Once upon a chilly afternoon, I found myself craving something sweet, warm, and comforting. The kind of treat that reminds you of cozy weekends and fun gatherings with friends. It was then that I remembered the joyous scent of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen as I attempted to make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels for the first time. This nostalgic recipe not only filled my home with enchanting aromas but also warmed my heart with each soft bite—a perfect blend of chewy and sweet, bringing memories crashing back like waves. Today, I want to share this delightful recipe with you, inviting you to experience these beautiful pretzels that will surely make your kitchen feel like home.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 20 minutes
- Active Cooking: 15 minutes
- Total Duration: 1 hour 35 minutes (including rising time)
- Portion Size: Makes about 8 pretzels
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 250 calories
- Protein: 4 grams per serving
- Carbs: 38 grams per serving
- Fats: 10 grams per serving
- Fiber: 1 gram per serving
- Sugars: 6 grams per serving
- Sodium: 300 mg per serving
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Imagine pulling out a warm pretzel from the oven, the golden-brown exterior shimmering with melted butter and cinnamon sugar, the smell dancing around your kitchen and promising an experience you won’t forget. These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are an irresistible blend of chewy dough, buttery richness, and sweet cinnamon topping that will greet your senses with each bite. Plus, they’re perfect for parties, game nights, or simply a cozy evening snack. Once you serve these, your friends and family will never want store-bought pretzels again!
The Complete Cooking Journey
Let’s take a step back and embrace the adventure of making these pretzels together! It all begins with a warm hug of water, yeast, and sugar—providing the magic touch for our dough. As the dough rises, it’s time to divide, shape, and introduce your pretzels to a hot baking soda bath, adding that special pretzel flavor. Soon, but not until the sweet stress of this build-up dissolves into pure delight, your kitchen will shine with the scent of freshly baked goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar (for topping)
Method:
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
In a large bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar; let sit for 5 minutes. You should see frothy bubbles forming, indicating your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Combine Flour and Salt
Stir in flour and salt until a dough forms. The dough might be sticky at first, but don’t worry—this is just the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Feel that? You’re making pretzel magic right here!
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let rise for 1 hour. It’s time for the dough to puff up and become fluffy, like your favorite pillow.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This prepares the stage for our golden pretzels to take center stage.
Step 6: Shape the Pretzels
Divide the dough into small pieces and roll them into long ropes, shaping into pretzel forms. Pretzel knots and twists can have fun shapes—let your creativity flow!
Step 7: Boil Pretzels
Boil water and baking soda in a large pot. This step is essential to getting that classic pretzel texture and flavor.
Step 8: Blanch the Pretzels
Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then place them on an ungreased baking sheet. This quick bath helps give our pretzels that glossy finish.
Step 9: Brush and Sprinkle
Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar. This is what turns them into cinnamon-sugar delights.
Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown. Your oven will fill with an aroma that’ll make it hard to resist peeking in!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are delicious on their own, but why not elevate the experience? Serve them warm with a side of cream cheese frosting for dipping, or pair them with a hot cup of apple cider or a cozy hot chocolate for a true treat that speaks to the heart.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to refresh them before enjoying!
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Make sure your water is just warm—not hot—to keep the yeast happy.
- Don’t skip the boiling step; that’s what makes them pretzels!
- If it’s your first time shaping pretzels, don’t stress! Practice makes perfect and every shape is unique.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feel free to play with flavors! Add a hint of vanilla extract into the dough for extra sweetness or try topping them with savory options like garlic instead of cinnamon. You can even add toppings like chocolate chips or nuts for a fun twist.
Reader Questions & Solutions
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes! Just skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
- What if my dough isn’t rising? Ensure your yeast is fresh and your water is warm enough. If all else fails, find a warm spot in your kitchen to help the dough along.
- How do I prevent soggy pretzels? Make sure your dough isn’t too sticky before shaping them, and don’t skip the boiling step!
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can store the dough in the fridge overnight—just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftover pretzels? Oven or toaster oven works wonderfully! Simply warm them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Wrapping Up
As our Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels come to an end, I hope you feel inspired to engage in the soothing art of baking. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling fresh pretzels from the oven to share with those you love, filling hearts as much as stomachs. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and create these warm delights in your kitchen today. Who knows, you might just start a new culinary tradition! Enjoy every moment—and every bite!
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Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Yield: 8 pretzels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously warm and chewy cinnamon sugar soft pretzels that fill your kitchen with enchanting aromas.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar; let sit for 5 minutes.
- Combine Flour and Salt: Stir in flour and salt until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Shape the Pretzels: Divide the dough into small pieces and roll them into long ropes, shaping into pretzel forms.
- Boil Pretzels: Boil water and baking soda in a large pot.
- Blanch the Pretzels: Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
Serve warm with cream cheese frosting for dipping or paired with hot apple cider.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
