Irresistibly Sweet and Crunchy: The Ultimate Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with these delightful cinnamon sugar pretzels! They are the quintessential sweet and salty treat, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying snack, a thoughtful homemade gift, or a delicious addition to your holiday spread, these pretzels tick all the boxes. What makes them truly special is their incredible simplicity – requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible goodies in no time. Get ready for a snack that’s as easy to make as it is incredibly delicious.

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: A Sweet-Salty Delight

There’s something truly magical about the combination of crispy, salty pretzels coated in a warm, sweet embrace of cinnamon and sugar. It’s a flavor profile that evokes comfort, celebration, and pure joy. These homemade cinnamon sugar pretzels are a testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary snack. Unlike store-bought varieties, crafting them yourself ensures maximum freshness and allows you to control the quality and quantity of each ingredient, resulting in a superior taste experience.

If you’re searching for a super easy, last-minute gift that feels personal and comes from the heart, look no further! Imagine these golden-brown pretzels nestled in a charming jar, tied with a festive ribbon. They make for an absolutely perfect present, whether for holiday gatherings, teacher appreciation, neighborly kindness, or just a sweet gesture to a friend. The beauty of homemade gifts lies in the effort and love poured into them, and these pretzels are sure to convey that warmth. No doubt, they will be cherished by anyone lucky enough to receive them.

As someone who adores creating DIY gifts, especially around the holidays, I can attest to the joy of sharing homemade treats. It’s not just about the gift itself, but the act of baking and sharing that creates lasting memories and strengthens connections with friends and family. This recipe is one of my go-to’s for spreading that kind of happiness.

You’ll find an abundance of cute gift containers readily available in grocery stores and craft shops, making it incredibly easy to package your homemade cinnamon sugar pretzels beautifully. From decorative tins to clear cellophane bags, there are endless options to make your edible gifts look as appealing as they taste. It’s a fun part of the process, adding that extra touch of flair to your thoughtful presents.

The holiday season, in particular, inspires a wave of baking and treat-making. There’s an undeniable connection between the cozy flavors of cinnamon and sugar and the festive atmosphere. This delightful combination transforms ordinary pretzels into an extraordinary comfort food that is perfect for celebrating. We love sharing a wide array of holiday cookies and treats, and these pretzels fit right in, offering a wonderful alternative or addition to traditional baked goods.

Whether you’re planning a holiday party, need a quick snack for movie night, or simply crave something sweet and satisfying, these cinnamon sugar pretzels are incredibly versatile. They appeal to almost everyone, making them a fantastic choice for family, co-workers, and neighbors alike. And if you just want to bake them all for yourself? Absolutely no judgment here! Sometimes, the best treats are the ones we keep for ourselves.

Ingredients for Epic Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

You’ll be amazed at how simple the ingredient list is for these epic cinnamon sugar pretzels. This recipe truly showcases how minimal components can create maximum flavor. Here’s a quick overview; exact measurements and detailed instructions are provided further down in the full recipe guide.

• Pretzels: The base of our crunchy creation. Standard knotted pretzels work perfectly.
• Vegetable Oil: Acts as a binding agent, ensuring the sweet coating adheres beautifully to the pretzels.
• Sugar: Provides the essential sweetness. White granulated sugar is ideal for that classic sparkle.
• Cinnamon: The star spice, bringing warmth and aromatic flavor to the snack.

Essential Equipment for Pretzel Perfection

One of the many joys of this recipe is that you don’t need any specialized kitchen gadgets. Just a few common items will ensure your cinnamon sugar pretzels come out perfectly every time. Having the right tools, however basic, can make the process much smoother and more enjoyable.

• Large Bowl: This is crucial! Using the largest bowl you have available is key to effectively coating the pretzels without making a mess. Trust me, trying to toss pretzels in a medium-sized bowl often results in them spilling over the sides and scattering across your counter. A large bowl keeps everything contained, allowing for thorough and even coating.
• Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is a game-changer. It prevents the pretzels from sticking, makes cleanup incredibly easy, and ensures you can remove the finished pretzels without any fuss. It’s an essential step for non-stick baking.
• Baking Sheet with Sides: This might seem obvious, but a baking sheet with raised edges is important. A flat cookie sheet is problematic when dealing with loose pretzels and a sugary coating, especially when pulling it out of a hot oven. The sides act as a barrier, preventing any precious pretzels (or their delicious coating) from sliding off the pan, particularly when you’re handling a hot sheet.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these irresistible treats is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to bake your perfect batch of cinnamon sugar pretzels. The full recipe card with specific quantities is available below, but here’s a simplified version of the process.

