Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a delightful homemade treat featuring a soft, chewy texture coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend. Perfect for snacks or parties, these pretzels are easy to make with simple ingredients and a quick baking soda bath for that classic pretzel flavor and crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups warm milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (more or less as needed)
Baking Soda Bath
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 3 cups warm water
Topping
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: Stir in the brown sugar, melted butter, and salt into the yeast mixture until well combined.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour while mixing until a soft dough forms. Then, knead the dough by hand for 5 to 7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Baking Soda Bath: In a shallow bowl, mix the warm water and baking soda thoroughly. This bath helps create the distinctive pretzel crust and flavor.
- Shape Pretzels: Divide the risen dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope and shape into traditional pretzel forms.
- Bake Preparation: Dip each shaped pretzel into the baking soda bath for a few seconds, then place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Pretzels: Bake the pretzels for 8 to 10 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Apply Topping: Immediately brush the hot pretzels with melted butter, then toss or sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet finish.
- Serve Warm: Serve the cinnamon sugar soft pretzels warm to enjoy their perfect soft texture and sweet coating.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Knead the dough until elastic for the best soft texture.
- The baking soda bath creates the classic pretzel crust and flavor—do not skip this step.
- For extra flavor, you can brush the pretzels with additional melted butter before serving.
- Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain softness.
