If you love the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon combined with the soft, chewy goodness of pretzels, then cinnamon pretzels are a must-try snack. Making these at home is surprisingly simple and rewarding. Whether you want a fun baking project or a delicious treat for game day, this guide will walk you through how to make cinnamon pretzels from scratch with easy steps and tips to get them just right.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Cinnamon Pretzels
To make cinnamon pretzels, you’ll need two main parts: the pretzel dough and the cinnamon sugar topping.
For the Pretzel Dough:
– Warm milk or water (about 2 cups)
– Active dry yeast or instant yeast (1 to 1.5 tablespoons)
– Brown sugar (1/4 cup)
– Melted butter (4 tablespoons)
– Salt (2 teaspoons)
– All-purpose flour (4 to 4 1/2 cups)
For the Topping:
– Baking soda (for the water bath)
– Melted butter (about 4 tablespoons)
– Granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
– Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons)
These ingredients come together to create soft, golden pretzels with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating that’s simply irresistible.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cinnamon Pretzels
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm milk or water until it’s bubbly. Then mix in the brown sugar, melted butter, salt, and one cup of flour. Gradually add the remaining flour until you get a smooth, slightly sticky dough. Knead the dough for about 6 to 8 minutes until it’s elastic and soft. Cover it and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, usually about an hour.
2. Shape the Pretzels
Once your dough has risen, divide it into equal pieces (about 12 to 24, depending on your preferred size). Roll each piece into a long rope, around 12 to 20 inches long. Twist the rope into the classic pretzel shape by making a U, crossing the ends over each other, and pressing them down on the bottom of the U. This step is fun and gives your pretzels that iconic look.
3. Baking Soda Bath
This is an essential step that gives pretzels their signature chewy crust and flavor. Boil water and add baking soda to it. Dip each shaped pretzel into this baking soda bath for about 30 seconds. This alkaline bath helps develop the pretzel’s texture and golden color when baked.
4. Bake the Pretzels
Place the pretzels on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake in a preheated oven at around 375°F to 450°F for 7 to 20 minutes depending on size, until they turn a deep golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake.
5. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the pretzels are still warm, brush them generously with melted butter. Then sprinkle or dip them into a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. This coating adds the perfect sweet and spicy finish. The warmth of the pretzels helps the cinnamon sugar stick nicely and enhances the flavor.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Pretzels
– Use fresh yeast: Active dry yeast needs to be activated in warm water first, while instant yeast can be mixed directly with the flour. Both work well but may affect rising time.
– Don’t skip the baking soda bath: This step is crucial for that authentic pretzel texture and flavor.
– Brush with butter while warm: This helps the cinnamon sugar stick better and adds richness.
– Customize your topping: You can adjust the cinnamon-to-sugar ratio to your taste or add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
– Serve warm: Cinnamon pretzels are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they are soft and fragrant.
Why Make Cinnamon Pretzels at Home?
Making cinnamon pretzels yourself means you get a fresh, warm snack with the perfect balance of sweet and soft textures. They’re great for sharing at parties, as a cozy treat on a chilly day, or even as a homemade gift. Plus, the process is fun and rewarding, especially when you see those golden pretzels come out of the oven ready to be enjoyed.
Cinnamon pretzels are a delightful homemade treat that combines soft, chewy dough with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bake these warm, fragrant snacks anytime you crave a little sweetness and comfort. Enjoy!