These soft pretzels are a warm treat covered in sweet cinnamon and sugar. They’re fluffy on the inside with a lovely golden crust—perfect for snacking or sharing!
Making these pretzels is simple and fun. I love rolling them out and sprinkling on that sugary goodness. Grab a friend, and enjoy them fresh out of the oven while they’re still warm!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Milk: Use whole milk for richness, but you can substitute with almond, soy, or oat milk. Just make sure it’s warmed to about 110°F to activate the yeast.
Active Dry Yeast: I always use active dry yeast, but instant yeast works too. Just skip the foaming step if you choose instant.
Granulated Sugar: The dough and topping both use sugar. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar alternative. Keep in mind the flavor may differ slightly.
All-Purpose Flour: This is key for a soft pretzel texture. Whole wheat flour can be used, but it might make the pretzels denser. Mix half all-purpose and half whole wheat for a better balance.
Baking Soda: This is what gives pretzels their signature crust. Don’t substitute with baking powder; they are not interchangeable.
How Do You Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading dough is essential for building gluten, which gives pretzels their chewy texture. Here’s how you do it:
- Start with a clean, floured surface. Place the dough in the center.
- Using the heel of your hand, push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself.
- Turn the dough a quarter turn and repeat this action. Keep doing it for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and stretchy.
- If the dough sticks, add a bit more flour, but avoid adding too much, or your pretzels will be tough.
Once you’ve kneaded the dough, it should feel pliable. This step really helps the pretzels achieve that perfect texture!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 10 cups water
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 1 hour for the dough to rise, and then about 30 minutes to bake and cool. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 45 minutes to make these delicious pretzels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by combining the warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy—this means your yeast is activated!
2. Mix and Knead:
Next, add the all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter to the foamy yeast mixture. Mix until a dough starts to form. On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Don’t worry if it’s a little sticky; you can add a bit more flour if needed, but try to keep it minimal.
3. Let It Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a towel or some plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for light, fluffy pretzels!
4. Preheat and Prepare:
While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
5. Boil the Pretzels:
In a large pot, bring the water and baking soda to a rolling boil. This is the step that gives pretzels their distinctive crust! Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 18-20 inches).
6. Shape the Pretzels:
Shape each rope into a pretzel by making a U shape, crossing the ends over each other, and pressing them down to form the classic pretzel shape. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds on each side, then place them on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake!
Pop the pretzels into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown. The smell will fill your kitchen!
8. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
While the pretzels are baking, mix the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow dish. Once the pretzels are out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter and quickly coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to ensure every nook and cranny is covered.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving—though they’re best enjoyed warm! Feel free to make a batch for breakfast, snack time, or a sweet treat after dinner. Enjoy your delicious homemade cinnamon sugar soft pretzels!
These delightful treats have a sweet crispy exterior with a soft, tender inside, and they are sure to please anyone who tries them!
Can I Use Different Types of Milk?
Absolutely! While whole milk gives the best flavor, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or any other milk alternative. Just make sure it’s warmed to about 110°F to activate the yeast effectively.
What If I Don’t Have Baking Soda?
Baking soda is essential for achieving that classic pretzel crust. If you don’t have it on hand, it’s best to hold off on the recipe, as baking powder won’t provide the same results.
Can I Freeze Leftover Pretzels?
Yes! Once cooled, place the pretzels in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until warmed through.
How Can I Make Vegan Pretzels?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the milk with a plant-based option and use a vegan butter alternative. Just ensure the sugar you use is free from bone char for it to be fully vegan.
