Cinnamon Crunch Soft Pretzels

1. Stage

In a large glass measuring cup, stir water and granulated sugar until sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. 

2. Stage

In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, mix flour and salt on low speed. Add yeast mixture and beat on medium-low speed until well combined. Increase speed to medium and beat until a smooth and elastic dough forms, about 5 minutes.

3. Stage

Grease a medium bowl with cooking spray and transfer dough to bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise until doubled in size, 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how warm your kitchen is. 

4. Stage

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment and grease with cooking spray. Turn out dough onto a clean surface and divide into 12 pieces (about 74 grams each). Roll each piece to a 14"-long rope. If dough is too sticky, lightly flour your work surface, but a clean surface will help to shape ropes more easily. 

5. Stage

Take each rope and shape into a U. Twist ends together twice, then fold down and press ends into the bottom of the U to make a pretzel shape. Transfer to prepared baking sheets and cover with a clean kitchen towel. 

6. Stage

Fill a large pot with water and stir in baking soda. Bring to a boil over high heat. Working in batches, add pretzels to boiling water and cook, flipping halfway through, until puffed, about 30 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, return pretzels to baking sheet.

7. Stage

Preheat oven to 425°. In a medium bowl, stir brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add butter and stir until mixture resembles wet sand. 

8. Stage

Brush pretzels with butter and sprinkle with sugar mixture. 

9. Stage

Bake pretzels until deeply golden and topping is crunchy, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and let cool about 10 minutes more.

10. Stage

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed or a rubber spatula, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add cream and vanilla and continue to beat until combined. 

11. Stage

Serve pretzels warm or at room temperature with dipping sauce alongside.