Jumbo Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel

Whether homemade or using store-bought dough, this Jumbo Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel is so sweet and satisfying. Soft and tender, and finished with a buttery cinnamon sugar crust, it’s sure to win everyone over!

The Sweetest Pretzel

A cinnamon sugar soft pretzel that’s bigger than your head and dipped in cream cheese icing is just what this time of year calls for. Made from a 50 inch rope of homemade or store-bought pizza dough, it gets washed with a baking soda solution and egg wash before being baked until golden brown. Brush with butter and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar, and watch your crowd tear into it with no hesitation.

A Game Day Great

Homemade pretzels are already a staple at our house during football season. Pretzel Bites dipped in a warm, gooey cheese sauce. Or a jumbo size soft pretzel sprinkled with lots of flaky salt. Well, it was about time a sweet pretzel joined all the savory options! And y’all, it is so, so yummy. Firm on the outside, soft and tender on the inside. I can’t wait for you to pull off a piece of warm, sweet pretzel and dip it in cream cheese frosting. It’s SO good.

I think my kids would call it a cheat code. But making this cinnamony sweet pretzel with store-bought pizza dough saves a ton of time and tastes just as great. Same soft pretzel texture with a firm crust. If you’re in a rush, it’s definitely the way to go.

Ingredients and Supplies

(see recipe card at the bottom of this post for measurements and details. To learn more about specific baking ingredients and how they function in baking recipes, reference my Complete Guide to Baking Ingredients)

Homemade Pretzel Dough Ingredients:

• Active dry yeast: helps the dough rise, giving the pretzel its soft, fluffy texture. 
• Granulated sugar: feeds the yeast to help the dough rise while adding a touch of sweetness. 
• Warm water: activates the yeast and brings the dough ingredients together.
• Olive oil: adds moisture and helps keep the pretzel soft and tender. You can substitute an equal amount of vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted butter.
• Bread flour: gives the pretzel its signature chewy texture while providing structure to the dough. You can substitute all-purpose flour, although the pretzel may be slightly less chewy.
• Kosher salt: enhances the flavor of the dough and helps control the yeast’s activity. You can substitute fine sea salt or table salt, but reduce the amount to about 3/4 teaspoon.

OR

• Prepared store-bought pizza dough: a convenient shortcut that eliminates the need to make homemade pretzel dough.
• Water: dissolves the baking soda so it can be evenly brushed over the pretzel.
• Baking soda: helps create the pretzel’s characteristic golden-brown exterior and distinctive pretzel flavor. 
• Large egg: gives the pretzel a beautiful golden-brown color and slightly glossy finish as it bakes.
• Water: thins the egg wash so it’s easier to brush evenly over the pretzel.
• Unsalted butter (melted): adds rich flavor and helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the warm pretzel.
• Granulated sugar: creates the sweet, slightly crunchy coating that makes this pretzel irresistible.
• Ground cinnamon: adds the warm, sweet spice that gives this pretzel its classic cinnamon sugar flavor.

For Serving:

• Cream Cheese Frosting (for dipping): adds a rich, sweet, and tangy dipping option that pairs perfectly with the warm cinnamon sugar pretzel. You can substitute vanilla icing, caramel sauce, or a simple powdered sugar glaze. Use my recipe or your favorite store-bought brand.

Supplies:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large bowl
• Wooden spoon

How to Make a Jumbo Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• If making the homemade dough: In a large bowl, combine the yeast and sugar with the warm water. Let proof for about 10 minutes.
• Stir in the olive oil, 2 cups of the flour and the salt with a wooden spoon until the flour is well incorporated, about 2 minutes. The dough will be slightly sticky.
• Transfer the dough to a well-floured work surface and knead with floured hands until a smooth ball forms, adding up to the remaining 1/4 cup flour, if needed. If using prepared store-bought pizza dough, start here.
• With floured hands, stretch the dough into a 50-inch-long rope. Shape the rope into a pretzel on the prepared baking sheet.
• Make the baking soda wash: Whisk together the baking soda and warm water until combined. Brush the mixture all over the pretzel-shaped dough.

• Make the egg wash: Whisk together the egg and water until well combined. Brush the egg wash all over the pretzel.
• Bake on the middle rack for about 15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the pretzel is golden brown all over.
• Make the cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.

• Brush the melted butter all over the warm baked pretzel, then generously sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar.
• Serve warm with cream cheese frosting for dipping.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon sugar soft pretzel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Store the cream cheese frosting separately in the refrigerator.

For the best texture, reheat the pretzel in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 10–15 seconds, although they may become slightly chewy. If reheating from frozen, thaw first for the best results.

For the freshest flavor and texture, store the pretzel without the cinnamon sugar topping if you’re making it ahead. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after reheating for that delicious, freshly baked taste!

If you make my Jumbo Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group to connect and share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make! 😍 I just love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy!

xoxo,

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