Pretzels with Cinnamon Sugar
As the warm scent of cinnamon wafts through the air, you can’t help but feel a little giddy. Picture that contrast of sweet and salty—crisp pretzels coated in a delightful sugar and spice blend that makes your mouth water. These pretzels with cinnamon sugar are a treat that brings out the kid in all of us, perfect for family gatherings or cozy movie nights. Just imagine sinking your teeth into that irresistible crunchy exterior, only to discover a tender pretzel waiting inside.
Table of Contents
Growing up, my grandmother always made sweet treats for our summer picnics, but these cinnamon sugar pretzels hold a special place in my heart. She would toss the warm pretzels in cinnamon sugar, and soon enough, we’d devour them on the grass, with the sun setting behind us. Each crunchy bite would remind me of those sweet moments, which is why I’m thrilled to share this simple recipe with you. Whether you’re gearing up for a holiday party or just want a sweet snack anytime, you’re going to love making these. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for unexpected cravings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm cinnamon mixed with the salty pretzel is absolutely mouthwatering.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These adorable little treats add a charming touch to any snack table.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for any occasion, from breakfast bites to sweet treats for movie night.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free pretzel alternatives make this a snack everyone can enjoy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup granulated sugar: A must-have for sweetness. Use pure granulated sugar for best results, or try coconut sugar for a more caramel flavor.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: This spice is the star of our show! Make sure it’s fresh for maximum flavor—try Ceylon cinnamon for a milder taste.
- 1 (16-ounce) bag mini pretzel twists: The mini twists are perfect for snacking. If you can’t find mini pretzels, regular pretzel shapes will work fine too.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar coat the pretzels perfectly. Substitute with a dairy-free butter alternative if you prefer.
How to Make Pretzels with Cinnamon Sugar
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F. While it heats up, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. The lower temperature ensures that the pretzels get crispy without burning. Your kitchen will soon be filled with delightful aromas as they bake!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well-mixed. This little blend of sweetness will be what makes our pretzels so special. You can add a pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling adventurous, enhancing the cozy spice flavors.
Toss Pretzels with Butter: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the bag of mini pretzel twists, followed by the melted unsalted butter. Use a spatula or your hands to toss the pretzels until they’re evenly coated. This step is essential—your cinnamon sugar must stick! Aim for a nice, even coating, as this enhances both taste and texture.
Add Cinnamon Sugar: Now, sprinkle that delicious cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the coated pretzels. Again, toss gently but thoroughly until every pretzel is fully covered in sweet cinnamon goodness. The fragrant smell will heighten your anticipation as they get ready for the oven.
Spread and Bake: Spread the pretzels in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. It’s crucial they aren’t overcrowded for even baking. Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. Stir the pretzels every 5 minutes to ensure they’re drying out evenly and achieving that perfect crispy texture you’re after. They’re done when they feel dry to the touch and flaky on the edges.
Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This allows them to become even crunchier while your kitchen is filled with irresistible scents. Try to resist eating them all at once while they cool—it’s a challenge, I know!
Storing & Reheating
To store your pretzels with cinnamon sugar, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for about a week. If you prefer to refrigerate them, they’ll last for up to two weeks, but make sure to use a container that prevents moisture. For long-term storage, consider freezing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 5–7 minutes to revive their crunch. Just note that the flavor can become slightly muted when frozen, so enjoy them fresh whenever possible!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid adding too much butter; it can make pretzels overly greasy rather than tasty.
- Ensure your pretzels are completely coated in butter before adding the cinnamon sugar—it’s key for that perfect crispy texture.
- If you find they aren’t crisping up as desired, give them a little extra time in the oven. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
- Want a spicier twist? Consider adding a touch of cayenne or chili powder to the cinnamon sugar mix for a sweet-and-spicy combo.
- These pretzels can be made a day ahead of your gathering—just store them properly to maintain freshness.
As you prepare these pretzels with cinnamon sugar, you’ll find that they combine easy preparation with satisfying crunch and flavor that everyone loves. Plus, their festive appeal makes them perfect for sharing with friends and family. Don’t hesitate to try out different flavors, as they lend themselves well to creativity. Enjoy the fun of snack time!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use regular-sized pretzels?
Yes, you can use regular pretzel shapes if mini pretzels aren’t available. Just be mindful that larger pretzels may require a slightly longer baking time to ensure they become crispy. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
How can I make these pretzels gluten-free?
To make your pretzels gluten-free, simply swap in gluten-free mini pretzels. There are various brands available that taste just as delicious, ensuring no one misses out on the flavor.
What else can I do with leftover cinnamon sugar?
Leftover cinnamon sugar is perfect for sprinkling on toast, pancakes, or even oatmeal. Store it in a sealed container for up to a month—it’s a handy addition to many breakfast treats!
Can these be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cinnamon sugar pretzels can be made a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them crunchy! If you need them longer, freeze them for up to three months.
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
- Chewy Gooey Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
- Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
- Pignoli Cookies
- Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie Fudge
- Valentine Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Pretzels with Cinnamon Sugar
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These pretzels with cinnamon sugar offer a delightful mix of sweet and salty flavors. Perfect for gatherings, cozy nights, or a simple snack, they are easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 (16-ounce) bag mini pretzel twists
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon well.
- Toss the mini pretzel twists in melted butter until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the pretzels and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Spread the pretzels out on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 15–20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
- Let them cool completely before enjoying.
Notes
Use fresh cinnamon for the best flavor.
These pretzels can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Feel free to add nutmeg or cayenne for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
