside with a tender middle. They’re even better when dipped in cream cheese glaze, chocolate sauce, or served with a side of warm caramel.

If you’ve ever had a mall-style cinnamon pretzel and wanted to recreate it at home, this recipe delivers all that nostalgic goodness—only fresher and better. With just a few pantry staples and easy steps, you’ll be enjoying bakery-style soft pretzels in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Sweet & Buttery Coating – The cinnamon sugar topping makes each bite irresistibly delicious.
2. Soft and Chewy Texture – Perfectly baked pretzels with a fluffy interior and golden crust.
3. Fun to Make – Twisting and shaping pretzels is a fun and rewarding baking activity.
4. Better Than Store-Bought – Fresher, softer, and made with real ingredients.
5. Customizable – Change up the toppings or serve with a variety of sweet dips.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Warm water
• Active dry yeast
• Sugar
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Unsalted butter
• Ground cinnamon
• Brown sugar or granulated sugar

Variations

• Filled Pretzels: Add a cream cheese or chocolate filling before shaping.
• Mini Pretzels: Make bite-sized versions for parties or snacking.
• Maple Cinnamon Glaze: Drizzle with a maple glaze instead of butter and sugar.
• Spiced Sugar Mix: Add nutmeg or cardamom to the sugar for extra depth.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with vanilla icing, caramel, or melted chocolate.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Mix with flour and salt until dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let It Rise

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

Step 3: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Soda Bath

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.

Step 4: Shape the Pretzels

Divide dough and roll into ropes. Shape into classic pretzel forms or any shape you like.

Step 5: Dip in Baking Soda Water

Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda bath for 15–30 seconds. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake

Bake pretzels for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 7: Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Brush warm pretzels with melted butter. Immediately roll in cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use warm (not hot) water to activate the yeast.
• Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it gives pretzels their classic chewy crust.
• Work on a floured surface to prevent sticking while shaping.
• Shape quickly but gently—overworking the dough can make it tough.
• Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with vanilla icing, cream cheese dip, or chocolate sauce.
• Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
• Serve alongside coffee, hot chocolate, or cold milk.
• Pair with brunch items like fruit and yogurt for a sweet balance.
• Wrap in wax paper and tie with twine for a homemade gift or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Freeze baked, uncoated pretzels. Reheat and add cinnamon sugar just before serving.

Reheating

Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds. Add fresh butter and cinnamon sugar after reheating if needed.

FAQs

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

Yes. Skip the proofing step and mix it directly with dry ingredients.

2. Why use a baking soda bath?

It gives pretzels their chewy crust and distinctive pretzel flavor.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate after the first rise and use within 24 hours.

4. What type of sugar works best for the coating?

Granulated sugar for crunch, or brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

5. How do I make them extra soft?

Don’t overbake—remove from the oven when just golden.

6. Can I skip the butter before the sugar coating?

No, butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds flavor.

7. What can I use if I don’t have parchment paper?

Use a lightly greased baking sheet instead.

8. Can kids help with this recipe?

Absolutely! Kids love shaping the dough and sprinkling sugar.

9. What’s the best way to reheat them?

Use the oven for best texture, or microwave for speed.

10. Are these pretzels vegan?

They can be—just use plant-based butter and check your sugar.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are the perfect blend of cozy comfort and bakery-style indulgence. With their sweet-spiced coating and tender interior, they’re a guaranteed hit for snack time, dessert, or special events. Fun to make and even more fun to eat, this recipe brings the joy of warm, freshly baked pretzels right to your kitchen. Once you try them, you’ll never look at store-bought pretzels the same way again.

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