Description
Enjoy these homemade Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels—soft, chewy, and perfectly coated with a buttery cinnamon-sugar glaze. This classic treat is ideal for snacking, parties, or a comforting homemade dessert with a warm cinnamon twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups warm milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (more or less as needed)
Baking Soda Bath
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 3 cups warm water
Topping
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, signaling that the yeast is active and ready.
- Prepare Dough: Stir in the brown sugar, melted butter, and salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing continuously until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface or in the bowl for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for a chewy texture.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make Pretzel Bath: In a shallow bowl, mix warm water with baking soda thoroughly to create the pretzel bath, which gives the pretzels their characteristic chewy crust.
- Shape Pretzels: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, then shape each rope into a classic pretzel form.
- Bake Prep: Dip each shaped pretzel into the baking soda bath for a few seconds, then place them on the prepared baking sheets. This step is essential for texture and color.
- Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes or until they turn golden brown, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Add Topping: Immediately brush each hot pretzel with melted butter, then toss or sprinkle with the cinnamon and granulated sugar mixture to coat well with sweet cinnamon flavor.
- Serve: Serve the pretzels warm for the best taste and texture, perfect for an irresistible snack or dessert.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, around 110°F (43°C), to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading thoroughly is key to soft and chewy pretzels.
- Dipping in the baking soda solution creates the traditional pretzel crust and flavor.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough itself.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in an oven to maintain softness.
