There’s just something magical about homemade snacks, isn’t there? The aroma wafting through the kitchen, the warmth of fresh ingredients coming together, and the joy of sharing with loved ones. That’s exactly how I feel when I make cinnamon sugar pretzels. I still remember the first time I whipped up a batch with my kids; we had flour everywhere, and there was laughter echoing off the walls! As we twisted those pretzels into shape, I couldn’t help but think about how these little treats bring us all together. They’re not just a snack; they’re a memory in the making. These cinnamon sugar pretzels are soft, chewy, and oh-so-delicious, making them the perfect addition to any family gathering or movie night. Trust me, once you make them at home, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful cinnamon sugar pretzels. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup warm water (not hot, just warm enough to activate the yeast)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (this helps the yeast bloom!)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (for that perfect chewy texture)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to enhance all the flavors)
- 1/4 cup baking soda (this will be used for boiling the pretzels)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing and adding richness)
- 1/2 cup sugar (for the cinnamon sugar topping)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (to give that warm, sweet flavor)
Make sure you have everything ready before you start, so you can enjoy the process without any interruptions!
How to Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making those delicious cinnamon sugar pretzels! I promise it’s easier than it sounds, and you’ll be snacking in no time. Let’s take it step-by-step!
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
First things first, let’s wake up that yeast! In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of warm water (remember, it should be warm but not hot) with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Give it a little stir to combine, then let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it gets all foamy and bubbly—this means your yeast is alive and kicking!
Step 2: Make the Dough
Once your yeast is nice and foamy, it’s time to make the dough. Add in 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture. Mix it all together until a dough starts to form. It should be slightly sticky but not too wet. If it feels too sticky, don’t be afraid to add a little more flour!
Step 3: Knead and Rise
Now for the fun part—kneading! Lightly flour your countertop and turn out the dough. Knead it for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is a great arm workout too! Once you’ve kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes. It should double in size, which is a great sign!
Step 4: Prepare for Boiling
While your dough is rising, let’s get the boiling water ready! In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, carefully stir in 1/4 cup of baking soda. This step is super important because it gives the pretzels that chewy texture we all love. Be cautious, as it might bubble up a bit when you add the baking soda!
Step 5: Shape the Pretzels
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Now, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 24 inches long, and twist it into the classic pretzel shape. Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect; they’ll still taste amazing!
Step 6: Boil the Pretzels
Time to give those pretzels a quick dip! Carefully add each pretzel to the boiling baking soda water, one at a time, and let them boil for 30 seconds. This step is crucial, so don’t skip it! It helps create that shiny, golden crust. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain for a moment.
Step 7: Bake the Pretzels
Now it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your boiled pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each one with melted butter for that extra richness. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, then sprinkle generously over the pretzels. Bake them in the oven for 12-15 minutes until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly!
Tips for Success
Getting the perfect batch of cinnamon sugar pretzels is all about a few key details. Here are my best tips to ensure your pretzels turn out just right:
- Check the water temperature: Make sure the water is warm, not hot! If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, and we don’t want that. A good rule of thumb is to aim for around 110°F (43°C) – just warm enough to comfortably dip your finger in.
- Don’t skip the boiling: This step is crucial! Boiling the pretzels in the baking soda water gives them that iconic chewy texture and beautiful sheen. It might feel like an extra step, but trust me, it’s worth it!
- Adjust the cinnamon sugar topping: If you love that sweet cinnamon flavor, feel free to add more sugar or cinnamon to the topping mix. You can also experiment with other flavors, like a pinch of nutmeg or even some vanilla extract in the melted butter.
- Let them cool: Once they come out of the oven, let your pretzels cool slightly before digging in. This helps them set up a bit and makes them easier to handle.
- Have fun with shapes: Don’t stress if your pretzels aren’t perfectly shaped! The beauty of homemade snacks is the love that goes into them. Each pretzel can have its own personality!
With these tips in hand, you’ll be on your way to making the best cinnamon sugar pretzels ever. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note on the nutritional information: it can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use in your cinnamon sugar pretzels. This means the values I’ve shared are approximate and not set in stone. Always feel free to adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs or preferences, and keep in mind that portion sizes can affect the overall nutrition too. Happy snacking!
FAQ About Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Absolutely, you can use whole wheat flour! Just keep in mind that it will give your cinnamon sugar pretzels a denser texture than all-purpose flour. If you want, you can mix half whole wheat flour with half all-purpose flour for a nice balance between flavor and texture. Just make sure to keep an eye on the dough; it might need a bit more water since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture!
How to store leftover pretzels?
Storing your leftover pretzels is super easy! Just let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that delicious softness before you dig in!
Can I freeze pretzels?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your pretzels! Just make sure they’re completely cooled down before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll be good for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to get that warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven taste again. Perfect for those late-night snack cravings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 45 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cinnamon sugar pretzels in no time. Perfect for when unexpected guests arrive or for a cozy family movie night!
- Easy to Make: This recipe breaks down each step clearly, making it beginner-friendly. You don’t need any fancy equipment or skills; just a little time and enthusiasm!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet sugar on soft, chewy pretzels creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible. They’re a delightful treat that will have everyone coming back for more!
- Fun for the Whole Family: Making these pretzels is a fantastic way to spend time with loved ones. Get everyone involved in twisting, boiling, and topping—it’s a great bonding activity!
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the cinnamon sugar topping to suit your taste. Want it sweeter? Go for more sugar! Feeling adventurous? Try adding a dash of nutmeg or some cocoa powder for a twist!

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: 7 Steps to Easy Homemade Joy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 pretzels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cinnamon sugar pretzels that are easy to make and perfect for snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sugar (for topping)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in a greased bowl for 30 minutes, covered with a towel.
- In a pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add baking soda to the boiling water.
- Divide the dough into 12 pieces and shape each into a pretzel.
- Boil each pretzel in the baking soda water for 30 seconds.
- Place pretzels on a baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and sprinkle over the pretzels.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
- Do not skip the boiling step; it gives pretzels their chewy texture.
- Feel free to adjust the cinnamon sugar topping to your taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cinnamon sugar pretzels, easy pretzel recipe, homemade pretzels