Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe

There's something magical about biting into warm cinnamon sugar soft pretzels fresh from the oven. The golden-brown exterior gives way to a pillowy-soft interior, all wrapped in a sweet cinnamon hug that makes your kitchen smell like heaven. I've been making these cinnamon sugar soft pretzels for years, and they never fail to disappear within minutes; whether it's game day, a cozy movie night, or just because Tuesday needs a little sweetness.

These homemade cinnamon sugar soft pretzels are easier than you think, and honestly, they taste better than anything you'd find at the mall. With just a handful of simple ingredients and about 45 minutes, you'll have a batch of buttery, chewy cinnamon sugar soft pretzels that'll make you the hero of any gathering. Trust me, once you master this cinnamon sugar soft pretzels recipe, store-bought versions just won't cut it anymore.

Background & Why This Cinnamon Delight Stands Out

What makes these cinnamon sugar soft pretzels truly special is the combination of texture and flavor that hits all the right notes. Unlike traditional salted pretzels, this sweet version transforms a classic snack into a dessert-worthy treat that works any time of day. The secret lies in the baking soda bath that gives these cinnamon sugar soft pretzels their distinctive chewy exterior and deep golden color, while the yeast dough creates that signature fluffy, tender crumb inside.

I fell in love with cinnamon sugar soft pretzels during a fall festival years ago, and I've been perfecting this recipe ever since. What sets this version apart is the generous butter coating and the perfect ratio of cinnamon to sugar that creates an irresistible sweet crust. These cinnamon sugar soft pretzels pair beautifully with cream cheese dip, hot chocolate, or apple cider, making them the ultimate comfort food for cooler months. They're also incredibly versatile; you can shape them into traditional twists, bite-sized nuggets, or even pretzel sticks for dipping.

Jump to:

• Background & Why This Cinnamon Delight Stands Out
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Expert Cooking Tips
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
• FAQ
• Why These Pretzels Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Collection
• Related
• Pairing
• Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Dough

• Warm water (110°F)
• Active dry yeast (1 packet)
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• All-purpose flour
• Unsalted butter, melted

For the Baking Soda Bath

• Water
• Baking soda

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• Unsalted butter, melted
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Substitution note: For a richer flavor, swap regular butter with brown butter. If you're avoiding dairy, coconut oil works well in place of butter, though the flavor will be slightly different.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Dough

1. Pour the warm water into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast over top.
2. Add the sugar and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy; this means your yeast is active and ready.
3. Stir in the salt and melted butter until combined.
4. Add the flour one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
5. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic; it should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape Your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
3. Roll each piece into a long rope about 20-22 inches in length on a lightly floured surface.
4. Form the classic pretzel shape by creating a U-shape, crossing the ends over each other twice, then pressing them down onto the bottom curve.
5. Alternatively, cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces for cinnamon sugar pretzel bites that are perfect for snacking.

Step 3: Give Them the Baking Soda Bath

1. Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot and carefully add the baking soda; it will bubble up vigorously.
2. Gently lower 2-3 pretzels at a time into the boiling water using a slotted spoon.
3. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, flipping halfway through to ensure even coverage.
4. Remove the pretzels with the slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
5. This baking soda bath is what gives your homemade cinnamon sugar soft pretzels that distinctive chewy texture and beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes until they're deep golden brown.
2. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes; you want a rich color but not burnt edges.
3. Remove from the oven and immediately brush each pretzel generously with melted butter while they're still hot.
4. The butter helps the cinnamon sugar coating stick and adds incredible flavor.

Expert Cooking Tips

Making perfect cinnamon sugar soft pretzels takes a bit of practice, but these professional tips will help you nail it every time.

