The Ultimate Soft Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels A Homemade Treat That Beats the Bakery

Ultimate Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:8-10 medium-sized pretzels

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
• 1 ¼ cups Warm Water (105°F–115°F)
• 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (for dough)
• 3 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher Salt
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 8 cups Water (for boiling bath)
• ½ cup Baking Soda (for boiling bath)
• ½ cup Unsalted Butter, melted (for coating)
• ¾ cup Granulated Sugar (for coating)
• 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon

Instructions:

• Activate the Yeast: Combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the dough sugar. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
• Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and remaining dough sugar. Pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
• Knead & Rise: Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (approx. 1–1.5 hours).
• Prepare for Shaping: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Gently deflate the dough and divide it into 8–10 equal pieces.
• Shape the Pretzels: Roll each piece into a long rope (about 24 inches). Twist the rope into the classic pretzel shape (a U-shape, cross the ends twice, and twist them over the top).
• Prepare the Bath: Bring the 8 cups of water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot.
• The Boiling Step: Gently drop 1–2 pretzels at a time into the boiling water. Boil for exactly 30 seconds per side. Remove immediately with a slotted spoon, letting excess water drip off.
• Bake: Place the boiled pretzels on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12–15 minutes until deep golden brown.
• Create the Coating: While pretzels bake, whisk together the coating sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Melt the ½ cup of butter in a small bowl.
• Coat and Serve: Working quickly while the pretzels are hot, brush generously with melted butter, then immediately dredge or roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until completely coated. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:441 kcal

Protein:7.4 g

Fat:21.8 g

Carbs:59.1 g

Fiber:10.8 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:213 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Dessert, Snack

Cuisine:American

Unlocking the Secret to Fairground-Worthy Soft Pretzels at Home

There is a certain magic to the smell of freshly baked soft pretzels—that deep, wheaty aroma mingling with sweet spice that instantly transports you to boardwalks and bustling fairgrounds. While the classic salted variety holds a special place in our hearts, sometimes only a sweet treat will do. Today, we are diving deep into perfecting Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels , transforming simple pantry staples into an extraordinary, chewy indulgence. This Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels Recipe is designed not just to follow instructions, but to understand the science behind achieving that coveted texture and flavor profile. Forget those dry, pre-packaged knock-offs; we are aiming for authentic, soft, and beautifully twisted pretzels, blanketed in a fragrant, buttery crust.

Why These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels Redefine Comfort Baking

Making pretzels from scratch, especially these sweet versions, is often categorized as a "Medium" difficulty bake. This isn't due to overly complex ingredients, but rather the dual process required: mastering the dough’s rise and handling, and correctly executing the crucial boiling step. This recipe, yielding about 8 to 10 medium-sized twists, requires about 30 minutes of active preparation, though you must account for about 1.5 to 2 hours of rising time, bringing the total creation window close to three hours. It’s comfort food in a twist, perfect for movie nights or when a truly satisfying sweet craving strikes.

The Perfect Chew: Balancing Interior Softness and Exterior Crisp

The hallmark of a fantastic pretzel, whether savory or sweet, lies in its texture contrast. We want an interior that is pillowy soft and wonderfully yielding, contrasting sharply with an exterior that offers a satisfying, slight snap. This balance is achieved through three key elements we will explore: proper yeast activation, sufficient gluten development during kneading, and the swift, high-alkaline bath that sets the crust before the oven even gets involved.

A Nostalgic Journey: Capturing the Aroma of Sweet Spiced Dough

What elevates these treats beyond a standard sweet bread is that intoxicating aroma. Our Sweet Pretzel Recipe focuses heavily on the topping, but the base dough must be robust enough to carry it. By incorporating a modest amount of sugar directly into the dough—2 tablespoons—we ensure the yeast thrives, leading to a tender crumb structure that readily absorbs the subsequent buttery glaze. This foundation ensures that even the center of your Cinnamon Pretzels sings with flavor.

Beyond the Standard Salt: Embracing Sweetness in Pretzel Crafting

While traditionalists might balk, embracing sweetness allows the inherent, slightly malty flavour of the boiled dough to truly shine. Instead of relying on coarse salt, our Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels Sticks or full twists are finished with a generous dusting of cinnamon and sugar adhered by melted butter. This shift transforms the pretzel from a snack or accompaniment into the main event—a truly decadent and easy homemade treat perfect for any occasion.

Essential Components for Superior Dough Structure

To begin crafting these delectable Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels , we must first attend to our dough. The core ingredients are simple: 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast, 1 ¼ cups of warm water (ideally between 105° F and 115° F), 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of kosher salt, and 4 tablespoons of melted, slightly cooled unsalted butter.

The success hinges on step one: activating the yeast. You must combine the yeast with the warm water and one tablespoon of the sugar. Wait 5 to 10 minutes. If the mixture becomes foamy and active, your yeast is alive and ready to lift your dough beautifully. If it remains flat, discard and start that step over—happy yeast makes happy pretzels.

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Crafting the Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Coating

The finishing touch is what truly defines these Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels Bites or larger shapes. While the dough bakes, prepare for the flavorful embrace. You will need ½ cup (113g) of melted unsalted butter for coating, and for the dry mix, ¾ cup of granulated sugar combined with 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon.

