There’s something so comforting about warm, soft pretzels coated in cinnamon sugar—it’s like a warm hug in snack form. This Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe is my go-to whenever I want a treat that’s both a little indulgent and totally satisfying without much fuss. The combination of soft dough with that sweet, aromatic cinnamon sugar makes these pretzels perfect for cozy afternoons or sharing at gatherings.

I love making this recipe because it’s pretty straightforward, and honestly, it turns out that bakery-quality taste everyone craves. You’ll enjoy the chewy texture and the perfect sweet crust that isn’t overly sugary. Plus, it’s a fun baking project that’s great for both beginners and seasoned home bakers looking for an easy but impressive snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are simple, pantry-friendly, and work together to create that classic soft pretzel texture and flavor you love. When shopping, fresh yeast and good quality cinnamon really make a difference in the final taste.

Active dry yeast: Make sure it’s fresh so your dough rises properly; this is what gives your pretzels that soft, airy bite.
Warm water: It should be warm, not hot—around body temperature—to activate the yeast without killing it.
Granulated sugar: This feeds the yeast and adds just the right touch of sweetness.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough; try to sift it for an extra light texture.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Unsalted butter: Melted to add richness and tenderness to the dough.
Baking soda: The magic cleanser that gives pretzels their signature chewy crust during boiling.
Large egg: Beaten for an egg wash that creates a shiny, golden crust and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
Ground cinnamon: Freshly ground if possible, for that warm, inviting spice aroma.

Variations

I love to play around with this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe, making it my own depending on the occasion. Don’t hesitate to add or swap ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs. Personalizing your pretzel game is half the fun!

Gluten-Free Version: I once experimented with a gluten-free flour blend and although the texture changes a bit, it still hits the spot for those avoiding gluten.
Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar mix gives a cozy holiday twist that’s perfect in winter.
Savory Swap: If you want to go savory, skip the cinnamon sugar and sprinkle coarse salt or parmesan instead. I’ve done this for movie nights, and my guests loved it!
Mini Pretzels: Making smaller pretzels is great for kids’ parties or as appetizer bites—I always make a batch of minis alongside the regular size.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast

Start by pouring warm water into a small bowl—make sure it’s warm to the touch but not hot, about 100°F (38°C). Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and stir in the sugar. Then, let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets all foamy and bubbly. This tells you your yeast is alive and ready to work. If you don’t see any bubbles, your yeast may be old or the water too hot, so start over with fresh yeast and correct water temperature.

Step 2: Prepare and Knead the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, pour it into the flour and add the melted butter. Stir gently until a loose dough forms. When it’s shaggy and starting to come together, turn it onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic—if it’s sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much or your pretzels will be tough.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a clean bowl lightly greased with oil, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and set it somewhere warm to rise. I like using my turned-off oven with the light on—it creates the perfect cozy environment for rising. Let it sit for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it’s doubled in size. This part is key for those fluffy pretzels.

Step 4: Shape Your Pretzels

Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air bubbles. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 18-inch rope. I find letting the dough rest a minute before rolling helps it relax and stretch easier. Then, shape into traditional pretzels by forming a U, crossing the ends, and folding them over the center. It sounds tricky, but just watch a quick video or try once—it’s actually pretty fun!

Step 5: The Baking Soda Bath

This step is essential for that authentic chewy crust. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and add 1/4 cup baking soda, stirring to dissolve. Carefully drop each pretzel in, one at a time, and boil for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The baking soda bath gives pretzels that unique glossy, chewy exterior you crave.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Brush each pretzel with beaten egg to get that beautiful golden shine—this also helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly. Mix up your cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle generously over the tops. Don’t be shy here; the sugar melts slightly on baking and forms that delightful sweet crust. If you want extra cinnamon punch, you can add a tiny dusting more after they’ve cooled a little.

Step 7: Bake and Enjoy

Bake your pretzels for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown. I usually peek around the 12-minute mark because ovens vary, and you want that perfect balance of soft inside with a lightly crisped exterior. Once done, let them cool briefly on a wire rack so the cinnamon sugar sets just right. Then, get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe

Two golden brown apple rings with a crunchy sugar topping sit on top of a creamy pale yellow mashed base inside a white bowl. The apple rings have a slightly rough texture with sugar crystals sprinkled over them, making them sparkle. Fresh small green herb leaves are placed on top of the apple rings, adding a fresh touch. The creamy base underneath looks smooth and thick, occupying the bottom layer in the bowl. The whole dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and stick with the cinnamon sugar topping, but a dusting of powdered sugar on top after baking adds a nice touch. Sometimes, I drizzle a little cream cheese glaze for an extra indulgence—makes these feel like a dessert pretzel. You can even sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to contrast the sweetness if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

These pretzels shine on their own, but I enjoy pairing them with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea—such a cozy combo! For a fun brunch spread, serve alongside fruit spreads, a yogurt dip with cinnamon, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat. They’re also great for afternoon snack time with a glass of cold milk.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging these pretzels in a fun basket lined with a colorful napkin and adding small bowls of caramel dip or chocolate sauce for dipping. Another idea is to twist mini pretzel bites onto skewers for an easy, shareable snack. Holiday-themed shapes are also a blast to make with family—try hearts, stars, or twists for festive occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers—and it’s rare they last long—store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to two days. I find the cinnamon sugar soft pretzels maintain their softness well if you don’t refrigerate them, which can dry them out. Just warm them slightly before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing works great if you want to prep ahead. After shaping (but before the baking soda bath), place pretzels on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, boil them straight from frozen for a few seconds longer and continue the recipe as usual. I’ve done this for busy mornings and it saved me tons of time!

Reheating

To reheat, pop your pretzels in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes wrapped in foil if you want to keep them soft. You can also microwave them briefly but be cautious as they might get chewy. A quick oven reheat gives that freshly-baked vibe that makes you feel like you just pulled them out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I make this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe without yeast?

Yeast is crucial for that classic soft pretzel texture since it helps the dough rise and become airy. Without yeast, you’d end up with more of a dense bread. If you’re short on time, consider using a quick yeast activation method, but replacing it entirely isn’t recommended for this recipe.
Why do I need to boil the pretzels in baking soda water?

The baking soda bath is what gives pretzels their chewy crust and that signature golden brown finish. It changes the pH of the dough surface and jump-starts the Maillard reaction during baking, which creates that rich color and flavor. Skipping this step will result in a softer, bread-like texture instead of a real pretzel.
Can I substitute cinnamon with other spices in this recipe?

Absolutely! While cinnamon is classic, you can experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice for variations. I sometimes add a pinch of cloves during colder months for a cozy twist that pairs beautifully with the sugar.
How do I know if the yeast is still good?

Once you sprinkle the yeast on warm water with sugar, it should foam and bubble within 5 to 10 minutes. If nothing happens, it could be expired or killed by water that was too hot. It’s best to use fresh yeast and store it properly to maintain its potency.
Can I make smaller pretzels with this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe?

Definitely! Dividing the dough into smaller portions and shaping mini pretzels is a great way to make bite-sized treats perfect for parties or kids. Baking time might be shorter by a few minutes, so keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

Final Thoughts

If you ask me, this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe is comfort food at its finest—easy enough to make on a whim and impressive enough to share with friends or family. Every time I bake them, I feel that joyful anticipation of biting into something warm, sweet, and perfectly soft. Give this recipe a try in your kitchen; I promise you’ll love the cozy vibes and that delightful cinnamon sugar sparkle on top as much as I do. Happy baking!