Heavenly Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe

Best Heavenly Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Warm, pillowy soft pretzels dusted with cinnamon sugar create a delightful treat that melts in your mouth.

These golden-brown twists combine classic bakery charm with a sweet twist that beckons you closer.

Homemade pretzels infused with cinnamon sugar deliver comfort straight from your kitchen.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of soft dough and caramelized sweetness that dances across your palate.

The aroma of freshly baked pretzels will fill your home with warmth and nostalgia.

Simple ingredients transform into an irresistible snack that connects generations through shared culinary joy.

Prepare to indulge in a bakery-style experience that turns an ordinary afternoon into a delectable celebration.

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

  • Activate the Yeast

Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit and bubble up, creating a frothy base for your pretzels.

  • Create the Dough

Mix in salt, melted butter, and flour, blending slowly until a soft, pliable dough emerges. Don’t overmix – keep the texture light and tender.

  • Knead and Shape

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently work the dough with your hands, stretching and folding until it becomes smooth and elastic.

  • Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a cozy spot. Watch as it expands and becomes puffy and light.

  • Prepare for Baking

Roll out the dough and twist into classic pretzel shapes. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar for a sweet, crispy coating.

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the pretzels into a preheated oven. Bake until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible warm, sweet aroma.

  • Cool and Enjoy

Let the pretzels rest for a few minutes after baking. Grab a warm pretzel, take a bite, and savor the delightful blend of soft dough and sweet cinnamon sugar.

Sweet Toppings and Glazes for Pretzels

  • Ensure water is lukewarm (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it, which helps create a soft, fluffy pretzel texture.
  • Prepare dough in advance and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor development and more convenient baking.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining similar pretzel consistency.
  • Experiment with adding herbs like rosemary or garlic powder to the dough for savory variations, or sprinkle different spices into the cinnamon sugar coating for unique taste profiles.
  • Store pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to 2 weeks – just reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked warmth and crispness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 406 kcal

Servings: 12

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Ingredient Breakdown

For Dough Activation:
  • Warm Water: Kickstarts yeast growth and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Essential living microorganism that makes pretzels rise and develop delightful texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps create golden, slightly sweet undertones.
For Dough Structure and Flavor:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides foundational structure and soft, tender pretzel consistency.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the dough.
  • Unsalted Butter (Melted): Adds richness, moisture, and creates tender pretzel crumb.
For Finishing and Coating:
  • Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that brings cozy, comforting flavor to pretzels.
  • Granulated Sugar (For Topping): Creates delectable sweet crust and caramelizes slightly when baked.

Tools for Twisting Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and mixing dough.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending water, yeast, and sugar smoothly.
  • Measuring cups: Crucial for accurate flour and water measurements.
  • Measuring spoons: Needed for precise salt and sugar quantities.
  • Floured surface: Clean countertop or cutting board for kneading dough.
  • Baking sheet: Used for shaping and baking pretzels.
  • Pastry brush: Great for applying egg wash or melted butter.
  • Rolling pin (optional): Helps shape dough into even strands.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents pretzels from sticking to baking sheet.

Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels for a Cozy Snack

  • Pretzel Party Platter: Arrange the warm, golden pretzels on a rustic wooden board with small dipping bowls filled with cream cheese, chocolate sauce, or caramel for a stunning presentation that invites guests to dig in.
  • Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair these cinnamon sugar pretzels with a steaming mug of morning coffee or hot chocolate, creating a delightful breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug.
  • Dessert Twist Delight: Serve these pretzels alongside vanilla ice cream or as a crunchy topping for puddings and parfaits, adding a sweet and textural surprise to your dessert course.
  • Movie Night Snack: Break pretzels into bite-sized pieces and package in cute paper bags for a homemade cinema snack that beats store-bought treats every time.

Store Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels to Stay Fluffy

  • Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap to maintain softness and prevent them from drying out.
  • Freeze cooled pretzels in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Before serving, thaw at room temperature and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their delightful texture.
  • Warm pretzels in the oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to bring back their original softness and crisp exterior. Avoid using the microwave, which can make them tough and chewy.
  • Prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. After the first rise, cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
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Heavenly Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe

Heavenly Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe


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4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade cinnamon sugar soft pretzels deliver warm, golden comfort straight from German bakery traditions. Sweet, twisty dough promises delightful moments of pure indulgence you can easily create in your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 cups water
  • ½ cup baking soda
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Yeast Activation: Whisk warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes frothy and aromatic, signaling the yeast’s awakening.
  2. Dough Formation: Incorporate salt, melted butter, and flour gradually, mixing until a cohesive, soft dough emerges, developing a smooth, pliable texture.
  3. Kneading Ritual: Transfer the dough to a lightly dusted surface, working it with rhythmic motions until it transforms into a silky, elastic mass that springs back when touched.
  4. Proofing Phase: Nestle the dough in a generously greased bowl, drape with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rest in a draft-free, warm sanctuary, expanding and developing flavor until it doubles in volume.
  5. Shaping Technique: Divide the pillowy dough into portions, rolling each into a lengthy rope, then artfully twist into classic pretzel contours, ensuring even thickness and graceful curves.
  6. Alkaline Bath: Submerge each shaped pretzel briefly in a bubbling water and baking soda solution, which will contribute to the signature golden-brown exterior and distinctive flavor profile.
  7. Finishing Touch: Brush the pretzels with beaten egg, then lavishly sprinkle with a decadent mixture of cinnamon and sugar, ensuring complete coverage for maximum aromatic sweetness.
  8. Baking Transformation: Slide the prepared pretzels into a preheated oven at 425°F, baking until they achieve a rich, mahogany-brown hue and emit an irresistible, spiced aroma.
  9. Cooling and Serving: Transfer the freshly baked pretzels to a wire rack, allowing them to cool slightly and set, then serve warm for optimal texture and flavor enjoyment.

Notes

  • Ensure water temperature is between 110-115°F to properly activate yeast without killing it; lukewarm water helps create perfect foam.
  • Knead just until smooth to prevent tough pretzels; overworking develops excess gluten which makes pretzels chewy instead of soft.
  • Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot around 80-85°F for optimal rising; cover with damp cloth to prevent surface from drying out.
  • Toast ground cinnamon briefly before mixing with sugar to intensify its aromatic qualities and create deeper, richer taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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