Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

$To make cinnamon sugar soft pretzels, gather these ingredients: - 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast - 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C) - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - Baking soda (for boiling) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon These simple ingredients create a delightful treat. Each one plays a key role in making the pretzels soft and sweet. You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. It saves time and works well. - Try whole wheat flour for a healthier option. It adds a nice flavor. - Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. - Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper taste. Always keep in mind that these changes may alter the taste and texture slightly. Make sure you have these tools on hand: - Mixing bowls - Measuring cups and spoons - A large pot for boiling - Slotted spoon for removing pretzels - Baking sheets lined with parchment paper - Rolling pin for shaping the dough Having the right tools makes the process smooth and fun. You’ll enjoy making these soft pretzels even more! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast with 1 cup of warm water. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the yeast mixture. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This step makes the yeast foam, showing it is active. In another bowl, mix 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. Pour in the yeast mix and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until it forms a dough. Knead this dough for 5 to 7 minutes on a floured surface. You want it to be smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. Watch it double in size. Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 24 inches long. Now, twist the rope into a pretzel shape. Make sure to press the ends well so they don’t come apart. Place each shaped pretzel on the prepared baking sheets. In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a gentle boil. Add ½ cup of baking soda to the water. This step helps create that nice crust. Drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to take them out. Place them back on the baking sheets. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Brush each pretzel with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until they turn golden brown. Enjoy your warm, sweet treats! To get soft pretzels just right, start with good dough. Knead the dough until smooth. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it sticks to your hands, add a little flour. After rising, the dough must double in size. This step gives the pretzels their light, fluffy texture. Measuring flour right is key. Use a spoon to fluff up the flour in the bag. Then, scoop it into your measuring cup. Do not pack it down; this can cause too much flour. Level the top with a knife for the perfect amount. This small step helps to keep your pretzels soft and chewy. While cinnamon sugar is the star, you can try other toppings. Sea salt gives a nice salty kick. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese for a savory twist. For dips, melted chocolate is a sweet option. Cream cheese dip adds a rich flavor too. Experimenting with toppings can make each batch unique and fun. Pro Tips Yeast Activation: Ensure your water is warm but not hot to the touch. Too high a temperature can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising. Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic; this develops the gluten, giving the pretzels their chewy texture. Boiling Solution: Adding baking soda to the boiling water gives the pretzels their characteristic golden brown color and distinct flavor. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: For an extra sweet touch, give the pretzels a generous coating of the cinnamon sugar mixture while they're still warm. {{image_2}} You can add cheesy goodness to your cinnamon pretzels. Use a soft cheese like cream cheese. After shaping the dough, place a small dollop of cheese inside each pretzel. Seal the dough well so the cheese does not leak out. This adds a fun twist and pairs well with the cinnamon sugar. The mix of sweet and savory will surprise your taste buds. Serve these with a side of warm cheese dip for extra flavor. If you love chocolate, try chocolate-covered pretzels. After baking and brushing your pretzels with butter, dip them in melted chocolate. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate based on your taste. Let the chocolate harden on a wire rack. This sweet treat is perfect for special occasions or a movie night. Enjoy the rich chocolate with the soft texture of the pretzel. You can sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top for a nice touch. You can also make gluten-free cinnamon sugar pretzels. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with texture. Follow the same steps for mixing and shaping the dough. These pretzels can taste just as good and satisfy those who avoid gluten. Serve them warm for the best experience. You won’t miss the gluten with this delicious version. To keep your soft pretzels fresh, store them in a cool, dry place. Use a plastic bag or an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and tasty. Make sure they are completely cool before storing. If you leave them out too long, they may become hard. Freezing is a great way to save pretzels. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each pretzel in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, just thaw in the fridge overnight. To enjoy warm pretzels, reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pretzels on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5 to 10 minutes. You can brush them with a bit of melted butter for extra flavor. Avoid using the microwave, as this can make them tough. Enjoy your warm, soft pretzels again! Yes, you can use instant yeast. Instant yeast works faster than active dry yeast. You can skip the proofing step with instant yeast. Just mix it right into the dry ingredients. Use the same amount as active dry yeast. This change saves time and gives you soft pretzels quickly. Cinnamon sugar soft pretzels last for about two days at room temperature. You can store them in an airtight container. For longer life, freeze them for up to three months. Just reheat them in the oven to enjoy again. This keeps them soft and tasty. Cinnamon sugar soft pretzels pair well with many dips. Melted chocolate is a sweet treat. Cream cheese dip adds a smooth touch. You can also try caramel sauce for a sweet twist. Each dip adds a fun flavor to your pretzel experience. You learned about making delicious soft pretzels from scratch. We covered important ingredients, handy tools, and easy step-by-step instructions. Remember to follow the tips for great texture and explore fun variations like cheesy or chocolate-covered options. Store your pretzels well and reheat them for the best taste. With these tips, you can impress anyone with your baking skills. Enjoy your tasty pretzels, and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!$

Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Delicious soft pretzels coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for a sweet snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1 30

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
to taste none Baking soda (for boiling)
0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
0.5 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and 2 tablespoons of sugar in the warm water. Let it stand for about 5 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter and the yeast mixture to the flour. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large pot, bring about 6 cups of water to a gentle boil and add 1/2 cup of baking soda.
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 24 inches long and form a pretzel shape.
Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon. Brush each pretzel with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Notes

Serve warm on a wooden board, dusted with extra cinnamon sugar, and accompanied by a small bowl of melted chocolate or cream cheese dip for added indulgence.

Keyword baked goods, cinnamon, pretzels, snack