Here’s a delicious recipe for gluten-free cinnamon pretzels—soft, chewy, sweet, and perfect for a snack or dessert. These are similar to those cozy mall-style cinnamon-sugar pretzels, but made gluten-free!
🌟 Gluten-Free Cinnamon Pretzels
Yield: ~8 medium pretzels
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rise time)
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
🧂 Ingredients
For the Dough:
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1 ½ cups warm milk (100–110°F)
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2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
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2 tbsp melted butter (or dairy-free butter)
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2 ½ – 3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
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1 tsp salt
For Shaping & Boiling:
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6 cups water
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⅓ cup baking soda
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
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¼ cup melted butter (or vegan alternative)
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 tbsp ground cinnamon
🍞 Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
Stir in melted butter, salt, and 2 ½ cups of the gluten-free flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. If sticky, add more flour 1 tbsp at a time. Knead (or use the dough hook) for 3–5 minutes until smooth.
3. Let It Rise
Cover bowl with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled.
4. Shape the Pretzels
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Divide dough into 8 pieces. Roll each into a rope (about 18–20 inches long), then twist into a pretzel shape. (You can also shape into sticks or bites for ease.)
5. Boil the Pretzels
Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Gently drop each pretzel in for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Add the Cinnamon Sugar
While still warm, brush each pretzel with melted butter, then dip or sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
🍽 Tips
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Gluten-Free Flour: Use a quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend with xanthan gum. If your blend doesn’t include it, add 1 tsp xanthan gum to the dough.
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Make It Vegan: Substitute plant-based milk and butter.
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Storage: Best fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven or air fryer. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
