Crunchy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks Recipe: Snack Magic!

Warm, golden pretzel sticks coated in a magical cinnamon sugar blend promise an irresistible treat that will awaken your taste buds.

These homemade cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks deliver a perfect balance of salty and sweet comfort.

Soft dough twists emerge from the oven with a delightful crunch and sparkling cinnamon-sugar coating.

Each bite brings a nostalgic reminder of beloved fair-style snacks, making them impossible to resist.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing delicacy that disappears faster than you can sprinkle the last bit of sugar.

Baking these pretzel sticks is easier than you might expect, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Serve them fresh and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure snacking joy.

Twist and Bake: Pretzel Stick Guide

• Create Dough Base

Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar until foamy. Add salt and melted butter. Gradually incorporate flour and knead until smooth. Let dough rise in warm spot for about an hour.

• Shape Pretzel Sticks

Divide risen dough into 12-16 pieces. Roll each piece into long, thin sticks measuring 6-8 inches.

• Prepare Boiling Water Bath

Bring water and baking soda to rolling boil. Quickly dunk each pretzel stick for 20-30 seconds.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Place pretzel sticks on baking sheet. Slide into preheated oven at 425F. Bake until beautifully golden brown, roughly 10-12 minutes.

• Add Delicious Coating

Combine sugar and cinnamon in shallow dish. Brush warm pretzels with melted butter. Roll each stick in cinnamon sugar mixture until completely covered.

• Enjoy Warm Treats

Serve immediately with favorite dipping sauce like cream cheese frosting or caramel sauce. Best enjoyed fresh and warm.

Fun Combos to Try With Pretzel Sticks

• Roll the dough gently to maintain a light, airy texture and prevent tough pretzel sticks.
• Choose a warm, draft-free spot like near a sunny window or inside a turned-off oven to help dough rise consistently.
• Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend for celiac-friendly pretzel sticks that taste just as delicious.
• Experiment with alternative coatings like pumpkin pie spice, cocoa powder, or even savory everything bagel seasoning to transform the classic recipe.
• Prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop and saving precious morning prep time.

Serve Pretzel Sticks Like a Pro at Parties

• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm, sugary pretzel sticks with morning coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful start to your day.
• Dessert Sidekick: Transform these pretzels into a simple dessert by serving them alongside vanilla ice cream or as a topping for puddings and parfaits.
• Party Snack Platter: Create an interactive snacking experience by arranging pretzel sticks on a platter with various dipping sauces like chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or salted caramel for guests to enjoy.
• Movie Night Treat: Prepare these cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks as a cozy, sweet alternative to traditional popcorn during movie marathons or game nights with friends and family.

Storage Tips for Pretzel Sticks That Stay Crunchy

• Store cooled pretzel sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining their crispy texture and delightful crunch.
• Wrap individual pretzel sticks in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring a quick snack is always within reach.
• Restore freshness by warming pretzels in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, bringing back their original golden-brown crisp and soft interior.
• Keep a paper towel inside the storage container to absorb excess humidity, preventing soggy pretzels and preserving their delectable crispness.

FAQs

• What is the purpose of the baking soda bath?

The baking soda bath helps create a dark, shiny crust and gives pretzels their distinctive chewy exterior. It also contributes to the classic pretzel flavor and helps the cinnamon sugar coating stick better.

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Just reduce the rising time slightly and add it directly to the flour mixture instead of activating it in warm water first.

• How do I know if my dough has risen properly?

The dough should double in size and look puffy. When you gently press two fingers into the dough, the indentation should slowly spring back but still leave a slight mark.

• Why do I need to knead the dough?

Kneading develops gluten in the flour, which gives the pretzel sticks their nice chewy texture and helps the dough hold its shape during baking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients That Make Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks Pop

• Water: Activates yeast and helps develop gluten structure for soft, stretchy texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential biological agent for dough rising and creating airy, light pretzel texture.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and provides subtle sweetness to balance salt.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast fermentation.
• Butter: Adds richness, tenderness, and delightful buttery undertone to pretzels.
• All-Purpose Flour: Foundational ingredient creating structure and providing classic pretzel consistency.

• Baking Soda: Creates signature pretzel shine, deep brown color, and distinctive chewy exterior.

• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweet crunch and caramelized exterior.
• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers warm, aromatic spice that complements sweet sugar coating.
• Melted Butter: Helps cinnamon sugar adhere to pretzel surface and adds luxurious flavor.

Prep Tools That Keep Things Moving Smoothly

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and kneading dough.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect recipe results.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing pretzel sticks from boiling water bath.
• Large Pot: Used for creating baking soda bath.
• Baking Sheets: Lined with parchment paper for baking pretzel sticks.
• Pastry Brush: Helps coat pretzels with melted butter.
• Small Bowl: Mixing cinnamon sugar coating.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for mixing and stirring dough.
• Kitchen Towel: Covers dough during rising process.
• Cutting Board or Clean Surface: For rolling and shaping pretzel sticks.

Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks bring German bakery magic to American kitchens with a crispy exterior and sweet cinnamon coating. Warm pastry lovers savor these simple snacks that deliver nostalgic comfort and delightful crunch in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• 2 ¼ tsps active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsps ground cinnamon
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• 6 cups water
• ⅓ cup baking soda
• Cream cheese frosting or caramel sauce (optional)

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Whisk yeast with warm water and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to become frothy and develop for 5 minutes.
2. Dough Preparation: Blend salt and melted butter into the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate flour, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes to develop gluten structure.
3. First Rise: Transfer dough to a greased container, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot until volume doubles, approximately 1 hour.
4. Shaping and Boiling: Divide risen dough into 12-16 equal portions. Roll each into 6-8 inch sticks. Prepare a boiling water bath and quickly submerge pretzel sticks for 20-30 seconds per batch.
5. Baking Process: Preheat oven to 425F. Arrange boiled pretzel sticks on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until they achieve a deep golden brown color, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Finishing Touch: Brush freshly baked pretzels with melted butter, then generously coat with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Ensure complete coverage for maximum flavor.
7. Serving Suggestion: Serve warm, accompanied by cream cheese frosting or caramel sauce for an indulgent dipping experience.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to activate yeast without killing it; too hot or cold water will prevent proper rising.
• Dough Consistency Check: Knead until dough becomes smooth and elastic, with a slight tacky feel; overworking can make pretzels tough and dense.
• Baking Soda Bath Technique: Quickly dip pretzels for exact 20-30 seconds to achieve that classic pretzel shine and crispy exterior without becoming soggy.
• Coating Perfection: Apply melted butter generously before rolling in cinnamon-sugar to ensure maximum flavor and even sugar coverage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg