Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks

Introduction

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks have quickly become a favorite snack in our household. Whether it’s movie night, a special gathering, or just a casual snack, these pretzel sticks are a hit every time. I love how simple they are to make yet so flavorful and satisfying. The combination of warm cinnamon sugar coating the crunchy pretzels with a slight buttery undertone is absolutely irresistible. I first tried this recipe at a friend’s gathering, and as soon as I got the recipe, I knew I had to make it at home. My family couldn’t get enough of these! They’re perfect for kids and adults alike, making them a fun treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses only a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The process is simple, making it an easy snack to whip up anytime.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty: The saltiness of the pretzels perfectly balances the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar coating. The buttery flavor enhances everything, making each bite irresistible.
• Crispy Yet Soft: The pretzels bake up perfectly crispy on the outside while maintaining a soft texture on the inside. This contrast in texture makes them even more addictive!
• Great for Sharing: This recipe makes enough to share, and it’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or just to have around the house when you need a quick snack.
• Customizable: If you want a little extra sweetness or spice, you can adjust the amount of cinnamon or sugar. You could even add a drizzle of melted chocolate for an added indulgence.

Ingredients

To make Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 bag (12 ounces) thick pretzel sticks
• ½ cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pretzels from sticking during baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Mixture

Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, heating it on medium/low power until it’s fully melted. Allow it to cool slightly before proceeding. Once cooled, separate the egg white from the yolk. Whisk the egg white and vanilla extract into the cooled butter mixture. Set this aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined. This is the sweet coating that will make your pretzels taste amazing!

Step 4: Coat the Pretzels

Take a one-gallon zip-top bag and add the pretzel sticks to it. Pour the butter mixture over the pretzels, then gently shake and mix the bag until all the pretzels are coated. Be careful not to break the pretzels.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar

Now, add the cinnamon sugar mixture to the bag with the coated pretzels. Shake again to ensure that every pretzel is coated evenly with the sweet cinnamon sugar.

Step 6: Bake the Pretzels

Spread the coated pretzels in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring the pretzels once halfway through the baking time to ensure even crisping. The pretzels should be golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the pretzels from the oven and immediately stir them on the baking sheet to prevent sticking. Let them cool completely before serving. Once cooled, they’ll be crisp and ready to enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Based on an average serving size of about 1 ounce (approximately 6 pretzel sticks), here are the approximate nutritional values:

• Serving Size: 1 ounce (about 6 pretzel sticks)
• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 160mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some ways you can serve them:

• As a Snack: Perfect for snacking on during a movie night, game day, or just a casual treat.
• At Parties: These pretzel sticks make a great addition to any party platter. Serve them alongside other finger foods and dips.
• As a Holiday Treat: Given their sweet and festive flavor, these pretzel sticks are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a fun treat during the winter season.
• With Dips: Try pairing them with a caramel dip, chocolate sauce, or even a creamy vanilla dip for an extra indulgent experience.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Pretzels: Fresh pretzel sticks will hold the coating better than stale ones. You can also use mini pretzel rods if you prefer smaller bites.
2. Store Properly: Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will keep them fresh and crunchy.
3. Add Chocolate: For a richer treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the baked pretzels for a chocolatey twist on this classic recipe.
4. Adjust the Cinnamon: If you like more cinnamon, feel free to increase the amount in the coating mix. You can also add a pinch of ground nutmeg for a holiday spice flavor.
5. Use Brown Sugar: For a different flavor profile, try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. This adds a rich, molasses-like taste to the pretzels.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular pretzels instead of pretzel sticks?

Yes! You can use regular pretzels, but the cooking time may vary slightly. Keep an eye on them while baking.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make these pretzel sticks in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

3. How do I prevent the sugar from sticking to the baking sheet?

Make sure you line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to avoid the pretzels sticking.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter will give the pretzels a richer flavor, you can use margarine as a substitute if you prefer.

5. Can I add other spices to the coating?

Yes! You can add a pinch of ground nutmeg, ginger, or cloves for a festive twist.

6. Can I use egg yolk instead of egg white?

The egg white helps create a light coating that sticks well to the pretzels. It’s best to use egg white for the intended texture, but egg yolk can be used as an alternative.

7. How long should I bake the pretzels?

Bake for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them, as different ovens may vary.

8. Can I make these without cinnamon?

Yes! You can skip the cinnamon and just coat the pretzels with the butter and sugar mixture for a sweet snack.

9. Can I freeze these pretzels?

Yes! After they have cooled completely, you can freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to a month. Just reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.

10. What’s a good dipping sauce for these pretzels?

You can serve these pretzels with a caramel dip, chocolate sauce, or a vanilla cream dip for a decadent treat.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are an easy and delicious treat that can be made in just a few simple steps. Whether you’re serving them as a snack for movie night, adding them to your party spread, or giving them as a gift during the holidays, these pretzel sticks will always impress. The combination of buttery pretzels, sweet cinnamon sugar, and a hint of vanilla makes them a must-try. So, go ahead and bake up a batch of these addicting pretzels—your family and friends will thank you!

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