Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe – Soft, Chewy, Bakery-Style Treats

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Few homemade treats are as comforting and irresistible as warm Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels fresh from the oven. With their golden exterior, soft and chewy interior, and sweet cinnamon coating, these pretzels taste just like the ones you’d find at a mall bakery or specialty pretzel shop—but even better because they’re made from scratch in your own kitchen.

This cinnamon sugar soft pretzel recipe is perfect for weekend baking, family movie nights, holiday snack tables, or anytime you want a cozy homemade dessert. The dough is simple to work with, the ingredients are pantry staples, and the results are consistently impressive, even for beginner bakers.

If you’re searching for a homemade soft pretzel recipe that’s sweet, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for both kids and adults, these cinnamon sugar pretzels are a must-bake classic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy homemade dough using basic pantry ingredients
• Soft, chewy texture with a golden-brown finish
• Sweet cinnamon sugar coating everyone loves
• Budget-friendly alternative to bakery pretzels
• Fun baking project for families
• Perfect for snacks, parties, or dessert
• Can be made ahead and reheated

Ingredients Breakdown

• Active Dry Yeast – Helps the dough rise and creates the soft, fluffy interior. Properly activated yeast is key to light, chewy pretzels.

• Warm Water – Activates the yeast. Water should be warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.

• Granulated Sugar – Feeds the yeast during activation and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.

• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure while keeping the pretzels soft and tender. Measuring accurately ensures the dough isn’t too dense.

• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor. Even a small amount improves taste.

• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and softness to the dough. Using unsalted butter allows better control of flavor.

• Baking Soda – Used in the boiling bath to give pretzels their classic chewy texture and golden color.

• Egg – Creates a glossy, bakery-style finish when brushed on before baking.

• Cinnamon – Adds warm, aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with sugar.

• Cinnamon Sugar Topping – Coats the pretzels in sweetness, giving them their signature flavor and irresistible finish.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Soft Pretzels

• Make sure yeast water is between 100–110°F for proper activation
• Knead dough until smooth and elastic for the best texture
• Let the dough rise fully to achieve soft, airy pretzels
• Shape pretzels evenly so they bake at the same rate
• Use a rolling boil for the baking soda bath
• Sprinkle cinnamon sugar while pretzels are still wet for best adhesion

Variations and Customizations

These cinnamon sugar soft pretzels are easy to adapt to different tastes.

• Brush with melted butter after baking for extra richness
• Add vanilla extract to the dough for subtle sweetness
• Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for deeper flavor
• Skip cinnamon sugar and sprinkle with coarse salt for classic pretzels
• Serve with cream cheese glaze or vanilla icing for dipping

Pairing Suggestions

Serving Ideas

• Cream cheese dip or vanilla glaze
• Chocolate sauce or caramel sauce
• Powdered sugar dusting

Beverages

• Hot chocolate
• Coffee or latte
• Cold milk

Occasions

• After-school snacks
• Weekend baking projects
• Holiday dessert tables
• Game day treats

Storage Instructions

• Store cooled pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days for extended freshness
• Freeze baked pretzels for up to 2 months
• Reheat in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to restore softness

Popular Questions

Can I make pretzel dough ahead of time?

Yes. You can refrigerate the dough after the first rise for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.

Why do pretzels need a baking soda bath?

The baking soda bath gives pretzels their signature chewy texture and deep golden color.

Can I skip the egg wash?

You can, but the pretzels won’t have the same glossy, bakery-style finish.

How do I keep pretzels soft?

Store them airtight and reheat briefly before serving to restore softness.

Can I make these pretzels less sweet?

Yes. Reduce the cinnamon sugar topping or skip it entirely for a lightly sweet pretzel.

Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Warm, fluffy homemade soft pretzels coated in buttery cinnamon sugar. Perfectly chewy on the inside with a lightly crisp exterior, these pretzels are ideal for parties, gifting, or cozy weekend baking.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 pretzels

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Equipment

• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• large pot
• baking sheet
• parchment paper
• Pastry brush

Method

 

1. Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until dough forms, then knead 5–7 minutes.
3. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.
4. Punch down dough, divide into 8 pieces, roll into ropes, and shape into pretzels.
5. Boil pretzels in baking soda water for 30 seconds each, then transfer to baking sheet.
6. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden.

Notes

• Brush baked pretzels with melted butter for extra flavor
• Serve warm for the best texture and taste
• These pretzels reheat well and are freezer-friendly
• Perfect for gifting, parties, or weekend treats

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