Hello, friends! Today I’m sharing a recipe that’s perfect for those times when you need a snack that’s fast, easy, and absolutely irresistible. These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are the ideal mix of sweet and salty, with just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, treating the kids, or simply indulging in a cozy treat for yourself, this recipe is a winner every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of my favorite things about these cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks is how easy they are to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a snack that feels like it came straight from a fancy bakery. Plus, they’re perfect any time of the year—whether you’re snuggled up in the winter or hosting a summer party.
Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks:
- 1 bag (12 oz) thick pretzel sticks (the thicker ones hold up best)
- ½ cup butter (melted and cooled slightly)
- 1 egg white
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
That’s it—just six simple ingredients! Most of these are pantry staples, so you might already have them on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and let it cool slightly. In the same bowl, whisk in the egg white and vanilla extract. This mixture will help the cinnamon sugar stick to the pretzels.
3. Coat the Pretzels
Add your pretzel sticks to a large gallon-sized zip-top bag. Pour the butter mixture over the pretzels, seal the bag, and give it a good shake to coat all the pretzels evenly.
4. Add the Cinnamon Sugar
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon. Pour this mixture into the bag with the butter-coated pretzels, seal it again, and shake until every pretzel is covered in that sweet cinnamon goodness.
5. Bake to Perfection
Spread the coated pretzels in an even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure they bake evenly.
6. Cool and Serve
When you take the pretzels out of the oven, use a spatula to stir them immediately. This step is key to preventing them from clumping together. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.
Storage Tips
- To keep your pretzels crunchy, store them in a brown paper bag at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- Avoid using plastic bags or containers, as they can make the pretzels lose their crunch.
Add-Ins and Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few ideas to make these pretzels your own:
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a little heat.
- Warm Spices: Sprinkle in some nutmeg or cardamom for extra depth of flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once the pretzels have cooled, drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Top Tips for Success
- Use Thick Pretzels: The sturdier the pretzel sticks, the better they’ll hold up during baking and coating.
- Stir Often: Don’t skip stirring the pretzels halfway through baking and again immediately after they come out of the oven. This keeps them from sticking together.
- Cool Completely: Let the pretzels cool fully before serving or storing to maintain their perfect crunch.
Can You Make These in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! If you have an air fryer, you can cook these pretzel sticks in smaller batches. Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning, as air fryers can cook faster than ovens.
Perfect Pairings and More
These cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks are delicious on their own, but if you’re feeling extra fancy, try serving them with a sweet dipping sauce like caramel, cream cheese frosting, or even a simple chocolate ganache.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bag thick pretzel sticks
- ½ cup butter melted and cooled
- 1 egg white
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and whisk in the egg white and vanilla extract.
- Place pretzel sticks in a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Pour the butter mixture into the bag, seal, and shake to coat the pretzels evenly.
- In a bowl, whisk together sugar and cinnamon. Add this mixture to the bag, seal, and shake again until all pretzels are coated.
- Spread the pretzels on the baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cool completely before serving.
