There is something magical about the smell of warm pretzels baking in the oven. The buttery aroma, the soft golden dough, and that sweet cinnamon sugar coating make these completely irresistible.
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet with a delicate crisp on the outside. I love making them when we want a cozy homemade treat that feels just a little special. If you have never made pretzels at home before, do not worry. I will walk you through every step. Let's get baking.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Soft, fluffy homemade pretzels
- Sweet cinnamon sugar coating
- Perfect snack or dessert
- Great for family baking days
- Delicious warm from the oven
- Freezer friendly for later treats
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Dough
- 3 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Baking Soda Bath
- 6 cups water
- ¼ cup baking soda
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Active dry yeast helps the dough rise and become soft and airy. Make sure the water is warm but not hot so the yeast activates properly.
All purpose flour works perfectly for soft pretzels. Bread flour can also be used if you prefer a slightly chewier texture.
Baking soda bath gives pretzels their classic golden exterior. It may seem like an unusual step, but it creates that signature pretzel texture.
If you prefer a richer flavor, you can replace the melted butter in the dough with melted unsalted butter.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Stir in the salt and melted butter.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long rope about 20 inches long.
- Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a U shape, crossing the ends, and pressing them onto the bottom curve.
- In a large pot, bring the water and baking soda to a gentle boil.
- Carefully place each pretzel into the baking soda bath for 20 to 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon.
- Place the pretzels on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush the warm pretzels with melted butter.
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a bowl, then sprinkle generously over each pretzel.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use warm water, not hot, when activating the yeast.
- Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for the best texture.
- Do not skip the baking soda bath, which gives the pretzels their classic crust.
- Brush with butter while warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks well.
- Serve fresh from the oven for the softest texture.
I tested these pretzels several times to get that perfect balance between soft dough and a lightly crisp exterior. The cinnamon sugar coating turns them into a dessert everyone loves.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.
To reheat, warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes until soft again.
Make Ahead & Freezing
You can freeze baked pretzels for up to 2 months.
Wrap them individually and store in a freezer bag.
When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Cream cheese dip: Serve with a sweet cream cheese frosting.
- Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished pretzels.
- Pretzel bites: Cut the dough into small pieces for bite sized treats.
- Caramel version: Dip pretzels in caramel sauce before serving.
- Vanilla sugar twist: Add a pinch of vanilla powder to the sugar coating.
FAQs
Yeast gives pretzels their soft, airy texture. Without it, the dough will be more like a biscuit.
The baking soda bath creates the chewy outer layer and helps the pretzels turn golden brown.
Yes. Pizza dough works well if you want a quicker version.
📖 Recipe
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 pretzels 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are warm, buttery, and perfectly coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar topping. These homemade pretzels are soft, fluffy, and irresistible for dessert or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Pour warm water into a bowl and sprinkle yeast over it
- Add 1 tablespoon sugar and stir until dissolved
- Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy
- In a mixing bowl combine flour and salt
- Add the yeast mixture and melted butter and mix until dough forms
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour until doubled
- Punch down the dough and divide into 8 portions
- Roll each portion into an 18-inch rope and shape into pretzels
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add baking soda
- Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds then remove with a slotted spoon
- Place pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Brush each pretzel with beaten egg
- Mix cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle over the pretzels
- Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown
- Allow to cool slightly before serving
Notes
Ensure the water temperature is around 100-110°F to properly activate the yeast. Knead the dough well for a smooth texture. Boiling the pretzels briefly in baking soda water creates the classic chewy pretzel texture. For richer flavor brush with melted butter after baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these warm cinnamon sugar soft pretzels with a creamy dip or caramel sauce for an extra treat.
They are wonderful for movie nights, weekend baking, or cozy gatherings with friends.
If you enjoy sweet baked treats, you may also love my Grandma's Cinnamon Rolls:
https://letsflytasty.com/grandmas-cinnamon-rolls/
Nutrition & Notes
- Calories: approximately 320 per pretzel
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Rise time: 1 hour
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Yield: 8 pretzels
Author: Lily, Let's Fly Tasty
These soft pretzels are one of my favorite baking projects on a quiet afternoon. The moment they come out of the oven, warm and coated in cinnamon sugar, the kitchen smells absolutely wonderful.
Reader Reviews
"Soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. My kids loved helping shape the pretzels."
"The cinnamon sugar coating makes these taste like a bakery treat."
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