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Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe

4.9 from 59 reviews

Delight in these soft, fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels, featuring a slightly chewy texture and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfect as a comforting snack or breakfast treat, these homemade pretzels combine the classic tang of baking soda boiling with a sweet twist of cinnamon sugar, baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 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

Boiling Solution

  • 10 cups water
  • 1/4 cup baking soda

Topping

  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Pour 1 cup of warm water into a small bowl, sprinkle 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast over it, add 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and stir until dissolved. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt thoroughly.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour mixture, add 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and stir with a spoon or spatula just until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl covered with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
  6. Punch Down and Divide: Once risen, punch down the dough to remove air bubbles and divide into 8 equal portions.
  7. Shape Pretzels: Roll each portion into an approximately 18-inch long rope. Form a U-shape, twist the ends together, and fold them over the center to shape each pretzel.
  8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for baking.
  9. Prepare Boiling Solution: In a medium pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add 1/4 cup baking soda and stir until dissolved.
  10. Boil Pretzels: Carefully drop each pretzel one at a time into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds each to develop that distinctive pretzel crust.
  11. Drain and Place: Use a slotted spoon to remove boiled pretzels and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  12. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each pretzel generously with the beaten egg to create a shiny, golden finish when baked.
  13. Add Cinnamon Sugar: Mix together 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the pretzels while the egg wash is still wet to help it adhere.
  14. Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown color.
  15. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Make sure the water used to activate the yeast is warm but not hot (around 100-110°F) to ensure proper yeast activation.
  • Boiling in baking soda water is key to achieving the classic pretzel crust and flavor.
  • The cinnamon sugar topping is best applied while the egg wash is still wet so it adheres well during baking.
  • These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to regain softness.
  • Feel free to customize the sugar topping with a pinch of nutmeg or use coarse sugar for extra crunch.

Keywords: soft pretzels, cinnamon sugar pretzels, homemade pretzels, baked pretzels, sweet snack