why make this recipe
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are an irresistible treat that combines the chewy goodness of freshly baked pretzels with the warm sweetness of cinnamon and sugar. They are perfect for snack time, dessert, or a fun family activity. Making these pretzels at home allows you to enjoy soft, fluffy goodness right out of the oven. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is simply delightful!
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
Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels warm for the best taste! They are great on their own, but you can also enjoy them with a side of cream cheese icing or warm vanilla sauce for dipping. These pretzels are perfect for parties, snacks, or cozy movie nights.
how to store Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
To store your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each pretzel tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat them in the oven.
tips to make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
- Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic for the best texture.
- Don’t skip the boiling step; it helps achieve that classic pretzel flavor and texture.
- For a more intense cinnamon flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough.
variation (if any)
You can customize your soft pretzels by adding toppings or flavors. Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet treat or coarse salt for a savory version. You can also experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or pumpkin spice, especially around the holidays.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. You don’t need to activate it in warm water; just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
2. How can I make the pretzels more colorful?
You can brush the pretzels with a mixture of food coloring and water before baking. This will give them a fun color!
3. What can I do with leftover pretzels?
Leftover pretzels can be reheated in the oven to restore their freshness. You can also slice them to use for sandwiches or croutons in salads.
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast Ensure to activate the yeast in warm water.
- 1 cup warm water Water should be warm, not hot.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar For activating the yeast.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Add to the dough mixture.
Boiling Ingredients
- 1/4 cup baking soda For boiling the pretzels.
Topping Ingredients
- 1 large egg, beaten For brushing the pretzels.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar For the cinnamon sugar topping.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon For the cinnamon sugar topping.
Instructions
Prepare Dough
- 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 until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the flour mixture.
- Stir until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled.
Shape and Boil
- Once risen, punch the dough down and divide into 8 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into an 18-inch rope and shape into a pretzel.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and dissolve the baking soda.
- Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake and Serve
- Brush each pretzel with beaten egg.
- Mix 1/2 cup sugar with 2 teaspoons cinnamon and sprinkle over pretzels.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.