What ingredients do I need to make soft pretzel candy canes at home?

To make soft pretzel candy canes at home, you will need all-purpose flour, warm water, active dry yeast, sugar, baking soda, salt, and coarse salt for topping. Optionally, you can add powdered cinnamon or peppermint extract for flavor variations. These basic ingredients combine to create the dough and give the pretzels their signature chewy texture and slightly tangy flavor.

How do I shape soft pretzel dough into candy cane forms?

After allowing the dough to rise, divide it into equal portions and roll each into long ropes about 12 to 15 inches long. To form a candy cane shape, curve one end of each rope into a hook while keeping the other end straight. Make sure the dough is pliable but not sticky to prevent tearing during shaping. This method creates the classic candy cane silhouette perfect for holiday treats.

What is the best way to get soft pretzel candy canes chewy and tender?

To achieve a soft and chewy texture, boil the shaped pretzel candy canes briefly in a baking soda water solution before baking. This step creates the distinctive pretzel crust and chewy bite. Baking at 425°F (220°C) for 10 to 12 minutes ensures they are golden brown yet soft inside. Avoid overbaking to prevent hardness.

Can I add flavors like cinnamon or peppermint to soft pretzel candy canes?

Yes, adding flavors like cinnamon or peppermint is easy and popular for seasonal soft pretzel candy canes. Mix cinnamon and sugar into the coarse salt topping for a warm spice twist. For peppermint, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough or sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top after baking. These simple adjustments create festive tastes without changing the basic recipe.

How should I store soft pretzel candy canes to keep them fresh?

Store soft pretzel candy canes in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness. They are best eaten within 1 to 2 days for optimal texture. To reheat and refresh the chewy texture, warm them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. Avoid refrigeration, as it can dry out the pretzels and make them tough.

Soft Pretzel Candy Canes: 5 Easy Holiday Sweet Treats

Name: Soft Pretzel Candy Canes
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 4 ½ cups (approximately 560 g) all-purpose flour; – 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp or 7 g) instant yeast; – 1 tsp (approximately 5 g) salt, plus ¼ cup pretzel-salt for sprinkling; – 1 ¾ cups (approximately 410 ml) warm water; – 2 Tbsp (approximately 30 ml) honey, plus 3 Tbsp (approximately 45 ml) for the honey-butter glaze; – 1 stick (½ cup or 113 g) salted butter, softened or melted, plus 6 Tbsp (approximately 85 g) for the honey-butter glaze; – 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 Tbsp water (for brushing)

Description

🥨 These soft pretzel candy canes combine a sweet honey‑butter glaze with a salty crunch for a festive treat.
🍯 Quick to make and perfect for holiday gatherings, they’re buttery, fragrant, and delightfully chewy.

Ingredients

– 4 ½ cups (approximately 560 g) all-purpose flour

– 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp or 7 g) instant yeast

– 1 tsp (approximately 5 g) salt, plus ¼ cup pretzel-salt for sprinkling

– 1 ¾ cups (approximately 410 ml) warm water

– 2 Tbsp (approximately 30 ml) honey, plus 3 Tbsp (approximately 45 ml) for the honey-butter glaze

– 1 stick (½ cup or 113 g) salted butter, softened or melted, plus 6 Tbsp (approximately 85 g) for the honey-butter glaze

– 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 Tbsp water (for brushing)

Instructions

1-In a stand mixer’s bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, and 1 tsp salt.

2-Add the warm water, honey, and softened butter; mix with the dough hook for 4-5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

3-Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 15 minutes.

4-While the dough rests, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

5-Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces; roll each piece into a rope 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) long.

6-Twist two ropes together and shape them into a candy-cane form, then place on the prepared sheets.

7-Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise for 15 minutes.

8-Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 2 Tbsp baking soda, and boil the rolls in batches of two for about 3 minutes (shorten to 30 seconds for a softer texture). Use a slotted spoon to transfer the boiled rolls back to the sheets.

9-Brush each roll with the egg yolk-water mixture and sprinkle generously with pretzel salt.

10-Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

11-Meanwhile, combine 6 Tbsp softened butter with 3 Tbsp honey to make the honey-butter glaze.

12-After baking, brush the rolls with the honey-butter glaze and return to the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes for a glossy finish.

13-Serve warm.

Notes

❄️ Freeze baked rolls once cooled; they keep up to 3 months and reheat beautifully.
🧈 If using active‑dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm water and honey first and wait for a foamy rise before mixing.
⏱️ Reduce the boiling time to 30 seconds if you prefer a softer interior rather than a chewier texture.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pretzel candy cane
Calories: 480

Keywords: pretzel candy cane, honey butter pretzel, sweet salty snack, festive pretzel