Who doesn’t love the warm, sweet taste of fresh cinnamon sugar soft pretzels? Making them at home is easy and fun! In this post, I’ll guide you through every step, from mixing the dough to baking the perfect pretzel. You’ll impress friends and family with this simple snack that’s great for any time of day. Let’s dive into the delicious world of homemade cinnamon sugar pretzels!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Sweetness: The combination of warm, soft pretzels coated in cinnamon sugar creates a heavenly taste that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Fun to Make: Shaping the pretzels and watching them rise is a fun activity, especially for families or baking enthusiasts.
- Perfect for Sharing: These pretzels are great for gatherings, making them a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will enjoy.
- Customizable Coatings: While cinnamon sugar is fantastic, you can easily experiment with different toppings, from savory to sweet, to suit your taste.
Ingredients
To make these delicious cinnamon sugar soft pretzels, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s the full list:
– 1 ½ cups warm water
– 1 packet active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
– ½ cup baking soda
– 1 large egg, beaten
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– ½ cup granulated sugar for coating
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for coating
– Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect soft pretzel. The warm water helps activate the yeast, which makes the dough rise and become fluffy. The sugar not only sweetens the pretzels but also feeds the yeast, boosting its activity. All-purpose flour gives the pretzels their structure and chewiness, while fine sea salt enhances the flavor.
Baking soda is essential for boiling the pretzels, giving them that signature pretzel taste. The egg wash adds a beautiful golden color and shine after baking. Finally, the melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar create that irresistible sweet coating that makes these pretzels a treat.
Feel free to gather these ingredients before you start. It’s a fun way to prepare for making a tasty snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Yeast Mixture
First, gather your warm water, yeast, and sugar. Pour 1 ½ cups of warm water into a medium bowl. Make sure the water is between 110°F and 115°F. Add 1 packet of active dry yeast and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Stir gently to mix. Let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You should see bubbles form on top. This means your yeast is alive and ready to go.
Making the Dough
Next, grab a large bowl for the flour. In this bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mix. Pour in your frothy yeast mixture. Use a wooden spoon to stir until a shaggy dough forms. Now, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Shaping the Pretzels
Once your dough is ready, lightly grease a clean bowl. Place the kneaded dough inside, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size. After it rises, punch it down gently to release air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 24 inches long. Shape each rope into a U, twist the ends together twice, and press them down to form the pretzel shape.
Boiling the Pretzels
Now it’s time to boil. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add ½ cup of baking soda. Watch out, as it will bubble! Once boiling, place each pretzel in the water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, letting any extra water drip off. Place them on your prepared baking sheets.
Baking and Coating
Before baking, brush each pretzel with a beaten egg. Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the pretzels for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown. While they bake, mix ½ cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. When the pretzels come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter. Roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Enjoy your warm, sweet pretzels!
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Perfecting the Dough
To make the best dough, start with warm water. The water should be between 110°F and 115°F. If water is too hot, it can kill the yeast. Mix the yeast and sugar with warm water. Let it sit until it gets frothy. This shows the yeast is active. When you mix flour and salt, make a well in the center. Pour the yeast mixture into this well. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes. This helps develop gluten, making the pretzels chewy.
Boiling Techniques for Optimal Flavor
Boiling the pretzels is key to their flavor. Use 8 cups of water with ½ cup of baking soda. The baking soda gives the pretzels a nice brown color and a unique taste. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pretzels. Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds. This step adds a chewy texture. Make sure to use a slotted spoon to remove them. Let excess water drip off before placing them on the baking sheet.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your cinnamon sugar soft pretzels warm. Place them on a rustic wooden platter for a homey look. Offer a small bowl of cinnamon sugar for dipping. This adds a fun touch and extra sweetness. You can also pair them with cream cheese or chocolate sauce for a twist. Enjoy these pretzels fresh from the oven for the best taste. They make a great snack for parties or movie nights!
Pro Tips
- Perfect Water Temperature: Ensure your water is between 110°F and 115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Don’t Rush the Rising: Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size; this is crucial for achieving soft and fluffy pretzels.
- Boiling Technique: Boiling the pretzels in baking soda water creates a chewy exterior; make sure the water is at a rolling boil before adding them.
- Coating Fresh From the Oven: Toss the pretzels in cinnamon sugar while they are still warm and coated in butter for the best flavor adherence.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can easily change the flavors of your cinnamon sugar soft pretzels. Here are some fun ideas:
– Chocolate Chip Pretzels: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough before shaping. The warm pretzels will melt the chips, creating gooey pockets of chocolate.
– Garlic Butter Pretzels: Brush the warm pretzels with garlic-infused butter instead of cinnamon sugar. Sprinkle with parmesan for a savory twist.
– Cheddar Pretzels: Fold shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the dough. Finish with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt.
Gluten-Free Option
You can make gluten-free pretzels too! Use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend with xanthan gum for the best texture. Follow the same steps in the recipe. The flavor will still be great, and you can enjoy them without gluten.
Instead of Cinnamon Sugar: Other Toppings
If you want to try different toppings, here are great options:
– Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle this mix on top after boiling for a savory crunch.
– Sea Salt and Vinegar: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt and a splash of vinegar for a tangy taste.
– Herb Blend: Use dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist.
These variations make your soft pretzels fun and exciting! Enjoy trying out new flavors and toppings.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Pretzels
To keep your leftover pretzels fresh, place them in a zip-top bag. Seal it tightly to keep out air. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. This helps prevent them from drying out. Store the bag at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, use the freezing method.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your pretzels, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pretzels on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5 to 10 minutes. This warms them up and keeps them soft. You can also use the microwave. Heat them for 10 to 15 seconds. Just be careful not to let them get too chewy.
Freezing for Later Use
If you want to freeze your pretzels, let them cool completely first. Wrap each pretzel in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. It works well in this recipe. Just add it directly to the flour. You won’t need to activate it in warm water first. This saves time and still gives great results.
How can I make the pretzels softer?
To make softer pretzels, try these tips:
– Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
– Knead the dough well for a smooth texture.
– Avoid overcooking them in the water bath. Just 30 seconds is perfect.
– Brush them with melted butter right after baking for extra softness.
What can I serve with cinnamon sugar soft pretzels?
These pretzels pair well with:
– Creamy cheese dips
– Nutella or chocolate sauce for a sweet treat
– Warm caramel sauce for a rich flavor
– A small bowl of extra cinnamon sugar for dipping
How long do these pretzels stay fresh?
Cinnamon sugar soft pretzels stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
You now know how to make soft pretzels at home using simple ingredients and steps. From preparing the yeast mixture to baking and coating, each step adds to the taste. Don’t forget to try different toppings or flavor variations. Store any leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With these tips, you’ll enjoy making and sharing pretzels with friends and family. Making soft pretzels can be fun and rewarding. Get baking and dive into this tasty trea
