There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, sweet snack that combines a perfect crunch with irresistible cinnamon sugar magic. This Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks Recipe brings together thick pretzel sticks coated in a luscious buttery vanilla glaze, then tossed in a fragrant cinnamon sugar blend and baked to crispy perfection. It’s a simple treat with big flavor, perfect for sharing with friends or sneaking a few bites just for yourself. Whether you want a cozy snack or a party favorite, these pretzel sticks hit the sweet spot every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the crunchy saltiness of the pretzels to the sweet, spiced finish that makes them unforgettable.
- Pretzel sticks (1 bag, 12 ounces): Thick pretzel dipping sticks work best for holding just the right amount of coating and crunch.
- Butter (½ cup, melted): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere beautifully to each pretzel stick.
- Egg white (1 large): Whisked with vanilla, it creates a light glaze that locks in flavor and crunch.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, sweet aroma that elevates the entire snack.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Provides just the right amount of sweetness and pairs perfectly with cinnamon’s warmth.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice that adds depth and irresistible flavor to your pretzel sticks.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your pretzel sticks won’t stick to the tray and will bake evenly with a perfect crispy finish.
Step 2: Melt & Mix the Butter
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then let it cool just slightly. It’s important the butter isn’t piping hot to avoid cooking the egg white in the next step, but still warm enough to blend smoothly.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg White with Vanilla
Separate the egg white from the yolk carefully, then whisk the egg white together with the pure vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a delicate sweetness while the egg white creates a shiny, slightly sticky layer that holds the cinnamon sugar in place perfectly.
Step 4: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is evenly blended. This sweet and spiced sugar mixture is what transforms ordinary pretzel sticks into a mouthwatering treat bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Coat the Pretzels with Butter Mixture
Place your pretzel sticks into a large zip-top bag. Pour the butter and egg white mixture over the pretzels, seal the bag tightly, and gently shake it to ensure every stick is evenly coated with the glossy glaze.
Step 6: Add Cinnamon Sugar and Coat Again
Next, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture into the same bag with the pretzels. Reseal it and shake again until each pretzel stick is fully covered in that irresistible sweet-spice coating.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Spread the coated pretzel sticks in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake them for about 15 minutes, giving them a gentle stir halfway through. This helps every side get beautifully crisp and caramelized without burning.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Once out of the oven, stir the pretzel sticks immediately to prevent them from sticking together while cooling. Let them cool completely before serving or transferring to an airtight container. This step guarantees perfectly crisp, addictive pretzel sticks every time.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra sweetness and visual appeal. A sprinkle of crushed nuts like pecans or almonds can add delightful texture and a bit of sophistication to your snack.
Side Dishes
These pretzel sticks pair wonderfully with warm vanilla or caramel dipping sauces. They also complement a cozy cup of hot cocoa or chai tea for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks Recipe in a mason jar or rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a charming snack display. For parties, serve them alongside small bowls of complementary dips for guests to enjoy a fun and interactive treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain that crisp texture and prevents the sugar coating from becoming sticky.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked pretzel sticks by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment layers in between to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked crunch, reheat your pretzel sticks in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. This quick step revives their crispiness without drying out the sweet coating.
FAQs
Can I use regular pretzel sticks instead of dipping sticks?
Absolutely! While dipping sticks are ideal because of their thickness and shape, regular pretzel sticks will work fine too. Just keep in mind they may have a slightly different texture or coating ratio.
Is it necessary to use egg white in this recipe?
The egg white helps create a sticky glaze that holds the cinnamon sugar better and gives the pretzels a lovely shine. You can skip it if you prefer, but your coating might not adhere as well or be as glossy.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and replace the egg white with a flax egg or aquafaba. The texture may vary slightly but it will still taste delicious!
How long do cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh and crispy for about 3 days. Beyond that, they can start to lose their crunch, so enjoy them while they’re fresh!
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sugar mixture?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding nutmeg, cardamom, or a pinch of cloves to the cinnamon sugar. It adds a new layer of warmth and complexity to your snack.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sweet, crunchy snack that’s easy to whip up and impossible to resist, this Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the kind of treat that brings warmth and happiness with each bite, perfect for any time you want a little cozy indulgence. Give it a try and watch how quickly these little sticks disappear!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Delightful Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are crispy, sweet, and spiced snacks perfect for an easy treat or party appetizer. Coated with a buttery vanilla egg white glaze and tossed in fragrant cinnamon sugar, then baked to golden perfection for a crunchy, flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Pretzel Sticks
- 1 bag (12 ounces) thick pretzel sticks (dipping sticks recommended)
Coating
- ½ cup butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg white
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prep Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Melt & Mix Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Whisk Egg White & Vanilla: Separate the egg white from the yolk, then whisk the egg white with vanilla extract. Stir the mixture into the cooled butter to create a smooth glaze.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well to blend evenly the sweet and fragrant coating.
- Coat the Pretzels with Butter Mixture: Place the pretzel sticks into a large zip-top bag. Pour the butter and egg white vanilla mixture over the pretzels, seal the bag, and gently shake to coat all pretzels evenly.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar and Toss: Add the cinnamon sugar mixture to the bag, reseal, and shake again until all pretzels are thoroughly coated with the spiced sugar.
- Bake to Crisp: Spread the coated pretzel sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through baking to ensure even crisping and coating.
- Cool and Serve: Remove pretzels from the oven and immediately stir to prevent sticking. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- Ensure the melted butter is slightly cooled before mixing with the egg white to prevent cooking the egg.
- Use thick pretzel sticks for best coating adherence and texture.
- Shaking the pretzels in a bag helps evenly coat without mess.
- Store cooled pretzels in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt after baking to balance the sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