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow temperature is ideal for toasting the pretzels and caramelizing the sugar without burning.
2. Place all your pretzels into your large mixing bowl. Ensure there’s enough room to toss them comfortably without spillage.
3. In a separate small bowl, combine the vegetable oil, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until you have a well-blended, fragrant sugar mixture. This ensures an even distribution of flavor.
4. Pour the prepared oil and cinnamon sugar mixture over the pretzels in the large bowl. Gently toss the pretzels, using a spatula or your hands, until each pretzel is evenly coated. Take your time with this step to ensure every piece gets its fair share of the delicious coating.
5. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully spread the coated pretzels onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. If there’s any remaining cinnamon sugar mixture in the bowl, sprinkle it over the pretzels on the sheet to maximize flavor.
6. Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, turning the pretzels every 10 minutes to ensure even toasting and coating. This helps prevent sticking and allows the sugar to caramelize beautifully on all sides.
7. Once baked, remove the pretzels from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling step is essential; as the pretzels cool, the cinnamon sugar coating will harden and firmly adhere to them, preventing it from flaking off. Patience here will be rewarded with perfectly coated, crunchy pretzels.

Preparation and Storage Tips for Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

Ensuring your pretzels stay fresh and delicious is just as important as making them. Here’s how to handle preparation and storage efficiently.

Make Ahead: This recipe is designed for quick assembly. None of the ingredients require advance preparation beyond mixing them, and the pretzels are best baked immediately after coating to ensure the freshest taste and texture. If you want to get a head start, you could measure out your dry ingredients (sugar and cinnamon) in advance, but mixing with the oil should be done just before baking.

Storage: Thanks to the nature of pretzels, this is a wonderfully shelf-stable recipe. Once completely cooled, store your cinnamon sugar pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their freshness and crispness for about one week. Beyond that, they might start to lose their crunchiness and become stale, though they’ll likely be devoured long before then!

Freezing/How to Freeze: If you wish to extend their shelf life significantly, these pretzels can be frozen. Place the cooled pretzels in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes to prevent them from sticking together. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. When stored properly, they can last up to a year in the freezer, much like plain bagged pretzels. This is perfect for preparing large batches for future events or gifts.

How to Reheat: To enjoy frozen cinnamon sugar pretzels, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. There’s no need for reheating in the oven; they will regain their crispy texture as they come to room temperature. If you prefer a slightly warmed pretzel, a very brief toast in a low oven (around 250°F / 120°C for 5 minutes) can work, but watch them closely to avoid burning the sugar.

Recipe Variations: Customize Your Sweet Pretzels

One of the best things about simple recipes like this is their adaptability. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make your cinnamon sugar pretzels truly unique and tailored to your preferences or dietary needs.

Substitutions: While vegetable oil works wonderfully, you can certainly swap it for another neutral-tasting oil like canola or even melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical hint. Some readers have even suggested using salted butter, which adds a rich, buttery depth to the flavor. For a different kind of sweetness, try using brown sugar instead of white sugar; its molasses notes pair beautifully with cinnamon, creating a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

These epic cinnamon sugar pretzels don’t just have to be made with classic hard pretzels. Get creative and try them with pretzel twists, or even soft pretzel bites (though you’ll need to significantly adjust the baking time for soft pretzels, reducing it to a few minutes to just toast the coating). Each variation offers a slightly different texture and experience.

Vegetarian + Vegan Options: Good news! Most store-bought hard pretzels are inherently vegetarian and vegan-friendly, typically made with flour, water, and salt. However, it’s always a good practice to double-check the product labels to ensure no animal-derived ingredients are present, especially if using a brand you’re unfamiliar with.

Gluten-Free: For those avoiding gluten, you’ll be pleased to know that the market offers many excellent gluten-free pretzel options. Major brands like Snyder’s of Hanover have widely available gluten-free pretzels that work perfectly in this recipe, allowing everyone to enjoy this delicious snack.

Smaller Serving Size + Larger Group/More Servings: This recipe is easily scalable. Simply adjust the quantity of pretzels and the corresponding amounts of oil, sugar, and cinnamon based on how many servings you desire. Whether you need a small snack for yourself or a large batch for a party, the ratios remain the same.

Make it Spicy: For an intriguing sweet-and-spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to your cinnamon sugar mixture, especially if you’re using brown sugar. The subtle heat will complement the sweetness and spice, creating a more complex flavor profile that’s truly addictive.

