Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are the perfect snack for when you’re craving something both sweet and salty. These delicious treats combine the satisfying crunch of pretzels with the irresistible sweetness of cinnamon sugar, making them an ideal choice for any time of day. Whether you’re serving them as a party snack, an after-school treat, or a fun family activity, these cinnamon-sugar coated pretzels are sure to be a hit.
In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make these mouthwatering pretzel sticks from scratch, including the ingredients, a simple step-by-step guide, helpful tips, and ideas for customization. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are the ultimate combination of textures and flavors. The crunchy, slightly salty pretzel sticks provide a perfect base for the sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of sweetness and spice, creating an irresistible flavor profile. Here’s why you’ll love these pretzels:
- Simple and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients, making these pretzel sticks is a breeze! You don’t need any special baking skills, and the recipe is quick enough to satisfy those sudden cravings.
- Perfect for All Ages: Both kids and adults will love these pretzels. They’re great for snack time, parties, or as a comforting treat.
- Versatile: Whether you’re serving them on a cozy night in or bringing them to a gathering, these cinnamon-sugar pretzel sticks work for almost any occasion. They also pair well with drinks like hot chocolate, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk.
- Customizable: The recipe is easily adjustable to suit your preferences. You can tweak the level of cinnamon, sweetness, or even try different dips to make them your own!
Now that we’ve piqued your interest, let’s gather everything you need to make these tasty cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks:
- 1 bag (12 ounces) of thick pretzel sticks (dipping sticks recommended): The pretzels form the perfect base for this recipe. The thicker, more substantial pretzel sticks hold the cinnamon-sugar mixture well and provide a satisfying crunch.
- ½ cup melted butter (cooled slightly): This buttery mixture will help the cinnamon and sugar adhere to the pretzels, giving them a rich, smooth texture and taste.
- 1 egg white: The egg white acts as a binder, ensuring the cinnamon-sugar coating sticks to the pretzels. It also helps create a shiny, golden finish.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a subtle, warm flavor to the cinnamon-sugar mix, enhancing the overall taste of the pretzels.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: The sugar is key to giving these pretzel sticks their sweet, satisfying flavor. Granulated sugar is best because it creates a crunchy coating.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is the star ingredient in this recipe, providing that signature spiced sweetness. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
These ingredients are easy to find, and most of them are probably already in your pantry. Let’s move on to the fun part – making your Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks that will leave your taste buds craving more:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that your pretzel sticks bake evenly, getting crispy on the outside while maintaining a soft center.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir well until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This will create the sweet-spicy blend that coats each pretzel stick.
Step 3: Prepare the Butter Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg white, and vanilla extract. Be sure the butter has cooled slightly before adding the egg white to prevent cooking it. The egg white helps the sugar and cinnamon adhere to the pretzels, while the butter gives them a golden, rich finish.
Step 4: Coat the Pretzels
Take the pretzel sticks and dip them into the butter mixture, one by one, making sure they’re well-coated but not overly soggy. The butter mixture should coat the pretzels evenly.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Once the pretzel sticks are coated in butter, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Make sure each pretzel stick is fully coated with the cinnamon-sugar blend. You can use a spoon to sprinkle the sugar mixture over any spots that are missing.
Step 6: Bake the Pretzels
Place the coated pretzel sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they’re not crowded, so they have space to bake evenly. Pop them in the oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown and crispy. You’ll start to notice a delicious aroma filling the air as they bake.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once your cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool. Serve them warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks turn out perfect every time, here are a few handy tips:
- Don’t Overheat the Butter: While it’s important for the butter to be melted, it’s best if it’s only slightly cooled before using. Hot butter can cook the egg white, so let it sit for a few minutes after melting.
- Use a Cooling Rack: If you have one, place your baked pretzels on a cooling rack rather than directly on the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the pretzels, helping them stay crispy on all sides.
- Shake Off Excess Sugar: When coating the pretzels with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, it’s easy to end up with clumps of sugar. Shake off any excess to ensure the pretzels are evenly coated.
- Don’t Skip the Egg White: It might seem like an optional ingredient, but the egg white is key to helping the cinnamon-sugar coating stick to the pretzels. It also adds a nice glossy finish.
- Watch Them Closely: Pretzels can go from golden brown to burnt quickly, so check them a few minutes before the suggested baking time.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks is that they are easily customizable! Here are a few variations to try:
- Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted chocolate over the pretzel sticks for an extra indulgent treat. Dark, milk, or white chocolate all work beautifully.
- Spicy Cinnamon Sugar: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a spicy twist on the classic recipe.
- Maple Cinnamon Pretzels: Swap out the vanilla extract for maple extract to give the pretzels a maple-infused flavor.
- Nutty Coating: For extra crunch, roll the pretzel sticks in finely chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts in addition to the cinnamon-sugar.
- Caramel Drizzle: After baking the pretzel sticks, drizzle warm caramel sauce over them for a sweet, gooey finish.
Feel free to experiment with different spices, toppings, and coatings to make the recipe your own!
Storing and Reheating
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can be stored and reheated for later enjoyment:
- Storage: Store the pretzel sticks in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you’re planning to store them for a longer period, consider freezing them.
- Freezing: Place the cooled pretzel sticks in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat, bake them directly from the freezer for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore their crispiness.
- Reheating: To reheat the pretzels, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until they’re warm and crispy again. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them chewy rather than crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular pretzels instead of pretzel sticks?
Yes, you can use regular-sized pretzels or mini pretzels in place of the pretzel sticks. Keep in mind that the baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the pretzels.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can experiment with other types of sugar like brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile. Brown sugar will give the pretzels a more caramel-like flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these pretzels ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to a few days, but they’re always best enjoyed fresh.
Is there an egg-free version of this recipe?
Yes! To make an egg-free version, simply skip the egg white and use a bit more melted butter to help the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the pretzels.
The Final Word
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can make these delicious pretzels at home in no time. Whether you serve them at a party, pack them in a lunchbox, or enjoy them as an after-dinner treat, these cinnamon-sugar pretzels are sure to satisfy your cravings.
So, grab your pretzels, cinnamon, and sugar, and get ready to make these delightful sticks that everyone will love!