Name: Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 95 min
Ingredients: 3.75 cups all-purpose flour; 2.25 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 cup warm water; 0.25 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted); 8 cups water; 0.5 cup baking soda; 0.5 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

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There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels filling your kitchen. Warm, golden, and coated in a sparkling layer of sweet cinnamon sugar, these pillowy treats strike the perfect balance between chewy and tender. Whether you’re making them for a cozy autumn afternoon, a weekend baking project, or a crowd-pleasing party snack, this homemade pretzels recipe delivers bakery-style results right from your oven.

Unlike traditional salted pretzels, these sweet soft pretzels are brushed with melted butter and rolled generously in cinnamon sugar, creating a caramelized exterior that’s impossible to resist. If you’ve ever walked past a mall pretzel stand and been tempted by the sugary scent in the air, this recipe brings that experience home — but even better.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best baked cinnamon sugar snack from scratch.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Soft, chewy texture with a golden crust
Perfectly sweet cinnamon sugar coating
Easier than you think to make at home
Budget-friendly ingredients
Great for dessert, brunch, or snack time
Freezer-friendly and make-ahead friendly

These easy cinnamon pretzels are a guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike. Plus, shaping the dough into classic pretzel twists makes this recipe fun and interactive.

The Secret to Perfect Homemade Pretzels

The key to authentic cinnamon sugar soft pretzels lies in two essential steps:

The Yeast Dough – A properly kneaded dough creates that signature chewy texture.
The Baking Soda Bath – Briefly boiling the pretzels in a baking soda solution before baking gives them their distinctive crust and deep golden color.

Don’t skip the baking soda bath — it’s what transforms regular bread dough into true soft pretzels.

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Dough:

3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Baking Soda Bath:

8 cups water
½ cup baking soda

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Optional dipping sauce:

Cream cheese glaze
Vanilla icing
Chocolate sauce

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the Dough

Add melted butter and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough

Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. First Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 60 minutes or until doubled in size.

5. Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

6. Shape the Pretzels

Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a 20–22 inch rope and twist into a pretzel shape.

7. Prepare Baking Soda Bath

Bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add baking soda.

8. Boil Pretzels

Boil each pretzel for 20–30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on baking sheet.

9. Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes until deep golden brown.

10. Add Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Brush warm pretzels with melted butter, then roll generously in cinnamon sugar mixture.

11. Serve Warm

Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips for Soft, Chewy Pretzels

Don’t over-flour the dough; it should be slightly tacky.
Use fresh yeast for best rise.
Boil briefly — too long can create a metallic taste.
Coat in cinnamon sugar while still warm so it sticks perfectly.

Delicious Variations

1. Stuffed Cinnamon Pretzels

Add a small cube of cream cheese inside the dough before shaping.

2. Pretzel Bites

Cut dough into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking.

3. Pumpkin Spice Twist

Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice blend for fall vibes.

4. Chocolate Drizzle

Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled pretzels.

Serving Suggestions

These sweet soft pretzels pair beautifully with:

Hot chocolate
Coffee or latte
Apple cider
Vanilla ice cream

They’re ideal for:

Movie nights
Bake sales
Birthday parties
Autumn gatherings

Storage & Freezing

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

To freeze:

Freeze baked (uncoated) pretzels up to 2 months.
Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
Brush with butter and coat in cinnamon sugar after reheating.

Fun Fact About Pretzels

Pretzels date back over 1,000 years and were originally created by European monks. The twisted shape was said to represent arms folded in prayer. Today, pretzels are enjoyed worldwide — both savory and sweet!

Why This Is the Best Homemade Pretzels Recipe

This recipe creates bakery-quality cinnamon sugar soft pretzels with simple ingredients and clear steps. The baking soda bath ensures authentic texture, while the cinnamon sugar coating adds irresistible sweetness.

Once you make these from scratch, you’ll never look at store-bought pretzels the same way again.

Final Thoughts

Warm, pillowy, golden, and coated in sweet cinnamon bliss — these Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply yourself, this easy cinnamon pretzels recipe guarantees smiles all around.

Ready to bake? Let’s twist up some magic.