Cinnamon Pretzels Recipe: How to Make Soft and Chewy Homemade Pretzels in the Oven

Cinnamon pretzels, a delightful blend of sweet and savory, are a perfect treat for any time of day. Their warm, comforting aroma and a hint of spice make them an excellent choice for your home baking repertoire. Today, we're going to guide you through a simple, oven-baked recipe that will transform your kitchen into a cozy, aroma-filled haven. Let's dive in and learn how to make these delicious goodies.

This recipe is perfect for baking enthusiasts of all levels. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you'll be rewarded with soft, chewy pretzels that are unmistakably cinnamon. While the process involves a couple of stages, each one is straightforward and well worth the effort. So, let's get started!

Preparing the Dough

The heart of our cinnamon pretzels is the dough, which is an enriched version of the standard pretzel dough with the addition of our star ingredient - cinnamon.

The process begins with activating the yeast in warm water and sugar. This phase ensures our dough will rise beautifully, giving us those signature soft pretzel interiors. Once activated, flour, salt, cinnamon, and a touch of melted butter are added to form a soft, pliable dough. After a quick knead, the dough is ready for its first rise.

Ingredients for the Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F - 115°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

After the dough has risen, it's time to portion and shape our pretzels. Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces, then roll each piece into a long rope, about 24 inches long. Shape into a classic pretzel form by looping the dough, crossing the ends over each other, and twisting them up to the final loop. Place your shaped pretzels onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to rest while you prepare the egg wash.

Shaping the Pretzels

Roll each dough portion into a long rope, then loop, cross, and twist to form the iconic pretzel shape. As you work, be gentle and avoid deflating the dough to maintain those soft, chewy interiors.

Boiling and Baking

Before we bake our pretzels, they'll take a quick trip to a simmering bath of baking soda and water. This step is what gives pretzels their distinctive chewy exterior and dark color. After boiling, the pretzels are brushed with a simple egg wash for a golden finish.

The final step is, of course, baking. Placed in a preheated oven, our cinnamon pretzels will bake to perfection, developing a beautiful golden-brown crust. Once done, brush them with a mixture of melted butter and cinnamon sugar for an extra hit of cinnamon goodness.

Ingredients for Boiling and Baking

• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar mixture)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar mixture)

As you take that first heavenly bite, the comforting aroma of cinnamon, the chewy exterior, and the soft, warm center will transport you to your favorite bakery. These homemade cinnamon pretzels are sure to become a favorite treat in your household, and with practice, you'll master the technique to enjoy soft, baked pretzels whenever the craving strikes.

Now that you've learned how to make cinnamon pretzels in the oven, why not get creative and experiment with different toppings or fillings? The possibilities are endless. Happy baking, and enjoy your aroma-filled kitchen!