why make this recipe
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a delightful treat that blends the warm, chewy texture of soft pretzels with the sweet and comforting flavor of cinnamon sugar. These pretzels are perfect for snacking, sharing, or even as a fun activity to make with friends and family. Their sweet exterior balances wonderfully with the soft dough inside, making them an irresistible snack that will brighten anyone’s day.
how to make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Ingredients:
- 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
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions:
- To begin, pour 1 cup of warm water into a small bowl.
- Sprinkle 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the warm water.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar until dissolved.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and become foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture.
- Add 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to the bowl.
- Stir everything together with a spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a damp towel.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a long rope, about 18 inches in length.
- Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a U-shape, twisting the ends, and folding them over the center.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium-sized pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil.
- Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the boiling water and stir to dissolve.
- One at a time, carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water, letting them cook for about 30 seconds each.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzels from the water, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg to give them a glossy finish.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the pretzels while they are still wet from the egg wash.
- Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Allow the pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
how to serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Enjoy these pretzels while they are warm. They are delicious on their own but can also be served with a side of icing or melted chocolate for dipping. Pair them with a warm drink like hot chocolate or coffee for a tasty snack.
how to store Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh but can stay good for about 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven for a few minutes until warm.
tips to make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
- Ensure your water is just warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading is essential for getting the right texture, so don’t skip that step!
- Experiment with different toppings like coarse salt or even melted cheese instead of cinnamon sugar.
variation (if any)
For a twist, you can add chocolate chips to the dough or sprinkle nuts over the pretzels before baking. You could also try a savory version with garlic and cheese for a different taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels?
A: Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
A: You can use instant yeast instead, using the same amount. It will work just fine.
Q: How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
A: The dough should have doubled in size and feel soft to the touch. You can gently poke it; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready.
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Ingredients
For the pretzel dough
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast Ensure it is fresh
- 1 cup warm water Should be warm, not hot
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar For yeast activation
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For boiling and topping
- 0.25 cup baking soda Added to boiling water
- 1 large egg, beaten For egg wash
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation
- Pour 1 cup of warm water into a small bowl.
- Sprinkle 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the warm water.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar until dissolved.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and become foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture.
- Add 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to the bowl.
- Stir everything together with a spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a damp towel.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Forming Pretzels
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a long rope, about 18 inches in length.
- Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a U-shape, twisting the ends, and folding them over the center.
Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium-sized pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil.
- Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the boiling water and stir to dissolve.
- One at a time, carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water, letting them cook for about 30 seconds each.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzels from the water, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg to give them a glossy finish.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the pretzels while they are still wet from the egg wash.
- Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Allow the pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.