Get ready to transform your kitchen into a bakery with the most irresistible treat that will make your taste buds dance and your home smell like a cinnamon paradise! These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are not just a snack - they're a warm, buttery, sweet experience that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe. Imagine pulling golden, soft pretzels out of the oven, dripping with melted butter and coated in a heavenly cinnamon sugar blend that's guaranteed to make your family and friends swoon with delight.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 pretzels
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of active dry yeast, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix the dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of warm water (around 110°F or 43°C) with the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough begins to form.
- Add 1/2 cup of melted butter to the dough mixture. Continue to mix until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece of dough into a long rope, about 24 inches long. Shape each rope into a pretzel shape by forming a U, crossing the ends, and twisting them together before folding them down to create the classic pretzel shape.
- In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the water. This will create a bubbly reaction.
- Gently place each pretzel into the boiling water, one at a time, for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to create the cinnamon sugar topping.
- Brush each boiled pretzel with melted butter and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Once baked, remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious cinnamon sugar soft pretzels!
Tips
- Water Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is precisely warm (around 110°F) when activating the yeast. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push and fold repeatedly. This develops the gluten and creates that perfect, soft pretzel texture.
- Baking Soda Bath Secret: The boiling baking soda water is crucial - it gives pretzels their signature chewy exterior and beautiful golden-brown color.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: For an extra indulgent touch, apply the cinnamon sugar while the pretzels are still warm so the mixture adheres perfectly.
- Storage Tip: These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore their soft, warm texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg