Name: Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
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

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This Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe is one of those cozy little treats that instantly takes you back to simpler days — like afternoons spent snuggled on the couch with a warm snack or fairs where the aroma of fresh pretzels fills the air. The dough is pillowy soft with just the right amount of chew, edged with a perfectly cinnamon-sugar-coated crust that’s sweet without overpowering. You’ll find these pretzels wonderfully comforting and super fun to make, especially if you enjoy a bit of hands-on baking.

What makes this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe truly worth trying is how approachable it is — no fancy equipment, just simple ingredients coming together to create a mouthwatering treat. They’re fantastic for breakfast, afternoon tea, or whenever you need a little homemade indulgence. Honestly, once you try making these at home, you might never look at pretzels the same way again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe has a role in achieving that perfect soft texture and that wonderful cinnamon sugar flavor. When shopping, look for good quality yeast and fresh cinnamon to really bring out the flavors that make these pretzels special.

Active dry yeast: This is your magic ingredient that makes the dough rise and get soft. Make sure it’s fresh and active for best results.
Warm water: Use warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
Granulated sugar: A little sweet kick for the dough and the coating — balances out the cinnamon well.
All-purpose flour: Your main structure builder; I find using fresh, high-quality flour helps with tenderness.
Salt: Just a touch to bring out all the flavors.
Unsalted butter: Melted for richness and softness in the dough.
Baking soda: Used in the boiling water bath to create that classic pretzel crust and that nice golden color.
Large egg: Beaten egg wash gives a beautiful shiny finish.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon for that warm, spicy note in the sugar topping.

Variations

I love playing around with this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe depending on the mood or occasion. It’s a fantastic recipe that invites your own twist, so feel free to get creative or tailor it to dietary needs.

Gluten-free variation: I tried substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend once, and while the texture changed a bit, it was still pretty lovely and a great option for gluten-sensitive friends.
Maple cinnamon twist: Mix some pure maple syrup into your cinnamon sugar coating for a syrupy-sweet spin that’s amazing in the fall.
Vegan adaptation: Swap the butter for coconut oil and skip the egg wash or use a plant-based alternative to keep these vegan-friendly.
Mini pretzels: I sometimes divide the dough into smaller pieces for bite-sized snacks, which are perfect for parties or kids.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast

Start by sprinkling the active dry yeast over warm water (about 110°F) with the tablespoon of sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until you see it foam up. This means your yeast is alive and kicking — if it doesn’t foam, consider starting over with fresh yeast, as this step is crucial for soft pretzels that rise beautifully.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and the melted butter. Stir it together until it forms a shaggy dough, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is soft, smooth, and elastic. I like to knead by hand—it’s therapeutic and helps me feel connected to the process.

Step 3: First Rise

Lightly oil a clean bowl, place your dough inside, and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This rise is where the magic happens to create those soft pretzels you’re craving.

Step 4: Shape Your Pretzels

Punch down the dough gently, then divide it into roughly 8 equal pieces (or smaller if you want mini pretzels). Roll each piece into a long rope, about 20 inches long, and then twist into the classic pretzel shape. Don’t worry if your first few don’t look perfect—practice makes perfect, and they’ll taste amazing either way.

Step 5: Baking Soda Bath

This is a game changer! Bring a large pot of water with baking soda dissolved in it to a gentle boil. Carefully drop each pretzel in for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This step gives the pretzels their signature crust and a slight tang, so don’t skip it.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Brush the pretzels with the beaten egg, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture. I like to mix the cinnamon and sugar just before sprinkling to keep the cinnamon fresh and flavorful. This sweet coating is what really elevates the entire recipe.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake the pretzels at 425°F (220°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden-brown. Keep an eye on them near the end so they don’t over-bake — you’re aiming for soft with a bit of a crust, not hard and crispy.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I typically keep the garnishes simple — extra cinnamon sugar dusted right after baking so it sticks nicely. Sometimes, I drizzle a little cream cheese glaze or honey over the top for an extra touch, especially if I’m serving them as a special treat.

Side Dishes

These pretzels are perfect on their own, but I love pairing them with a warm cup of chai or coffee. If you’re serving breakfast or brunch, fresh fruit or a yogurt dipping sauce with a hint of vanilla complements the cinnamon sugar beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or cozy gatherings, I arrange mini cinnamon sugar pretzels in a big basket lined with a colorful napkin for a rustic feel. You could even thread them on skewers for a fun “pretzel kabob” display. It’s a conversation starter and makes snack time feel special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They taste great fresh but start to lose their soft texture, so I recommend enjoying them sooner rather than later.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, these pretzels freeze really well. I wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer bag for up to a month. When you’re ready, just thaw them overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To bring back that soft pretzel magic, I pop leftovers in a warm oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or heat them up briefly in the microwave with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating or they’ll dry out quickly.

FAQs

Can I make these pretzels without yeast?

While yeast is key to achieving that soft, chewy texture of traditional pretzels, you can experiment with baking powder for a quicker, albeit different, soft pretzel style. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be less authentic compared to the Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe as outlined.
Why do I need to boil pretzels in baking soda water?

That baking soda bath is what gives pretzels their signature shiny, chewy crust and slightly tangy flavor. It also helps to brown the pretzel beautifully during baking, which you’ll notice in the delicious golden color of this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking. This can actually deepen the flavor of the pretzels and make the process more flexible for your schedule.
What’s the best way to store leftover cinnamon sugar pretzels?

Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days for best texture. For longer storage, freezing is your friend, and reheating them gently will bring back their softness.
Can I use this recipe to make savory pretzels?

You can skip the cinnamon sugar coating and instead sprinkle coarse salt before baking for classic savory pretzels. Adjust the recipe accordingly, and you’ll have versatile options with one dough base.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely think this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe is such a joyful baking project and an absolute crowd-pleaser at home. Whether you’re making them with kids or just treat yourself after a long day, they deliver that perfect combo of soft, sweet, and warm comfort that’s hard to beat. Give these a try—you’ll be hooked, just like I was after my first batch!