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Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels – Warm, Pillowy & Irresistible
There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a freshly baked cinnamon sugar soft pretzel. The warm, pillowy interior, the lightly chewy golden crust, and the sweet cinnamon coating create a bakery-style treat that feels nostalgic, cozy, and completely irresistible. Whether you’re making an afternoon snack, a fun dessert, or a crowd-pleasing party treat, these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels deliver the perfect balance of sweetness, softness, and flavor in every bite.
Unlike traditional salty pretzels, this sweet twist transforms a classic into a dessert-worthy indulgence. The dough is soft and easy to work with, the baking soda bath gives the pretzels their signature texture, and the buttery cinnamon sugar coating makes them taste like they came straight from a gourmet bakery.
Best of all, this homemade soft pretzel recipe is beginner-friendly, requires simple pantry ingredients, and produces consistently fluffy, golden pretzels every single time.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Homemade pretzels may sound complicated, but this recipe is designed to be approachable and foolproof. With the right technique, you can achieve bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen.
Here’s why these pretzels stand out:
- Soft, fluffy, and pillowy texture
- Perfectly golden exterior with a slight chew
- Warm buttery coating with cinnamon sugar sweetness
- Easy step-by-step process for beginners
- Perfect for snacks, desserts, or special occasions
The secret lies in properly kneading the dough, allowing enough rise time, and using a quick baking soda bath to create that iconic pretzel crust.
Ingredients
Pretzel Dough
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Baking Soda Bath
- 8 cups water
- ½ cup baking soda
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
The Secret to Pillowy Soft Pretzels
The key to achieving that iconic soft pretzel texture is yeast fermentation. When the dough rises properly, it develops air pockets that create a light, fluffy interior. Skipping or rushing the rise will result in dense pretzels instead of soft, bakery-style ones.
Another essential step is the baking soda bath. This quick dip before baking helps create the chewy crust and deep golden color that defines authentic soft pretzels. It also enhances the flavor and gives the pretzels their signature finish.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy and activated.
- Add melted butter, salt, and flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil and carefully add the baking soda. Reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a long rope (about 20–24 inches) and shape into classic pretzel twists or desired shapes.
- Carefully dip each shaped pretzel into the baking soda bath for 20–30 seconds, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until deep golden brown and fully cooked.
- Brush the hot pretzels generously with melted butter.
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon, then toss or sprinkle over the warm pretzels until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels – Warm, Pillowy & Irresistible
Soft, fluffy homemade pretzels coated in buttery cinnamon sugar for a warm and irresistible sweet treat.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Activate yeast in warm water and sugar until foamy.
- Mix in butter, salt, and flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let dough rise covered for 60–90 minutes until doubled.
- Divide dough, roll into ropes, and shape into pretzels.
- Dip pretzels in baking soda bath for 20–30 seconds.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Brush with melted butter and coat in cinnamon sugar while warm.
Notes
For extra softness, brush pretzels with butter immediately after baking and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Bakery-Style Results
Use Warm, Not Hot Water
Water that is too hot can kill the yeast, while lukewarm water activates it perfectly for a proper rise.
Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath
This step creates the iconic pretzel texture and color. Without it, the pretzels will taste more like regular bread rolls.
Brush with Butter While Hot
Coating the pretzels in melted butter immediately after baking helps the cinnamon sugar stick and enhances flavor.
Knead Until Smooth
Proper kneading develops structure in the dough, ensuring soft yet chewy pretzels instead of dense ones.
Flavor Variations to Try
One of the best things about cinnamon sugar soft pretzels is how customizable they are. You can easily adjust flavors to match different cravings or occasions.
Cream Cheese Glaze
Drizzle a sweet cream cheese glaze over the warm pretzels for a dessert-style finish.
Chocolate Drizzle
Add melted chocolate on top for a bakery-inspired sweet treat.
Stuffed Pretzels
Fill the dough with Nutella, cream cheese, or apple filling before shaping for a surprise center.
Vanilla Sugar Twist
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter coating for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These warm cinnamon sugar soft pretzels are incredibly versatile and perfect for multiple occasions. Serve them as:
- A cozy afternoon snack
- A movie night treat
- A holiday dessert platter
- A kid-friendly baking activity
- A sweet brunch addition
Pair them with warm milk, hot chocolate, or a vanilla dipping sauce for an extra indulgent experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare because they disappear fast), here’s how to keep them fresh:
Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator:
Store for up to 4 days and reheat before serving.
Freezer:
Freeze baked pretzels for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Reheating Tip:
Brush lightly with butter before reheating to restore softness and freshness.
Fun Fact About Soft Pretzels
Soft pretzels date back centuries and were originally created by European monks as a reward for children who learned their prayers. The twisted shape is said to resemble arms crossed in prayer, which is why pretzels became a symbolic baked good over time. Today, sweet variations like cinnamon sugar pretzels have become a popular modern twist on this historic treat.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Sweet Pretzel Experience
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels – Warm, Pillowy & Irresistible are the perfect homemade treat that combines comfort, sweetness, and bakery-quality texture in every bite. With their golden crust, fluffy interior, and buttery cinnamon sugar coating, they offer a nostalgic yet indulgent experience that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re baking for family, guests, or simply treating yourself, this recipe guarantees soft, flavorful pretzels that look beautiful and taste incredible. Once you make them from scratch, you’ll never want store-bought pretzels again.
Warm, sweet, and irresistibly pillowy — these homemade cinnamon sugar soft pretzels are destined to become a favorite in your baking rotation.