Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Recipe: How to Make Soft, Flavorful Twists

The aroma of freshly baked cinnamon sugar pretzels wafting through the air can transport you right back to the warmth of your favorite bakery. These soft, chewy, and irresistibly sweet treats are surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some time for dough rising, you can satisfy your craving and impress your friends and family with your newfound skills. Let's dive into a step-by-step guide on how to make these delightful cinnamon sugar pretzels.

Before we start, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools. You'll need warm water, active dry yeast, all-purpose flour, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, an egg, and for the topping, cinnamon, more sugar, and a bit of milk. You'll also need a stand mixer or a large bowl for kneading, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and an oven to bake your masterpiece.

Preparing the Dough

The first step in making cinnamon sugar pretzels is preparing the dough. The process is quite similar to making regular pretzels, with an added touch of sweetness.

Start by activating your yeast in a small bowl with warm water, a pinch of sugar, and a touch of flour. Keep this in a warm, draft-free area until it becomes frothy, which should take about 5 minutes.

Combine the Ingredients

In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine 3 and 1/2 cups of the flour, 1/4 cup of the sugar, and the salt. Form a well in the center, then pour in the yeast mixture, 1/4 cup of the melted butter, and the beaten egg.

Using the dough hook attachment, mix everything on low speed until a rough dough forms. Increase the speed to medium and mixing until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 4 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add some of the remaining flour, about a tablespoon at a time. Alternatively, if the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of warm water.

Let the Dough Rise

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a long rope, about 24 inches long. To shape the pretzels, form each rope into a U-shape, twist the ends, and then bring them over the top and press onto the bottom to form a traditional pretzel shape.

Baking the Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Brush the shaped pretzels with a bit of milk, then dip them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.

Place the coated pretzels on the prepared baking sheet. Let them sit for another 15-20 minutes to allow the dough to rise again and the cinnamon sugar to set. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Brushing with Sugar Coat

Once baked, remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. While still warm, gently brush each pretzel with a bit of melted butter, then sprinkle with the leftover cinnamon-sugar mixture. This will give your pretzels an extra layer of sweet crispiness.

Allow your cinnamon sugar pretzels to cool completely before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Enjoy your homemade treat with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or as a fun snack for movie nights!