Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are a delightful homemade treat with a perfect balance of chewy texture and sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Made from scratch with active dry yeast and baked to golden perfection, they offer a comforting and delicious snack suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Boiling Solution
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
Topping
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Pour 1 cup of warm water into a small bowl. Sprinkle 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the water and stir in 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar until dissolved. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl, add 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, kneading it for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Shape Pretzels: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each into an 18-inch rope, shape into a pretzel by forming a U, twisting the ends, and folding them over the center.
- Preheat Oven and Boil Solutions: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Add 1/4 cup baking soda and stir until dissolved.
- Boil Pretzels: One at a time, carefully place each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar Topping: Brush each pretzel with beaten egg to achieve a glossy finish. Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and sprinkle generously over the pretzels while the egg wash is still wet.
- Bake: Bake pretzels in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure water for activating yeast is warm, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast.
- Kneading dough well develops gluten, essential for chewy pretzels.
- Boiling pretzels in baking soda water is key to achieving their characteristic crust and color.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking.
- Serve pretzels warm for best taste and texture.
Keywords: Cinnamon sugar soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, soft pretzel recipe, cinnamon sugar snack, baked pretzels