Step into the world of warm, sweet treats with my easy Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels recipe! You’ll learn how to make soft, warm pretzels that are covered in a delicious cinnamon sugar coating. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, these pretzels are fun to make and even more fun to eat! Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– Warm water (1 ½ cups)
– Instant yeast (1 packet, 2 ¼ teaspoons)
– Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons + 1/2 cup for coating)
– All-purpose flour (4 cups)
– Salt (1 teaspoon)
– Baking soda (1/2 cup)
– Large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
– Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted)
– Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon)
To make cinnamon sugar soft pretzels, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Start with 1 ½ cups of warm water. The water should feel warm to your touch, around 110°F to 115°F. This warmth helps activate the yeast.
Next, grab one packet of instant yeast. This is about 2 ¼ teaspoons. Yeast is the magic that makes the dough rise. You will also need 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar to feed the yeast. It helps the yeast do its job.
For the dough, you will use 4 cups of all-purpose flour. This is the base for your pretzels. Don’t forget the salt! You will need 1 teaspoon for flavor.
Now, we need to make that lovely pretzel crust. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to boiling water later in the recipe. This step gives pretzels their classic texture and flavor.
You’ll also need one large egg, beaten, to brush on top of the pretzels. This egg wash gives them a beautiful shine.
Finally, for the sweet cinnamon sugar topping, gather 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This will make your pretzels irresistible.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to create soft, warm, and sweet cinnamon sugar pretzels!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
1. Combine water, yeast, and sugar: Start by taking 1 ½ cups of warm water. Add 1 packet of instant yeast and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Let this sit for about 5 minutes. You want it to look foamy.
2. Mix flour and salt into the yeast mixture: Next, add 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt into the yeast mix. Stir until a dough starts to form.
3. Knead the dough: Place the dough on a floured surface. Knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic when you’re done.
Rising the Dough
1. Place dough in a greased bowl: Put your kneaded dough in a bowl that you greased lightly. This helps it not stick.
2. Cover and let rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth. Set it in a warm spot for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size during this time.
Forming the Pretzels
1. Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Shape the dough into pretzels: Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 24 inches long. Shape each rope into a pretzel.
3. Boil pretzels in baking soda solution: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add ½ cup of baking soda to the boiling water. It will bubble up, so watch out! Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the baking sheets.
Baking the Pretzels
1. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle cinnamon sugar: Take 1 large beaten egg and brush it over each pretzel. Mix ½ cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously on each pretzel.
2. Bake until golden brown: Bake the pretzels in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. They should turn golden brown and smell amazing when done.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Dough
To make soft pretzels, kneading is key. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes. This helps develop gluten, making the pretzels chewy. Use warm water, about 110°F to 115°F. This temperature activates the yeast. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast. If it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate well.
Achieving the Right Texture
Boiling the pretzels is important for texture. Boil each pretzel in a baking soda solution for 30 seconds. This step gives the pretzels their nice crust. After boiling, place them on parchment-lined sheets. Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
For a fun presentation, stack warm pretzels on a wooden board. Add a small bowl of creamy frosting or chocolate sauce for dipping. Dust extra cinnamon sugar on top to make them look even better! These tips make your pretzels not only tasty but also beautiful for serving.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can add fun flavors to your pretzels. Try mixing chocolate or caramel into the dough. These sweet tastes make your pretzels even better! You can also sprinkle some chocolate chips on top before baking. This twist adds a rich flavor.
Another option is to experiment with spices. Instead of just cinnamon, try nutmeg or vanilla. You can mix them with the cinnamon for a warm, cozy taste. Each spice gives a special touch to the pretzels.
Non-Cinnamon Options
If cinnamon isn’t your thing, don’t worry! You can make classic salt pretzels. Just skip the cinnamon sugar and top them with coarse salt. This gives them a nice crunch and salty flavor.
Another tasty choice is cheese-stuffed pretzels. After you shape the dough, add a small amount of cheese inside before sealing. When baked, the cheese melts and adds a gooey center. It’s a delightful surprise!
Dietary Adjustments
For those who need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free flour. Look for a blend that works well in baking. Just follow the same steps in the recipe. Your pretzels will still turn out soft and delicious.
If you’re looking for vegan substitutions, replace the egg wash with a mixture of plant milk and a bit of oil. You can also use vegan butter instead of regular butter for the topping. These changes keep the flavor without dairy products.
Storage Information
Storing Leftover Pretzels
To keep your pretzels fresh, store them at room temperature in a sealed bag. This helps keep them soft for about two days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them. Just make sure to wrap each pretzel in plastic wrap before placing them in a container. This keeps moisture in and prevents them from getting hard.
Reheating Suggestions
When you want to enjoy your pretzels again, reheating is key. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F. Place the pretzels on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes. This method keeps them soft and warm. You can also use a microwave, but they may not stay as soft. If you use the microwave, heat them for about 15-20 seconds, but eat them right away!
Freezing Instructions
If you have extra pretzels, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each pretzel in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pretzels in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. After thawing, reheat them in the oven to restore their softness. Enjoy your tasty treat anytime!
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can! Active dry yeast and instant yeast are both great for baking. The main difference is how you use them. Active dry yeast needs to be dissolved in warm water before mixing with other ingredients. Instant yeast can mix right in with your dry ingredients. If you use active dry yeast, just add it to warm water with a bit of sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it bubbles. This helps wake it up!
What can I use instead of the egg wash?
If you want to skip the egg wash, there are good options. You can use milk or cream to brush on the pretzels. This will give them a nice shine. Another choice is to use a mixture of water and cornstarch. This mix helps create a golden color, too. Try using melted vegan butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
How do I make pretzels without boiling?
You can make pretzels without boiling, but they may taste different. One method is to brush them with baking soda mixed with water instead of boiling. After shaping the pretzels, you can soak them in this mixture for a few minutes. This helps give them a nice flavor and color. The texture will be softer than boiled pretzels, but still tasty!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the dough ahead is a great idea. You can prepare the dough and let it rise. After it rises, shape it into pretzels but don’t bake them yet. Instead, pop them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, take them out, let them warm up for 30 minutes, then bake. This way, you can enjoy fresh pretzels any time!
You learned how to make pretzels using simple ingredients and steps. From preparing the dough to baking, it’s all about practice. Remember to knead well and let the dough rise. Experiment with flavors and try different toppings. Store your pretzels properly and enjoy them later. You can even make variations to fit your taste. With these tips, you can create delicious pretzels at home every time. Enjoy the fun of baking and share your tasty treats!
