Name: Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups warm water; 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons); 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon baking soda (for the boiling water); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar coating); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for cinnamon sugar coating)

These cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks are a warm, sweet, and irresistible treat. Soft, chewy pretzel dough is coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture that creates a perfectly sweet crunch on the outside. They are perfect for a snack, dessert, or a fun activity to make with friends or family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together the best of both worlds—salty and sweet. The combination of warm, fresh pretzels with the cinnamon-sugar coating is simply heavenly. These pretzel sticks are easy to make and the process of twisting the dough into shape makes it a fun activity. Whether I’m serving them for a party, enjoying them after a long day, or treating myself to something sweet, they’re always a hit.

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Dough:

1 1/2 cups warm water
1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon baking soda (for the boiling water)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter, stirring until the dough begins to come together. Once the dough forms, knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Shape the Pretzels: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 10-12 inches long. Cut the ropes into smaller 4-inch pretzel sticks.
Boil the Pretzels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Carefully drop the pretzel sticks into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake the Pretzels: Bake the pretzel sticks in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the pretzels bake, mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Once the pretzel sticks are done baking, brush them with melted butter and immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Serve and Enjoy: Allow the pretzel sticks to cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 16 pretzel sticks and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, including rising and baking time.

Variations

Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Serve these cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks with a rich chocolate dipping sauce for an extra indulgence.
Other Flavors: For a twist, try using pumpkin spice or nutmeg in place of cinnamon to create a different flavor profile.
Glaze: After coating the pretzels with cinnamon sugar, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a sweet finishing touch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: These cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their softness and warmth.

FAQs

Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to knead the dough. Simply add the ingredients to the bread machine in the order suggested by the manufacturer and set it to the dough cycle.

Can I freeze the pretzel dough before baking?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough after it rises. Just shape the dough into sticks, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw them and proceed with the boiling and baking steps.

What other coatings can I use besides cinnamon sugar?

You can experiment with different coatings like honey butter, vanilla sugar, or even a savory garlic butter topping if you prefer a non-sweet option.

Can I make mini pretzel bites instead of sticks?

Yes! Instead of shaping the dough into sticks, you can roll it into small bite-sized pieces, boil them, and bake them as pretzel bites. The baking time may be slightly shorter.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour, but the pretzels may have a denser texture. I recommend using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour for the best results.

Conclusion

These cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks are the perfect combination of soft, chewy dough and sweet, cinnamon-sugar goodness. Making them from scratch is a fun process that results in a warm, satisfying snack or dessert. I love how versatile the recipe is, and I always enjoy the deliciously comforting flavors. Whether I’m serving them for a special treat or indulging on my own, these pretzel sticks never disappoint.

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks Recipe