Cinnamon sugar pretzels are a tasty treat you can make at home. This easy recipe combines warm dough with sweet cinnamon and sugar, creating a snack that’s hard to resist. Whether you want a fun family activity or a delicious addition to your parties, these pretzels hit the spot. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create these delightful bites that everyone will love!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
– 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ⅓ cup baking soda
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
To make cinnamon sugar pretzels, you need a few basic ingredients. The warm water helps activate the yeast. The yeast is key for making the dough rise. Sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning. You will also use all-purpose flour, which gives the pretzels their structure. Salt enhances the flavors in the dough.
Baking soda is important for the boiling step, which gives pretzels their unique texture. The beaten egg serves as a wash to give the pretzels a shiny top. The cinnamon and sugar mixture will coat the pretzels once baked. Lastly, coarse sea salt adds a nice touch on top and balances the sweetness.
Equipment Needed
– Mixing bowls
– Baking sheets
– Slotted spoon
– Saucepan
You will need some basic equipment to help you make these pretzels. Mixing bowls are essential for combining your ingredients. Baking sheets are where you will place your pretzels before baking. A slotted spoon makes it easy to transfer the pretzels in and out of boiling water. A saucepan is needed to boil the water with baking soda.
Optional Ingredients
– Melted butter for serving
– Extra cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
For a little extra flavor, you can serve the pretzels with melted butter. It adds richness that pairs well with the cinnamon and sugar. You can also sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top after baking. This makes the pretzels even sweeter and more irresistible.
For the full recipe, check the earlier section.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Combine 1 ½ cups of warm water, 1 packet of yeast, and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
– Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. It should become foamy.
Making the Dough
– Add 4 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture.
– Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Shaping and Boiling
– Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
– After the dough rises, punch it down. Split it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into long ropes, about 24 inches long. Shape them into pretzels.
– In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Stir in ⅓ cup of baking soda. Carefully add each pretzel one at a time into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them back to the baking sheets.
Baking
– Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
– Brush each pretzel with a beaten egg. In a bowl, mix ½ cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this over the pretzels. Add a pinch of coarse sea salt on top.
– Bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving.
You can find the full recipe above to guide you through each step!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfect Texture
To get the best texture in your cinnamon sugar pretzels, start with the right water temperature. Use water that is warm, around 110°F to 115°F. This helps activate the yeast. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast. If it’s too cold, the yeast will not activate well.
When kneading, aim for about five minutes. This helps develop gluten. You want the dough to feel smooth and elastic. A good tip is to stretch the dough. If it holds its shape without tearing, you did it right.
Yeast Activation Tips
Look for signs of active yeast. After mixing the yeast with water and sugar, let it sit for five minutes. It should become foamy. If it stays flat, the yeast might be dead. You need fresh yeast for the best rise.
Serving Suggestions
For a great presentation, serve your warm pretzels on a wooden board. Place a small bowl of melted butter next to them. It adds a nice touch. You can also sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on the side. This gives your guests a chance to add more flavor.
For dipping, consider melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or even cream cheese icing. Each option pairs well with the sweet and salty pretzels. Enjoy the fun of mixing flavors!
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the flavor of your pretzels easily. Try adding a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the dough. This small twist can enhance the taste and aroma. If you love fall flavors, swap the cinnamon for pumpkin spice. This adds warmth and a hint of sweetness.
Dietary Variations
If you’re gluten-free, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. It gives a nutty flavor and great texture. For a vegan option, skip the egg wash. Brush the pretzels with plant-based milk instead. This allows everyone to enjoy these tasty treats.
Topping Variations
Mix up the toppings to keep it fun! Use different sugars, like brown sugar or coconut sugar, for coating. You can also try spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist. Want to add more sweetness? Toss in chocolate chips or drizzle caramel on top. These small changes can create a new favorite. For the full recipe, check back on the main article.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Pretzels
To keep your pretzels fresh, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each pretzel in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pretzels in a zip-top bag. Seal the bag tightly to keep out air. Store them at room temperature for best results. This method helps maintain their soft texture and flavor.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze your pretzels, follow these steps. First, cool the pretzels completely. Then, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pretzels in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. When you’re ready to enjoy them, take a pretzel out and let it thaw. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Shelf Life
Cinnamon sugar pretzels can last for about 2-3 days at room temperature. After this, they may start to lose their freshness. If stored properly in the fridge, they can last up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is the best option. Enjoy your pretzels while they are still soft and tasty!
FAQs
How do I make cinnamon sugar pretzels from scratch?
To make cinnamon sugar pretzels from scratch, you start with warm water and yeast. This mix helps the dough rise. Next, you add flour, salt, and a bit of sugar. Knead it until smooth, then let it rise for about an hour. Once doubled in size, shape the dough into pretzels. Boil them in baking soda water for a chewy texture. Then, brush with egg and coat in cinnamon sugar before baking until golden. You can find the full recipe above.
Can I make cinnamon sugar pretzels ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, place it in the fridge. This slows down the rising process. The next day, take it out and let it warm up for 30 minutes. Shape and boil the pretzels as usual. You can also bake them ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to refresh.
Where can I buy cinnamon sugar pretzels?
You can find cinnamon sugar pretzels at local bakeries and snack shops. Many grocery stores also sell them in the frozen section. If you prefer shopping online, websites like Amazon or specialty food sites offer them. You can even check local food delivery apps for nearby options.
What can I do with leftover cinnamon sugar pretzels?
If you have leftover pretzels, don’t waste them! You can slice them up for a tasty bread pudding. Chop them into pieces and toss them in salads for added crunch. Another idea is to toast them and use them as croutons. You can also warm them up with a bit of butter for a quick snack.
Making cinnamon sugar pretzels is fun and rewarding. You learned about key ingredients and the important steps to create these tasty treats. Each part, from mixing to boiling, builds great flavor. Remember to store any extras well, so they stay fresh. You now have the tools to experiment with flavors and toppings. Enjoy crafting your pretzels and share them with friends and family. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone will want to try a bite!