Sugar-Free: If you’re managing sugar intake, you can easily adapt this recipe by using your preferred sugar alternative (such as erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener) in place of traditional white sugar. Just ensure the alternative you choose measures similarly to sugar for best results.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

Achieving perfectly coated, crispy cinnamon sugar pretzels is simple with a few helpful tips:

• Use a Ziploc Bag for Coating: For ultimate convenience and minimal cleanup, a fantastic reader tip is to combine all the ingredients (pretzels, oil, sugar, cinnamon) in a large, sturdy Ziploc bag. Seal the bag and gently shake and tumble until the pretzels are fully and evenly coated. This method ensures every pretzel gets covered without making a mess in your bowl or on your hands.
• Explore Different Pretzel Shapes: While the classic knotted pretzels offer a great texture and traditional look, don’t hesitate to experiment with other shapes! Pretzel sticks, mini pretzels, or even pretzel crisps can also be used, offering different mouthfeels and making the snack even more fun, especially for kids. Just be mindful that smaller pieces might require slightly less baking time.
• Cool Completely: As emphasized in the instructions, allowing the pretzels to cool completely on the baking sheet is crucial. This is when the sugar coating truly hardens and sticks, preventing it from flaking off when you handle them. Rushing this step will result in a sticky, messy pretzel experience.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

These versatile cinnamon sugar pretzels are fantastic on their own, but they also shine when paired with other treats or as part of a curated snack platter. They would be an incredible addition to any sweet snack board or as a star component in a DIY gift bag for anyone with a sweet tooth. Here are some pairing suggestions from our extensive snack collection:

• Sweet & Salty Companions: Pumpkin Spice Pretzels, Guinness Glazed Pecans, Crock Pot Sugared Candied Walnuts, Sugar and Spice Almonds.
• Chocolatey Treats: Crock Pot Peanut Clusters, Chocolate Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies, Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies.
• Unique Snack Mixes: Pumpkin Spice Pumpkin Seeds, Sriracha Caramel Corn.
• Fun Dips: Dunkaroo Funfetti Dip (for an extra sweet treat!).

When to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

The beauty of cinnamon sugar pretzels lies in their versatility. They’re perfect for almost any occasion where a delicious, easy-to-love snack is desired:

• Snacktime Easy Snacks: Ideal for a quick pick-me-up throughout the day or an after-school treat for kids.
• DIY Gifting!: As highlighted, they make fantastic homemade gifts for any holiday, birthday, or just because.
• Holiday Parties: A crowd-pleasing addition to any festive gathering, from casual get-togethers to more formal celebrations.
• Christmas: Their warm, comforting flavors are especially fitting for Christmas celebrations and gift exchanges.
• Thanksgiving: A wonderful sweet-salty contrast to the traditional savory dishes, perfect for pre-dinner munching or as part of a dessert spread.
• Movie Nights & Game Days: A much-loved crunchy snack for enjoying with family and friends.

Other Easy Dessert Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of simple, delicious desserts, you’ll want to check out some of our other favorite easy recipes:

• No-Bake Peanut Butter Fudge
• 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
• Earth Cookies (fun for themed events!)
• CrockPot Cinnamon Pecans
• CrockPot Chocolate Clusters
• Edible Brownie Batter
• Mini Baked Alaskas

For those attending holiday parties, having a few festive lines ready can always come in handy. Check out these great Christmas toasts to make sure you’re prepared if the opportunity arises!

And if you’re craving a savory pretzel snack to balance out all the sweetness, don’t miss our equally addictive ranch pretzels!

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels Recipe

This easy recipe for Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels is a perfect holiday gift or a delicious snack any time of year. Get ready for a sweet and salty treat everyone will love!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 16

Calories: 212 kcal

Author: Tammilee Tips

Ingredients

• 16 oz pretzels (1 bag)
• ⅔ cup Vegetable Oil
• ½ cup White Sugar
• 2–3 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Place pretzels in a large bowl.
3. Combine oil, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl and mix well.
4. Pour over pretzels, tossing to ensure they are well coated.
5. Pour out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading any remaining sugar and cinnamon over the pretzels.
6. Place in oven for 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes for even baking.
7. Remove from oven and cool completely before serving. This allows the cinnamon sugar coating to harden onto the pretzels.

Kitchen Tools

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Small Mixing Bowl
• Parchment Paper
• Baking Sheet with Sides

Notes

Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the specific products used and portion sizes. Enjoy your homemade cinnamon sugar pretzels!

Nutrition Facts

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

Amount Per Serving

Calories 212 (Calories from Fat 81)

% Daily Value*

• Fat 9g (14%)
• Saturated Fat 7g (44%)
• Sodium 359mg (16%)
• Potassium 42mg (1%)
• Carbohydrates 29g (10%)
• Fiber 1g (4%)
• Sugar 7g (8%)
• Protein 2g (4%)
• Calcium 13mg (1%)
• Iron 1.5mg (8%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to explore our other categories, including our vast collection of copycat recipes, tempting dessert recipes, and our convenient CrockPot Recipes.

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This recipe was originally shared on December 15, 2013, and updated in October 2020 to bring you the best possible version.

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