The smell of warm cinnamon sugar soft pretzels wafting through the air is enough to send anyone into a blissful spiral of nostalgia. Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden-brown pretzel, its exterior lightly crisp and its interior soft and chewy, all while that sweet, spicy aroma engulfs your senses. It’s like a hug for your taste buds, perfect for cozy movie nights, bonfire gatherings, or simply when you need a little pick-me-up during the day.
I still remember the first time I attempted to make these delightful treats. My kitchen looked like a flour bomb had exploded, and my dog was convinced I was trying to create a new type of chew toy. But as we sat down with our homemade cinnamon sugar soft pretzels, laughter filled the room and those little mishaps became part of our family story. So whether you’re whipping these up for a Saturday movie marathon or just because it’s Tuesday, get ready for some epic flavor and maybe a little chaos along the way!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cinnamon sugar soft pretzels are incredibly easy to make, even for beginners in the kitchen.
- The sweet and spicy flavor profile will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Their golden-brown visual appeal makes them perfect for impressing guests at any gathering.
- Versatile enough to enjoy as a snack or dessert, they pair wonderfully with coffee or hot chocolate.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Warm Water: Use about 1 cup of warm water (not too hot!) to activate the yeast perfectly.
- Active Dry Yeast: One packet (about 2¼ teaspoons) will do the trick; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- Granulated Sugar: About 2 tablespoons will provide just the right amount of sweetness to help activate the yeast.
- All-Purpose Flour: Around 4 cups should suffice; this will be the base of your pretzel dough.
- Salt: A teaspoon enhances flavor; don’t skip this step!
- Baking Soda: Used in boiling water before baking; about ½ cup gives that characteristic pretzel texture.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds that sweet spice we all love; about a tablespoon makes it irresistible.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter (around ¼ cup) is brushed on top prior to dusting with cinnamon sugar for added richness.
For the Topping:
- Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Combine about half a cup of granulated sugar with two tablespoons of ground cinnamon for dusting after baking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 1 cup), sugar (2 tablespoons), and active dry yeast (1 packet). Let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix It Up
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour (4 cups) and salt (1 teaspoon). Once your yeast mixture is ready, add it slowly into the flour mixture while stirring until it forms a dough.
Step 3: Knead Away
Turn your dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about five minutes until smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in more flour—this dough likes to play hard-to-get.
Step 4: Rise and Shine
Place your kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size. This is where you can take that much-needed coffee break!
Step 5: Shape Your Pretzels
Once risen, punch down the dough gently and divide it into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece into long ropes (around twenty inches) and twist them into classic pretzel shapes. Don’t worry if they look wonky; they’ll still taste amazing!
Step 6: Boil & Bake
Bring water to boil in a large pot and add baking soda (½ cup). Boil each pretzel for about thirty seconds before placing them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush melted butter over them generously before sprinkling with cinnamon sugar mixture.
Transfer them to an oven preheated at 425°F (220°C) and bake for approximately fifteen minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to plates and enjoy warm!
There you have it! Cinnamon sugar soft pretzels that not only fill your home with delightful aromas but also become instant crowd-pleasers—just like my dog who now knows better than to assume every baking session will end in chaos! Enjoy every gooey bite!
You Must Know
- These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are not just a snack; they’re an experience.
- The warm, gooey dough and sweet cinnamon sugar coating create a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to make and even easier to devour, these pretzels will have everyone coming back for more!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your dough ingredients and letting them rise. Once the dough is ready, shape your pretzels, boiling them in a baking soda solution for that authentic texture. Bake until golden brown, then coat with melted butter and cinnamon sugar.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to get creative! Swap out the cinnamon sugar for chocolate or caramel drizzle for a sweet twist. You can also experiment with toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles for added flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store your pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For reheating, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about five minutes to restore their delightful softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly chewy pretzels, ensure your dough is well-kneaded but not overworked; this keeps them light and fluffy.
- Boiling them briefly helps achieve that iconic crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft.
- Lastly, don’t skip the butter—it’s the secret to flavor!
When I first made these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels, my family couldn’t stop raving about them! We had a little neighborhood gathering, and they disappeared faster than I could say “pretzel.” It was a hit! For more inspiration, check out this Cinnamon Pear Walnut Crumble recipe.
FAQs :
What are Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels?
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are deliciously baked pretzels coated in a sweet cinnamon and sugar mixture. They feature a soft, chewy interior and an enticing aroma that makes them irresistible. delicious chocolate covered pretzels These treats are perfect for snacking or as a dessert. The combination of warm pretzel dough and sweet coating creates a delightful contrast that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings.
How do you make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels?
To make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels, you start by preparing the dough with flour, yeast, sugar, and water. After kneading the dough, let it rise until doubled in size. Shape it into pretzel forms, boil briefly in baking soda water, then bake until golden brown. Finally, coat the warm pretzels in melted butter and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar for that delightful finish.
Can I freeze Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels?
Yes, you can freeze Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels! Allow them to cool completely after baking, then wrap each pretzel tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag before putting them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
What can I serve with Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels?
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels pair wonderfully with various dips and beverages. Consider serving them alongside cream cheese frosting or chocolate sauce for dipping. For drinks, hot cocoa or coffee complements these sweet treats beautifully. perfect ice cream recipes You can even enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. For more inspiration, check out this Snickerdoodle Truffles Recipe recipe.
Conclusion for Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels :
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels combine the joy of soft pretzel dough with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating. Making these treats is simple and rewarding; they are perfect for any occasion. Whether served as snacks at gatherings or enjoyed fresh from the oven at home, these pretzels will surely please everyone. game day snack ideas Don’t forget to experiment with different dips to elevate your experience! Enjoy your homemade treats!
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are the ultimate comfort treat, enveloped in a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating and boasting a soft, chewy interior. Perfect for movie nights, gatherings, or a cozy afternoon snack, these homemade delights fill your home with irresistible aromas and delightful flavors. Easy to make and even easier to devour, they’re sure to become your go-to recipe for satisfying cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for about an hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape into pretzels.
- Boil water in a pot and add baking soda. Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds before placing them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Brush each pretzel with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar topping.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel (70g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, experiment by swapping cinnamon sugar for chocolate drizzle or crushed nuts. - Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
