Let’s face it, store-bought pretzels just don’t cut it. They’re usually hard and dry, and the cinnamon sugar coating is more like a sprinkle than a delicious glaze. But don’t despair, pretzel lovers! There’s a way to satisfy your cravings without settling for subpar snacks. This easy guide will teach you how to make cinnamon sugar soft pretzels that are so good, you’ll never want to buy them again.
3 Easy Steps To Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Before: Imagine this: you’re sitting on the couch, a warm, gooey cinnamon sugar pretzel in hand, the aroma of freshly baked dough filling the air. Sounds pretty good, right? Well, you don’t need to dream about it any longer. In just a few simple steps, you can make your own homemade cinnamon sugar pretzels. Trust me, it’s easier than you think. Let’s dive in!
After: Now, with your homemade cinnamon sugar pretzels cooling on a rack, ready to be devoured, you’ll understand what all the fuss is about. And the best part? You can customize them. Want chocolate chips? Go for it! Prefer a sprinkle of powdered sugar instead of cinnamon? You do you! The possibilities are endless.
Bridge: But before you start picturing yourself in a pretzel-making frenzy, let’s go over the basics. Making cinnamon sugar soft pretzels is a fun and rewarding experience. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking!
Step 1: The Dough
The heart of your cinnamon sugar soft pretzels lies in the dough. Luckily, making pretzel dough is super easy. You don’t have to be a master baker to handle this! Here’s a simple recipe:
Yields: 8 pretzels
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 13-15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
- Stir in the flour, salt, and olive oil.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shaping and Baking
Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to shape those pretzel-y goodness. This is where the fun really starts!
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
- For a classic pretzel shape, roll each piece of dough into a long rope, about 12 inches long.
- Shape the rope into a pretzel shape.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try different shapes like twists, knots, or even hearts!
Pro tip: To get the quintessential pretzel shape, you can use a boiling water bath. This helps the pretzels get a beautiful golden-brown color and a chewy texture. To do this, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Gently place the pretzels in the boiling water for 30 seconds, then carefully transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the pretzels with melted butter.
Pro Tip: Adding a sprinkle of coarse salt to the pretzels before baking is a traditional way to add a bit of extra flavor.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.
Step 3: Cinnamon Sugar Heaven
It’s time to make those pretzels even more irresistible! The cinnamon sugar coating is the final touch that transforms simple pretzels into a delicious treat.
Instructions:
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While the pretzels are still warm, combine melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar in a bowl.
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Dip each pretzel into the melted butter mixture and then generously sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Pro Tip: For a more intense cinnamon flavor, try using ground cinnamon instead of regular cinnamon.
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Let the pretzels cool on a wire rack before serving.
Enjoy Your Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels!
You’ve made it! Now it’s time to savor your hard work (and a little bit of dough). Serve your cinnamon sugar soft pretzels warm, and enjoy every bite!
Here’s a recap of how to make cinnamon sugar soft pretzels:
Step 1: Make the Dough
- Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead the dough.
- Let the dough rise for 1 hour.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
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Preheat the oven to 425°F. Divide the dough and shape the pretzels.
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For a classic pretzel shape, roll the dough into a rope and shape it into a U.
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Optional: Use boiling water bath for a chewy texture.
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Brush the pretzels with melted butter.
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Bake for 13-15 minutes.
Step 3: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
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Combine melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar.
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Dip each pretzel in the mixture and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
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Cool on a wire rack.
Making cinnamon sugar soft pretzels is a fun activity for both kids and adults. It’s a satisfying experience to create something delicious from scratch. So, next time you’re craving a sweet and savory treat, skip the store and whip up a batch of your own homemade cinnamon sugar soft pretzels. You won’t regret it!