The Wet and Dry Mix: What You Need for the Dough

As detailed above, the dough relies on basic pantry staples, but the ratios are calibrated for chewiness. The 4 tablespoons of melted butter not only add richness but also contribute to a softer final texture. After the yeast is active, you whisk together the dry components—flour, salt, and the remaining sugar—before incorporating the wet ingredients. A stand mixer with a dough hook is ideal here, but careful hand kneading for about 7 minutes works just as well, ensuring the dough achieves that smooth, elastic consistency necessary for good shaping later.

The Crucial Lye Alternative: Achieving That Signature Pretzel Hue

For those familiar with authentic German pretzels, the dark, glossy crust comes from a lye bath. However, lye is hazardous and not suitable for standard home kitchens. Our crucial substitute, essential for both texture and colour, is a powerful baking soda solution. For the boiling bath, you will need 8 cups of water combined with a generous ½ cup (100g) of baking soda. This alkaline solution rapidly gelatinizes the starches on the dough’s surface during the brief boil, setting the exterior and guaranteeing that signature deep golden-brown hue upon baking.

Measuring Matters: Tools for Precision in Your Pretzel Kitchen

When dealing with yeast and precise chemical reactions like the baking soda bath, precision matters. While eyeball measuring works for some recipes, here we recommend using standard measuring cups and spoons for the dough ingredients. For the boiling bath, ensure your pot is large enough to comfortably accommodate one or two pretzels at a time without overcrowding or losing the rolling boil. A digital scale is always a bonus for weighing flour accurately, promoting consistency across batches of your Cinnamon Pretzels .

Step-by-Step Guide to Shaping and Setting Your Pretzels

Once the dough has doubled in size—which usually takes around an hour to an hour and a half in a warm spot—it’s time for shaping. Gently deflate the dough and divide it into 8 to 10 equal portions. This is where the fun begins.

Mastering the Yeast Activation and Dough Kneading Process

We already touched on activating the yeast; remember, that bubbly head confirms viability. Following activation, you knead the dough for about 7 minutes until it transitions from shaggy to smooth and springs back slightly when poked. This builds the gluten network needed to hold the shape without tearing when boiled. Once kneaded, cover it and let it rest until truly doubled.

The Art of the Twist: Rolling and Shaping Perfect Pretzel Forms

Take one portion of dough and roll it out into a long rope, aiming for about 24 inches in length. This length is necessary to achieve the characteristic loop of a standard pretzel. To form the twist: create a U-shape with the rope. Cross the two ends over each other twice, then bring the top end down and press it firmly onto the bottom curve of the U. The key to great Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels Sticks or twists is ensuring the ends adhere well to the base so they don't unravel during the bath.

The Quick Bath: Why Baking Soda Solution Makes All the Difference

This step cannot be rushed. Preheat your oven to 425° F ( 220° C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring your water and baking soda mixture to a rolling boil. Carefully lower only one or two shaped pretzels into the bath at a time. They must boil for exactly 30 seconds per side. Any longer, and the texture suffers; any shorter, and you won't get the characteristic color. Remove them immediately using a slotted spoon, allowing excess water to drip off before placing them on the prepared sheets.

Finishing Your Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels for Maximum Flavor Adhesion

While the pretzels are baking for 12 to 15 minutes until they achieve a deep golden-brown color, whisk your cinnamon and sugar together in a shallow dish. Have your ½ cup of butter fully melted nearby. The coating must happen immediately upon exiting the oven while the pretzels are still piping hot. Brush them liberally with the melted butter, then quickly dredge or roll them entirely in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The heat ensures the butter adheres perfectly, locking in that sweet spice.

Troubleshooting Common Baking Hurdles

If your Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels don't turn out quite right, don't fret; most issues are easily resolved. If your dough doesn't rise, the water was likely too hot for the yeast, or the yeast was old. If the pretzels look pale and grey after boiling, you likely under-boiled them, or you used too little baking soda in the bath. If the pretzels taste overly yeasty, you may have needed to knead slightly longer to fully develop the gluten structure.

Creative Twists on the Classic Sweet Snack

Once you’ve mastered the basic technique for these Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels Sticks , the world of sweet pretzels opens up!

Storing Leftovers: Keeping Your Pretzels Fresh and Pliable

These are best eaten the day they are made, ideally within an hour of cooling slightly after coating. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To revive them, lightly mist with water and warm them in a 300° F oven for about 5 minutes—this re-steams the interior, restoring some of that initial soft chewiness.

Scaling Up: Batch Cooking Tips for Large Gatherings

When making a large batch, timing is everything. Prepare the dough in advance and let it cold-proof in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours after the initial rise; this actually deepens the flavor. When ready to cook, bring the dough to room temperature first. However, do not try to boil more than two pretzels at once, as this drops the water temperature too significantly, negatively impacting the crust formation.

Elevating the Spice Mix: Incorporating Notes of Nutmeg or Cardamom

To take your topping to the next level, move beyond just cinnamon. Try adding ¼ teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg or a pinch of finely ground cardamom to your sugar mixture. These warm spices blend beautifully with the butter coating, adding complexity to the Cinnamon Pretzels flavor profile without overpowering the classic taste.

Pairing Suggestions: What Goes Best with Warm Cinnamon Bites?

These sweet bites deserve an equally comforting partner. While a strong coffee is always excellent, consider serving them alongside a bowl of lightly sweetened, slightly tangy vanilla cream cheese dip. The tanginess cuts through the richness of the butter and sugar coating beautifully, creating a perfectly balanced bite every time.