Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels – Warm, Pillowy & Irresistible
There’s something magical about biting into a freshly baked soft pretzel. The golden crust gives way to a warm, fluffy center, and when coated generously in cinnamon sugar, it becomes pure comfort food bliss. These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels – Warm, Pillowy & Irresistible are everything you crave in a homemade sweet treat: soft, chewy, buttery, and coated in a sparkling layer of cinnamon sweetness.
Perfect for weekend baking, holiday gatherings, after-school snacks, or cozy movie nights, this sweet pretzel recipe delivers bakery-quality results right from your kitchen. The dough is easy to work with, the steps are straightforward, and the reward is a batch of soft pretzels that taste even better than mall favorites.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make homemade soft pretzels that turn out soft and fluffy every time, this is your no-fail guide.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
- Soft and pillowy texture
- Perfectly chewy interior
- Sweet cinnamon sugar coating
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Beginner-friendly dough
- Incredible fresh-from-the-oven aroma
These pretzels strike the perfect balance between tender crumb and golden exterior. The quick baking soda bath gives them that classic pretzel texture, while the melted butter and cinnamon sugar coating take them to dessert-level deliciousness.
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Baking Soda Bath
- ½ cup baking soda
- 9 cups water
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your dough rises properly.
2. Make the Dough
Add melted butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
In a large pot, bring 9 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add baking soda (it will bubble). Reduce to a gentle simmer.
5. Shape the Pretzels
Divide dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a long rope (about 20–22 inches). Form into classic pretzel shapes by creating a U-shape, twisting the ends, and folding them down.
You can also cut into smaller pieces for cinnamon sugar pretzel bites.
6. Baking Soda Dip
Dip each shaped pretzel into the baking soda bath for 20–30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Bake
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes or until deep golden brown.
8. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While still warm, brush pretzels generously with melted butter. Mix cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl, then coat each pretzel thoroughly.
Serve immediately for the ultimate warm, pillowy experience.
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels – Warm, Pillowy & Irresistible
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Activate yeast in warm water and sugar until foamy.
- Mix in flour, salt, and butter; knead until smooth.
- Let dough rise 1 hour until doubled.
- Prepare baking soda bath and preheat oven to 425°F.
- Shape dough into pretzels.
- Dip each pretzel in baking soda bath for 20–30 seconds.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter and coat in cinnamon sugar.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Soft Pretzels
Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath
This is what gives pretzels their chewy crust and signature flavor.
Knead Thoroughly
Proper kneading develops gluten for structure and softness.
Use Warm (Not Hot) Water
Too hot can kill the yeast. Aim for around 110°F.
Coat While Warm
Butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully.
Variations to Try
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites
Cut dough ropes into 1-inch pieces before dipping and baking.
Cream Cheese Glaze
Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk for dipping.
Stuffed Pretzels
Roll dough flat, add chocolate chips or cream cheese, seal, and shape.
Air Fryer Option
Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes after the baking soda dip.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Freeze baked pretzels for up to 2 months.
For best flavor and texture, enjoy them fresh.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet pretzels are perfect for:
- Holiday dessert tables
- Birthday parties
- Game day snacks
- Afternoon coffee breaks
- Cozy winter evenings
Pair with hot chocolate, coffee, or cold milk for an irresistible treat.
Why Homemade Soft Pretzels Are Worth It
Making cinnamon sugar soft pretzels from scratch might seem intimidating, but once you try it, you’ll see how rewarding it is. The dough is forgiving, the process is satisfying, and the smell of fresh pretzels baking is unforgettable.
The texture difference between homemade and store-bought is dramatic — homemade pretzels are softer, fresher, and more flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, skip proofing and mix directly with dry ingredients.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, adjust the cinnamon sugar coating to taste.
Why are my pretzels dense?
The dough may not have risen fully or was under-kneaded.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based butter.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels – Warm, Pillowy & Irresistible are the ultimate homemade comfort snack. With their golden crust, fluffy interior, and sweet cinnamon coating, they’re impossible to resist.
Once you master this easy pretzel dough, you’ll find yourself making batch after batch — because nothing beats warm, homemade soft pretzels fresh from the oven.
