Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe

This Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels recipe is perfect for those craving a warm, soft, and sweet treat. Made with a simple dough and topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating, these homemade pretzels are golden, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious. Ideal for snacking, desserts, or a fun family baking project, these soft pretzels are baked to perfection and perfect for sharing. With easy-to-find ingredients and step-by-step instructions, this soft pretzel recipe is sure to become a favorite. Perfect for any occasion, from movie nights to holiday gatherings, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a perfect blend of warm, fluffy dough and a sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating. With a soft, chewy texture and a golden-brown exterior, these pretzels are ideal for snacking or as a special treat. Perfectly baked and finished with a buttered cinnamon-sugar topping, they are sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and comforting.

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Ingredients

For the Pretzels:

• 2 cups warm milk (or non-dairy alternative)
• 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (more or less as needed)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• ⅓ cup baking soda
• 4 cups boiling water
• 4 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
• ¾ cup sugar
• 4 teaspoons cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
   Add the brown sugar, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture, then gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
   The dough will be slightly sticky; this is normal. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets:
   Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
3. Shape the Pretzels:
   Once the dough has risen, divide it into 12-16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, skinny rope, then shape it into a traditional pretzel form by looping it around itself and twisting the ends.
4. Boil the Pretzels:
   Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, add the baking soda and stir until dissolved.
   Dip each pretzel into the boiling soda mixture for 20 seconds, using a slotted spoon to avoid over-soaking. Remove and place the pretzels onto the prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake:
   Bake the pretzels for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have a delicious aroma.
6. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
   While the pretzels are baking, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
   Once the pretzels are out of the oven, immediately brush them with melted butter, then dip or sprinkle them generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
   Serve while warm for the best flavor and texture!

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Tips 🛠️

• Let Dough Rise: Be patient and allow the dough to rise fully to ensure the pretzels are soft and fluffy.
• Don’t Over-boil: Keep the pretzels in the baking soda solution for exactly 20 seconds to avoid a metallic taste.
• Flour Adjustments: If the dough is too sticky to handle, add flour in small increments until you can form the dough into ropes.

Variations and Substitutions 🔄

• Flavored Toppings: Try adding pumpkin pie spice or apple cinnamon in place of traditional cinnamon-sugar for a seasonal twist.
• Non-Dairy Option: Use a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk, and opt for vegan butter if you prefer a dairy-free version.
• Pretzel Style: You can also shape the dough into pretzel bites instead of full-sized pretzels for a fun and bite-sized version of this treat.

FAQs ❓

Q: Can I freeze these pretzels?
A: Yes! After shaping and boiling the pretzels, freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just cook from frozen at 450°F for 10-12 minutes.

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes! If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and directly mix it into the dry ingredients.

Q: What if my dough doesn’t rise?
A: Ensure that your yeast is fresh and that the milk isn’t too hot (it should be around 110°F). If the dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or a cold environment.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

• Enjoy these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels on their own or pair them with a sweet dipping sauce like caramel, chocolate, or cream cheese frosting.
• Serve as a snack during a movie night or as part of a brunch spread alongside fruit and other baked goods.
• These pretzels are also great for holiday gatherings, kids’ parties, or as an after-school treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💖

• Perfectly Sweet: The cinnamon-sugar coating adds just the right amount of sweetness to the soft, warm pretzel dough.
• Fun to Make: Shaping the pretzels is a fun activity for kids and adults alike, making it a great family-friendly recipe.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few simple pantry staples, you can make delicious homemade pretzels in no time.
• Versatile: These pretzels can be enjoyed at any time of day, from breakfast to dessert, or as an afternoon snack.

Enjoy your freshly baked Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels, and treat yourself to the comforting flavor of homemade goodness! 🥨✨