There’s something almost magical about homemade soft pretzels fresh from the oven. Golden brown, slightly puffed, and coated in sparkling cinnamon sugar, they fill the kitchen with the warm aroma of sweet spice and buttery dough. That first bite? Pure comfort. The outside has a delicate chew, while the inside stays incredibly soft and tender — like a sweet, doughy cloud wrapped in cinnamon warmth.
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty. The classic pretzel base brings that subtle savory depth, while the cinnamon sugar coating adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, a movie marathon, a holiday gathering, or simply because you’re craving something special, this recipe delivers every single time.
And yes… they’re dangerously hard to stop eating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly soft and chewy texture
- Sweet, buttery cinnamon sugar coating
- Beginner-friendly dough
- Great for sharing (or keeping all to yourself)
- Freezer-friendly
These pretzels feel bakery-worthy but are surprisingly simple to make at home.
Key Ingredients & Why They Matter
Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that signature soft pretzel texture and flavor.
Active Dry Yeast
The foundation of the dough. Yeast creates the airy, chewy interior by helping the dough rise beautifully.
Warm Water
Activates the yeast. It should feel warm to the touch, not hot — too much heat can kill the yeast.
Granulated Sugar
Adds subtle sweetness to the dough and helps feed the yeast during activation.
All-Purpose Flour
Provides structure and that classic pretzel chew.
Salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Unsalted Butter (Melted)
Adds richness and tenderness while contributing to the golden color.
Baking Soda
Used in the boiling water bath. This is essential for developing that classic chewy crust and deep golden exterior.
Egg (Beaten)
Brushed on top before baking to create a glossy, golden finish.
Cinnamon & Sugar
The star coating — sweet, warm, slightly crunchy, and completely irresistible.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine:
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Add:
- Yeast mixture
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead
Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise
Place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Pretzels
- Punch down dough.
- Divide into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each into an 18-inch rope.
- Shape into a pretzel by forming a U, twisting the ends, and folding them down.
6. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring 10 cups water to a boil.
- Add 1/4 cup baking soda.
Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Add Egg Wash & Cinnamon Sugar
Brush with beaten egg.
Mix:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Sprinkle generously over pretzels.
8. Bake
Bake 12–15 minutes until deeply golden brown.
Cool slightly… then try not to eat them all immediately.
Serving Ideas
Take these pretzels to the next level with:
- Warm caramel dip
- Melted chocolate drizzle
- Cinnamon honey butter
- Cream cheese icing
- Vanilla glaze
They also pair beautifully with coffee, hot chocolate, or chai tea.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator
Keeps 4–5 days, but reheat in oven to restore softness.
Freezer
Wrap individually and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Pretzels
- Don’t skip the baking soda bath — it creates the chewy crust.
- Make sure yeast is foamy before mixing.
- Avoid over-flouring while kneading.
- Serve warm for best texture.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are pure comfort food. Soft, sweet, slightly salty, and wrapped in cozy cinnamon warmth, they turn an ordinary afternoon into something special.
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 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
For the Baking Soda Bath:
- 10 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
For Topping:
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the flour. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 1–1 1/2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into an 18-inch rope. Shape into pretzels by forming a U-shape, twisting the ends, and folding them down.
- Bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add baking soda and stir carefully.
- Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Brush pretzels with beaten egg.
- Mix 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle generously over pretzels.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving.