Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels: Sweet, Buttery Bakery-Style Treats at Home
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels wafting through your kitchen. Warm, buttery, perfectly golden, and coated in a sparkling layer of sweet cinnamon sugar—these homemade soft pretzels are the ultimate comfort snack. Whether you’re craving a cozy autumn dessert, planning a fun baking day with the kids, or looking for a crowd-pleasing party treat, this easy cinnamon pretzels recipe delivers bakery-quality results right at home.
Unlike traditional salted pretzels, these sweet pretzels are brushed with melted butter and generously coated in cinnamon sugar while still warm. The result? A pillowy-soft interior with a lightly chewy crust and a sweet, spiced finish that’s impossible to resist.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to make cinnamon sugar soft pretzels from scratch, plus expert tips, variations, serving ideas, and helpful baking insights to guarantee success every time.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
- Soft, fluffy interior with classic pretzel chew
- Sweet cinnamon sugar coating
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for dessert or snack time
- Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved
- Kid-friendly and party-perfect
These baked cinnamon sugar pretzels are easier than you think. With a few basic steps—mixing, shaping, boiling, and baking—you’ll create soft pretzels that rival any mall bakery.
What Makes Soft Pretzels So Special?
Soft pretzels have a distinctive flavor and texture thanks to a quick baking soda bath before baking. This step creates that signature golden crust and slightly chewy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy and tender.
When combined with a cinnamon sugar coating instead of coarse salt, you transform a classic savory snack into a sweet treat that tastes like a cross between a donut and a pastry.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these homemade soft pretzels recipe style:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 cups water (for boiling)
- ½ cup baking soda
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
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. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.
2. Make the Dough
Add melted butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes (or 5 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise for 60 minutes or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Divide and Shape
Punch down the dough and divide it into 10–12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20–22 inch rope. Shape into classic pretzel twists by forming a U-shape, crossing the ends, and folding them down onto the bottom curve.
6. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully add baking soda (it will bubble up). Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
7. Boil the Pretzels
Drop each pretzel into the water bath for 20–30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes until deep golden brown.
9. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While pretzels are still warm, brush generously with melted butter. Mix cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl, then roll each pretzel in the mixture until fully coated.
10. Serve Warm
Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath
This step is crucial for authentic soft pretzel texture and flavor.
Measure Flour Correctly
Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense dough.
Roll Even Ropes
Even thickness ensures uniform baking.
Brush with Butter Twice
For extra indulgence, brush once before coating and once after.
Flavor Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these delicious twists:
Cream Cheese Glaze
Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, cream cheese, and milk.
Caramel Dip
Serve alongside warm salted caramel sauce.
Pumpkin Spice
Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for fall flair.
Chocolate Drizzle
Melt semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle over cooled pretzels.
Stuffed Pretzels
Add a strip of cream cheese or Nutella inside the dough rope before shaping.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet pretzel snacks are perfect for:
- After-school treats
- Movie night snacks
- Holiday gatherings
- Autumn dessert tables
- Bake sales
- Brunch spreads
Pair with hot chocolate, apple cider, or a vanilla latte for a cozy experience.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing
Freeze baked pretzels (before coating) for up to 2 months. Reheat and coat fresh.
Reheating
Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore softness.
Fun Pretzel Facts
Did you know pretzels date back over 1,400 years? Originally created by European monks, the twisted shape was said to represent arms folded in prayer. Today, pretzels remain one of the most beloved snacks in the world.
Sweet pretzels are a modern twist on the classic savory version, proving that a simple dough can become something extraordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes! Skip the proofing step and mix directly with dry ingredients.
Why are my pretzels dense?
Likely too much flour or insufficient kneading.
Can I make mini pretzel bites?
Absolutely! Cut dough into 1-inch pieces and follow the same boiling and baking process.
Can I air fry them?
Yes, bake at 375°F in the air fryer for about 8–10 minutes after boiling.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are soft, buttery, sweet, and incredibly satisfying. They strike the perfect balance between chewy and fluffy, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Once you try making homemade soft pretzels recipe style, you’ll never look at store-bought the same way again. The warm cinnamon sugar coating, the golden crust, the tender center—it’s pure comfort in every bite.
So roll up your sleeves, twist that dough, and bring bakery magic straight into your kitchen.
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Activate yeast in warm water with sugar until foamy.
- Mix in flour, salt, and melted butter. Knead until smooth.
- Let dough rise until doubled in size.
- Divide dough, roll into ropes, and shape into pretzels.
- Boil pretzels briefly in baking soda bath.
- Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Brush with melted butter and coat in cinnamon sugar.
