Sweet Cinnamon Coated Pretzels

This cinnamon sugar pretzel recipe transforms ordinary mini pretzels into an addictive sweet and salty snack that disappears faster than I can make them. The perfect balance of warm cinnamon, sugar, and buttery goodness creates a treat that's both nostalgic and impossible to stop eating once you start.

I first made these for a movie night with friends, and now they've become my signature contribution to every potluck and holiday gathering. Even my pretzel-ambivalent nephew asks for them by name whenever he visits.

Ingredients

• Mini pretzels a small, crunchy base that holds up well to the coating while providing the perfect salty counterpoint
• Unsalted butter creates the rich foundation that helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to every pretzel
• Vanilla extract adds subtle depth and warmth to the flavor profile
• Granulated sugar provides the sweet element that creates that irresistible contrast with the salty pretzels
• Ground cinnamon brings warm spice notes that make these pretzels truly special

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace

Line a large jelly roll pan or baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 325°F to ensure it reaches the proper temperature before baking begins.

Create The Butter Mixture

Melt the butter completely until it's liquid but not too hot. Add the vanilla extract directly to the melted butter and stir to combine. This infuses the butter with subtle vanilla notes that will distribute throughout the pretzels.

Coat The Pretzels

Place all the mini pretzels in a large bowl, ensuring you have plenty of room for tossing. Pour the vanilla butter mixture over the pretzels and use a rubber spatula to gently fold and toss until every pretzel is evenly coated with the butter mixture. Take your time with this step to ensure complete coverage.

Add The Sweet Spice

Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar over the butter coated pretzels. Using your rubber spatula, carefully toss and fold the pretzels until every piece is evenly coated with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Look for any spots that might need additional coating and address them now.

Bake To Perfection

Spread the coated pretzels in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, but crucially, stir the pretzels every 5 to 10 minutes during baking. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning, especially around the edges where the sugar can caramelize more quickly.

Cool And Enjoy

Once the pretzels no longer appear wet and have a slightly crisp texture, remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet, during which time they'll continue to crisp up. Once cooled, they're ready to serve or store.

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The first time I made these, I accidentally left them in the oven a few minutes too long without stirring and learned a valuable lesson about sugar's tendency to burn quickly. Now I set a timer for every 5 minutes during baking, and they turn out perfectly every time. The aroma that fills the house while they bake is almost as good as eating them.

Storage Solutions

These cinnamon sugar pretzels maintain their delightful crunch when stored properly in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature and away from heat sources or humidity. If stored correctly, they'll remain fresh for up to two weeks, though in my house they rarely last more than a few days. For gifting, consider portioning them into decorative jars or cellophane bags tied with ribbon.

Flavor Variations

While the classic cinnamon sugar version is irresistible, this recipe can be easily customized to create different flavor profiles. Try adding a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom for a more complex spice blend. For a chocolate version, drizzle the cooled pretzels with melted chocolate chips. Pumpkin pie spice can be substituted for cinnamon during fall months for a seasonal twist. You could even add a tiny pinch of cayenne for a subtle heat that complements the sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

These sweet pretzels shine as a standalone snack, but they also make wonderful additions to other foods. Try mixing them with plain popcorn for a sweet and salty movie night treat. They make a fantastic topping when crushed over vanilla ice cream. Include them in a holiday snack mix with nuts and dried fruits for an impressive party offering. I've even used them as an unexpected garnish for hot chocolate, where they slowly melt into the drink, adding cinnamon richness.

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Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar pretzels from burning?

Stir the pretzels every 5-10 minutes during baking to ensure even cooking. Remove them from the oven when they no longer appear wet—this is your cue they're done. Using parchment paper or a nonstick mat also helps prevent sticking and burning.

→ Can I use different types of pretzels for this?

Yes! While mini pretzels work best because of their surface-to-volume ratio, you can also use pretzel twists or sticks. Just be aware that larger pretzels might need slight adjustments to baking time and may absorb the coating differently.

→ How should I store cinnamon sugar pretzels?

Store completely cooled pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For maximum freshness, avoid exposure to humidity which can make them lose their crispness.

→ Can I add other flavors to the cinnamon sugar coating?

Absolutely! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for warmth, or a touch of cayenne for a sweet-heat combination. You could also incorporate orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.

→ Are these suitable for gifting?

These cinnamon sugar pretzels make excellent homemade gifts! Package them in decorative jars or cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Add a handwritten tag with the ingredients and storage instructions for a thoughtful personal touch.

→ Can I make these pretzels ahead for a party?

Yes, these are perfect for make-ahead snacks. Prepare them 1-2 days before your event and store in an airtight container. Their flavor actually develops nicely over time, and they'll maintain their crunch if properly stored.