• Master the Water Temperature: Your water needs to be between 105-110°F for the yeast to activate properly. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate. I use an instant-read thermometer to be sure, but if you don't have one, the water should feel warm to the touch, like a comfortable bath.
• Don't Skip the Rising Time: Patience is key when working with yeast dough. That 30-minute rise develops the gluten structure that gives these soft pretzels their signature chewy-yet-tender texture. If your kitchen is cold, place the bowl in a slightly warm oven (turn it on for just 1 minute, then turn it off) to create the perfect rising environment.
• Work Quickly with the Baking Soda Bath: The boiling water with baking soda creates that iconic pretzel exterior, but you need to work efficiently. Have your baking sheets ready and lined before you start boiling. The 30-second bath time is crucial; any longer and the pretzels can become too chewy.
• Brush Butter Immediately: The moment those pretzels come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter. The heat opens up the surface, allowing the butter to soak in slightly before you add the cinnamon sugar. This creates layers of flavor and ensures the coating sticks beautifully.
• Create Even Ropes: When rolling out your dough, apply even pressure from the center outward. This ensures your pretzel ropes are uniform in thickness, which means even cooking. If one end is thicker than the other, it'll bake unevenly.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

These cinnamon sugar soft pretzels are wonderfully adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs.

Sweet Variations: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle warm pretzels with cream cheese icing or vanilla glaze. You can also add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to your cinnamon sugar mixture for a more complex flavor profile. Want something really special? Stuff the pretzels with cinnamon chips or chocolate chips before shaping them.

Savory Twist: If you're craving the traditional flavor, skip the cinnamon sugar coating and brush with melted butter before sprinkling with coarse sea salt. You can also add everything bagel seasoning or garlic parmesan for a different take on homemade soft pretzels.

Dietary Adaptations:

• Whole Wheat Version: Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for more fiber and a nuttier flavor.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter or coconut oil and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
• Sugar Alternatives: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness in the coating.

Shape Options: Beyond the classic twist, try making pretzel sticks for easier dipping, pretzel bites for parties, or even pretzel rolls for sandwiches. Each shape bakes in slightly different times, so watch them closely.

Equipment Recommendations

Having the right tools makes preparing these cinnamon sugar soft pretzels much easier and more enjoyable.

• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: While you can knead by hand, a stand mixer saves time and energy, ensuring your dough develops the perfect texture without overworking it.
• Large Stockpot: You need a pot big enough to comfortably fit several pretzels for the baking soda bath without crowding.
• Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: Essential for safely lowering pretzels into boiling water and removing them without breaking their shape.
• Instant-Read Thermometer: Takes the guesswork out of water temperature for activating yeast.
• Silicone Pastry Brush: Perfect for applying that generous butter coating evenly across each warm pretzel.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze; these buttery treats can stick to bare baking sheets.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Proper storage keeps your cinnamon sugar soft pretzels fresh and delicious for days, though they rarely last that long in my house!

• Room Temperature Storage: Store cooled pretzels in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. They'll lose some of their initial softness, but they're still delicious. Before serving, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh the texture.
• Refrigeration: If you live in a humid climate, refrigerate the pretzels in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature or warm them briefly before eating for the best texture and flavor.
• Freezing Instructions: These pretzels freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. Freeze them after baking but before adding the butter and cinnamon sugar coating. Place cooled pretzels on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature, warm in the oven, then brush with butter and coat with cinnamon sugar for that fresh-baked taste.
• Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it after the first rise. The next day, let it come to room temperature for 20 minutes, then proceed with shaping and baking. The cold fermentation actually develops more complex flavors in your soft pretzels.
• Reheating Best Practices: Never microwave these pretzels; it makes them tough. Instead, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. For extra freshness, brush with a little melted butter before reheating.

FAQ

Why These Pretzels Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Collection

These cinnamon sugar soft pretzels represent everything I love about homemade baking; they're surprisingly simple yet impressively delicious, perfect for sharing but tempting to keep all to yourself. The combination of that chewy exterior, fluffy interior, and sweet cinnamon coating creates a snack that works for breakfast, dessert, or anytime in between. Once you've experienced the joy of pulling warm, buttery cinnamon sugar soft pretzels from your own oven, there's no going back to store-bought versions.

If you loved these sweet, comforting treats, you'll definitely want to try my Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake Recipe for another cozy baked good that celebrates cinnamon's warming flavor. And for those who can't get enough cinnamon sweetness, my Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe combines two beloved treats into one irresistible bite. These cinnamon sugar soft pretzels are just the beginning of your sweet pretzel adventure; make them once, and they'll become a regular request in your household!

With love from my kitchen to yours,
Aubrey James

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this cinnamon sugar soft pretzels recipe: