These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are the ultimate snack for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings! Featuring thick pretzel sticks coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar blend, they’re baked to golden perfection for a crisp, sweet, and lightly spiced treat.
Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a quick homemade snack, or preparing a giftable treat, these pretzel sticks are simple to make and irresistibly delicious.
What Makes These Pretzel Sticks Special
Crunchy pretzel sticks get a luscious makeover in this recipe. The combination of melted butter, a touch of vanilla, and a generous coating of cinnamon sugar makes them an indulgent yet easy-to-prepare treat. Plus, they’re baked—not fried—so you can enjoy them with a little less guilt.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks
- Pretzel Sticks: 1 bag (12 ounces) thick pretzel sticks (dipping sticks recommended)
- Butter: ½ cup melted and slightly cooled
- Egg White: 1 large egg white
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Sugar: 1 cup granulated sugar
- Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks
1. Prep Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Melt & Mix
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and allow it to cool slightly. Separate the egg white from the yolk, then whisk the egg white with vanilla and stir into the cooled butter mixture.
3. Sweet & Spiced Coating
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to create the spiced sugar mixture.
4. Coat the Pretzels
Place the pretzel sticks into a large zip-top bag. Pour the butter mixture over the pretzels, seal the bag, and gently shake to coat evenly. Add the cinnamon sugar mixture to the bag, reseal, and shake again until all pretzels are evenly coated.
5. Bake to Perfection
Spread the coated pretzel sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking.
6. Cool & Serve
Remove the pretzels from the oven and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Allow the pretzels to cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Tips for Perfect Pretzel Sticks
- Prevent Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the pretzels while baking to ensure the sugar doesn’t burn.
- Mix Well: Shake the bag gently but thoroughly for an even coating of butter and cinnamon sugar.
- Longer Shelf Life: Once cooled, store the pretzels in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy for up to a week.
FAQs for Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks
1. Can I use regular pretzel sticks instead of thick ones?
Yes! Regular pretzel sticks will work just fine. However, thick dipping sticks hold the coating better, providing a more flavorful bite.
2. Can I substitute margarine for butter?
While butter provides the best flavor, margarine can be used as a substitute. Just ensure it’s melted and cooled slightly before mixing.
3. What if I don’t have parchment paper?
If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease your baking sheet with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
4. How do I prevent the sugar coating from burning?
Make sure to stir the pretzels halfway through baking. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes and adjust the temperature slightly if they seem to be browning too quickly.
5. Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely! Once cooled, store the pretzels in an airtight container for up to a week. They’re perfect for prepping ahead of time.
6. Is there an alternative to using a zip-top bag?
If you don’t have a zip-top bag, you can coat the pretzels in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently with a spoon or spatula until evenly coated.
7. Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to ¾ cup for a less sweet version or increase the cinnamon for a spicier kick. Feel free to adjust to your taste.
8. What other spices can I add?
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture. This adds a festive touch.
9. Are these gluten-free?
Not as written, since most pretzels contain gluten. However, you can use gluten-free pretzel sticks and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free for a celiac-friendly version.
10. Can I freeze these pretzel sticks?
Yes! Once cooled, freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy.
These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are perfect for gifting, snacking, or sharing at your next holiday party. Enjoy the balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch with every bite!
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks
Ingredients
- 1 bag 12 ounces thick pretzel sticks
- ½ cup butter melted and cooled slightly
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl on medium/low power, then let it cool slightly.
- Separate the egg white and yolk. Whisk the egg white and vanilla into the cooled butter. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together until evenly combined.
- Place the pretzel sticks in a one-gallon zip-top bag. Pour the butter mixture over them. Gently shake and mix to coat all the pretzels.
- Add the cinnamon sugar mixture to the bag. Shake and mix gently to coat the pretzels evenly.
- Spread the coated pretzels in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through baking.
- Remove the pretzels from the oven and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Let them cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Butter Temperature: Ensure the melted butter is cooled slightly before mixing it with the egg white to prevent curdling.
- Coating Evenly: Shake the pretzels gently in the bag to avoid breaking them while ensuring an even coating.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Ratio: Adjust the cinnamon-sugar ratio to your taste—add more cinnamon for a spicier flavor or more sugar for extra sweetness.
- Storage: Store cooled pretzel sticks in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain freshness.
- Serving Idea: Pair with a creamy dip, like cream cheese frosting or a caramel sauce, for an extra indulgence.
