When the crisp autumn air hits, nothing beats the cozy comfort of spiced baked goods. These pumpkin spice cinnamon sugar pretzels bring together soft, chewy dough with a sweet and spicy sugar coating that captures all the flavors of the season.
Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or a festive snack, this pumpkin spice pretzels recipe is simple to follow and yields irresistible results that will fill your kitchen with warm aromas and smiles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy pretzels infused with pumpkin puree for moistness and subtle sweetness.
- Coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar blend that perfectly complements the pumpkin spice.
- Easy-to-make dough with common pantry ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Perfect for fall breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or holiday gatherings.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings like nuts or a drizzle of glaze.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create soft pumpkin spice cinnamon sugar pretzels that everyone will love.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
- 2/3 cup baking soda (for boiling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including rising)
- Servings: 8 pretzels
- Calories: Approximately 230 per pretzel
How to Make pumpkin spice cinnamon sugar pretzels
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar; stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add pumpkin puree, melted butter, remaining sugar, salt, and pumpkin pie spices to the yeast mixture; stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces; roll each piece into a long rope about 18 inches long, then shape into a classic pretzel form.
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, turning once, then place on prepared baking sheets.
- Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While pretzels are warm, brush lightly with melted butter and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake pretzels for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving warm for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use fresh active dry yeast for optimal rising and texture.
- Make sure water is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Boiling pretzels in baking soda water creates that signature chewy crust—don’t skip this step!
- Brush pretzels with melted butter immediately after baking to help cinnamon sugar stick perfectly.
- For extra flavor, try adding a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or chopped pecans on top.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pumpkin spice cinnamon sugar pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the pretzels wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm pretzels in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds until soft and warm. Refresh the cinnamon sugar topping if needed before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, because the filling contains added sugar and spices that can affect the dough’s texture and flavor.
Can I make these pretzels vegan?
Yes! Substitute melted butter with a plant-based butter or oil, and use a non-dairy milk for brushing if you want to keep them vegan-friendly.
How do I store pumpkin spice pretzels without them getting soggy?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them. Avoid storing in the fridge without sealing well, as moisture can soften their crust.
Can I add toppings other than cinnamon sugar?
Absolutely! You can sprinkle coarse salt, chopped nuts, or drizzle a glaze. Just apply toppings right after baking for the best adhesion.
