If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate snack that hits every sweet spot, look no further than this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe. These pretzels are a warm embrace of pillowy dough, sweet cinnamon, and buttery goodness—all wrapped up in a golden, bakery-style treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for family movie nights, game day, or whenever you crave a sweet twist on a classic, this recipe always wins over hearts and taste buds with its comforting, cinnamon-infused flavor and irresistibly soft texture.

Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe is just how approachable the ingredient list is. Each element plays a role in delivering the beautifully browned crust, chewy interior, and, of course, that signature sweet cinnamon sugar finish. Gather these pantry staples and you’re halfway to pretzel bliss!

Warm Milk: Acts as the foundation for activating the yeast and creating a soft, rich dough.
Yeast: This is what makes the dough rise, giving your pretzels their fluffy, homemade character.
Brown Sugar: Adds a mellow sweetness to the dough and balances all the flavors perfectly.
Butter (melted): Essential for adding rich flavor and yielding that tender, moist crumb.
Salt: Just a touch brings out the depth in all the other flavors—don’t skip this!
Flour: The backbone of your pretzels, providing substance and the perfect chewy bite.
Baking Soda: Gives each pretzel that signature golden, slightly crisp exterior after a quick dip.
Warm Water: Used both for blooming the yeast and for the baking soda bath!
Sugar: Delivers delightful sweetness to coat the finished pretzels.
Cinnamon: The star of the show, giving each bite a cozy, aromatic spiciness.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start by pouring the warm milk into a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer). Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for a few minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly—this means the yeast is alive and well, ready to give your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe that wonderfully puffy lift.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Once your yeast is active, stir in the brown sugar, melted butter, one cup of the flour, and salt. Mix just until everything comes together, then gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time. The goal is a dough that’s smooth, slightly sticky, but not unmanageable. Once you reach that stage, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a cozy spot for about an hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Pretzels

With the dough now risen and fluffy, preheat your oven to 450 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Divide the dough into twelve equal pieces—this gives you just the right size for snacking. Roll each piece into a long rope, then twist the rope into the iconic pretzel shape. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; that homemade look is half the charm!

Step 4: Dip and Bake

Whisk together the warm water and baking soda in a bowl—this is the secret that gives pretzels their classic sheen and chewy crust. Take each shaped pretzel and give it a quick dip in the baking soda solution, then transfer it to your prepared baking sheets. Once all the pretzels are lined up, bake for 7 to 11 minutes, until they’re glowing a deep golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven.

Step 5: Finish with Cinnamon Sugar

While the pretzels are still warm, brush them generously with melted butter. In a shallow dish, whisk together your cinnamon and sugar, then dip each buttered pretzel into the mixture, making sure every curve and twist is coated in that magical dust. The result? A Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe that’s meltingly soft on the inside, sweet and sparkly on the outside.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe

Garnishes

The best way to finish these beauties is to keep the toppings simple: a little extra swipe of melted butter, or perhaps a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair. If you’re feeling fun, drizzle with vanilla glaze or chocolate sauce for a decadent touch that takes your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe over the top.

Side Dishes

Pair your warm, cinnamon-scented pretzels with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert duo, or serve alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or chai latte. For a brunch spread, offer a platter of fruit or Greek yogurt for a little balance to all the sweet, buttery magic.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving to a crowd, stack the pretzels on a rustic board or pile in a bread basket lined with a colorful cloth. For parties, thread mini pretzels onto skewers or arrange them on a standing pretzel tree. If you’re making them as gifts, wrap each one individually in wax paper and tie with a ribbon for a personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The sugar coating helps lock in moisture, but if you want to enjoy them beyond that, read on!

Freezing

These pretzels freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to two months. Wait to coat in cinnamon sugar until after you reheat—they’ll taste freshly made!

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven experience, warm your pretzel in a 300-degree oven for about 8 minutes, or microwave for a few seconds if you’re in a rush. If you froze them before coating, brush with a touch of melted butter and dunk in cinnamon sugar after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! Just skip the blooming step and mix the instant yeast directly with your dry ingredients. The rise times will be about the same, making this already easy Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe even quicker.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can swap in white sugar with a splash of molasses, or simply use regular sugar. The flavor will be slightly less caramel-like, but still absolutely delicious.

How do I get my pretzels extra soft?

The key is not to overbake and to brush generously with butter right after baking. Warm milk in the dough and letting it rise until doubled helps keep your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe ultra tender and soft.

Can I make smaller mini pretzels?

Definitely! Just cut your dough into more pieces and reduce the baking time by a few minutes. Bite-sized pretzels are perfect for parties, kids’ snacks, or holiday platters.

Is it okay to use non-dairy milk and vegan butter?

Yes, you can use almond, oat, or soy milk, and swap the butter for plant-based alternatives. The result will still be a fantastic, chewy-soft Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one snack that makes any day feel a little more special, it’s this Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe. Whip up a batch and watch them disappear—nothing beats the joy of sharing sweet, soft pretzels fresh from your own oven. Give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a truly sweet homemade experience!