why make this recipe
Cinnamon sugar soft pretzels are a delightful treat that combines the warm, chewy texture of pretzels with the sweet and spicy flavor of cinnamon. They’re perfect for snacking, sharing at parties, or enjoying as a sweet breakfast option. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make these delicious pretzels at home, bringing a taste of the bakery right to your kitchen.
how to make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
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
Directions:
- To begin, pour 1 cup of warm water into a small bowl.
- Sprinkle 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the warm water.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar until dissolved.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and become foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture.
- Add 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to the bowl.
- Stir everything together with a spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a damp towel.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a long rope, about 18 inches in length.
- Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a U-shape, twisting the ends, and folding them over the center.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium-sized pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil.
- Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the boiling water and stir to dissolve.
- One at a time, carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water, letting them cook for about 30 seconds each.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzels from the water, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg to give them a glossy finish.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the pretzels while they are still wet from the egg wash.
- Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Allow the pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
how to serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
These soft pretzels are best served warm. You can enjoy them on their own, or with dips such as cream cheese or chocolate sauce for added sweetness. They make a great snack for gatherings or movie nights.
how to store Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
To store the pretzels, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn.
tips to make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
- Make sure your water is warm but not hot when activating the yeast, as too high a temperature can kill the yeast.
- Knead the dough well to ensure it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps the pretzels rise nicely.
- When boiling the pretzels, do it in small batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure they cook evenly.
variation
You can mix up the flavors by adding different spices to the sugar, such as nutmeg or allspice. For a savory version, sprinkle coarse salt on top instead of cinnamon sugar.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just mix it straight into the flour without needing to activate it in water first.
2. What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure that your yeast is fresh and that the environment is warm enough for rising. If it still doesn’t rise, you may need to start over.
3. Can I add toppings to the pretzels?
Absolutely! You can sprinkle toppings like sesame seeds, garlic powder, or even cheese before baking for a different flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cinnamon sugar soft pretzels that combine warm, chewy texture with sweet and spicy flavor, perfect for snacking or breakfast.
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
Instructions
- Pour warm water into a small bowl and sprinkle yeast over it. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to activate.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Once yeast mixture is foamy, pour it into the flour mixture along with melted butter. Stir until a dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into an 18-inch rope and shape into a pretzel.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil 10 cups of water in a pot and stir in baking soda.
- Carefully drop pretzels into boiling water for 30 seconds each, then remove with a slotted spoon onto a lined baking sheet.
- Brush pretzels with beaten egg and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Best served warm with dips like cream cheese or chocolate sauce. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.