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Anytime we're hanging out watching movies or celebrating, these Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are my standby sweet snack. They're buttery, sweet, and a little spicy, with the coating clinging to every stick so you get just the right bit of crunch and warmth. They barely take any work, and honestly, once you munch one, you'll just keep going.
I started making these for school fundraisers and they'd vanish from my tray every single time. Now they're a hit anytime family game night rolls around.
Delicious Ingredients
- Thick pretzel rods: These are the main players Grab the sturdy kind so you get tons of buttery sugar per bite
- Unsalted butter: Use the good kind and let it hang out and cool before mixing so it doesn't mess with the egg white
- Egg white: It's the secret glue for all that cinnamon sugar Separate it clean to get that light crispy coating
- Vanilla extract: Go for real vanilla to give warmth and depth to everything
- Regular sugar: The classic sparkle on the outside Use fresh so it melts just right in the oven
- Cinnamon: This brings all the flavor Find a really fragrant one for major cinnamon kick
Simple Instructions
- Cool and Melt the Butter:
- Pop the butter in your microwave on low till it's melted, then leave it a bit so it doesn't scramble your egg white.
- Get Wet Stuff Ready:
- Crack your egg, put the white in a small bowl and add vanilla and cooled butter. Whisk fast to combine.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar:
- Stir the sugar and cinnamon together in a new bowl and smash out any lumps so it's super smooth.
- Prep Your Oven and Tray:
- Heat oven at 350 F and lay down parchment on a sheet pan for easy cleanup and no sticking.
- Get Pretzels Coated:
- Dump pretzel rods in a big zip bag, pour in the butter mix, seal, and gently shake so they all get glossy (don't break them!)
- Shake on Cinnamon Sugar:
- Now open your bag, dump in your cinnamon sugar, close it again, and toss until all the sticks are totally dressed up. Take your time, it's worth it.
- Bake and Toast:
- Spread pretzels in a single layer on your tray so they bake up crunchy, not soggy. Bake for fifteen minutes total, tossing everything around with a spatula halfway through so each side gets golden.
- Finish and Let Cool:
- Stir the pretzels as soon as they come out so nothing glues together. Let them chill out till completely cool and crunchy before you start munching.
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I absolutely love how good the house smells when these bake—the combo of vanilla and cinnamon is just cozy. Whenever my nieces stop by, they insist on making a batch so we can wrap them up in little bags and give them to their teachers. Every bite brings back memories of us laughing and getting our hands totally sticky.
How to Store
Wait until the pretzel sticks have cooled off completely before storing—that's how you keep them crispiest. Toss them in a jar or zip bag and seal it tight to keep everything fresh for a week. If they ever lose their crunch, just throw them on a baking sheet and warm in a low oven for a couple minutes till crisp again.
Swaps and Substitutes
No pretzel rods? Use twists or minis, just mix up your coating amounts as needed to cover. Need dairy free? Try plant butter or coconut oil. For a caramel vibe, brown sugar works instead of white.
Fun Ways to Serve
Treat these alongside something creamy like whipped cream cheese or caramel dip if you want to go big. Stack them up in clear bags or jars as take home party swag. Or break them up and toss on top of a sundae for the crunchiest topping ever.
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Background and Tradition
These kinds of flavored pretzels have been in American homes for ages, always popping up at cookie swaps and holiday tables. Cinnamon sugar is a classic duo, giving you all the cozy feels, just like churros or those homey snickerdoodle cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you keep the butter and egg white from clumping up?
Let the butter cool for a bit after you melt it. If it’s too hot, it’ll mess up the egg. Cooling it first helps everything mix up smooth for an even coating.
- → What if I want more cinnamon or less sugar?
Go ahead—just add more cinnamon if you like it spicy or toss in extra sugar if you want things sweeter. It’s easy to switch up.
- → How can I make sure all the sticks get covered?
Put pretzel sticks and the toppings in a big zip bag. Shake things gently for even flavor, but don’t go wild or you’ll break them.
- → How long do these snacks last?
After they cool down all the way, stash them in a tight container. They stay yummy and crispy for about a week.
- → What dip goes well with these?
Cream cheese frosting or a smooth caramel sauce are both awesome. They make the sweet salty vibe even better.
- → Can thin pretzel sticks work instead of thick ones?
For sure! Just bake them less so they don’t burn. Remember, skinny sticks are more likely to snap, so be gentle while coating.