Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

Introduction

If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s sweet, salty, and wildly addictive, these Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels are about to become your new go-to! This crowd-pleasing recipe turns humble hard pretzels into crunchy, sugary bites of joy with just four ingredients and barely any prep time. Whether you’re prepping a holiday gift tin, planning a movie night snack, or just need a cozy treat to munch on during a lazy afternoon, these pretzels check every box.

I first made these for a cookie swap when I didn’t have time to bake—now I get requests for them every year. They’re especially perfect for holiday snack boards, last-minute potluck contributions, or simply something fun to toss into your kids’ lunchboxes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Quick and Easy – 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the oven. That’s it!
• Budget-Friendly – All pantry staples, and you likely have them on hand already.
• Perfect for Gifting – Package in mason jars or treat bags with ribbon for a thoughtful and tasty homemade gift.
• Kid-Friendly – Kids love helping with the mixing and especially love the sweet crunch!

Taste & Texture

Expect a satisfying crunch from the pretzels, balanced perfectly with buttery sweetness and a warming touch of cinnamon. Each bite is crisp on the outside, with a light coating that caramelizes just slightly during baking for that irresistible snackable texture.

Dietary Attributes

These cinnamon sugar pretzels are vegetarian and can be adapted to suit different diets. If you need a dairy-free option, simply swap the butter with vegan butter. Gluten-free pretzels also work beautifully here—just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold up during mixing and baking.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 6 cups hard pretzels (mini twists or sticks both work)
• 1/4 cup salted butter
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Notes on Quality

Go for fresh, crunchy pretzels—the kind you’d grab for a party mix. Mini twists tend to coat better with the cinnamon sugar mixture, but sticks will do in a pinch. Salted butter brings a nice balance to the sweetness, but unsalted works too if that’s what you have.

Choose a good quality cinnamon for the best flavor; Saigon or Ceylon cinnamon adds deeper warmth and spice.

Possible Substitutions

• Butter – Swap for vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• Sugar – Brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor.
• Pretzels – Gluten-free pretzels or even waffle-shaped pretzels add a fun twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 270°F.
• In a small bowl, stir together the cinnamon and sugar until evenly combined.

• Melt the butter—either in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat.
• Add the pretzels to a large baking sheet.
• Pour the melted butter over the pretzels, followed by the cinnamon sugar.
• Toss everything together directly on the baking sheet until the pretzels are evenly coated. Spread them out into a single layer.
• Bake for 20 minutes, giving them a gentle stir halfway through.
• Let them cool completely—they’ll get crunchier as they sit.
• Enjoy or package for gifting!

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Stir the pretzels gently but thoroughly to make sure every piece gets evenly coated.
• Use parchment paper to keep cleanup easy and avoid sticking.
• Taste test a few after baking (once cool!) to make sure the sugar level is to your liking.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the stir – Make sure to toss the pretzels halfway through baking to prevent uneven caramelization.
• Overbaking – They only need 20 minutes; any longer and the sugar might burn.
• Uneven coating – Mix well to avoid patches of dry sugar or pools of butter.

Time-Saving Tips

• Melt the butter while the oven preheats to save time.
• Mix the cinnamon sugar a few days ahead and store it in a jar—it’s great for toast, oatmeal, and more.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

These pretzels are the perfect addition to:

• Holiday snack platters with nuts, chocolate bark, and dried fruit
• A sweet-and-savory mix alongside cheese cubes and charcuterie
• Ice cream sundaes—sprinkle a few crushed pieces on top for crunch

Presentation Ideas

For a festive touch, serve them in a holiday-themed bowl or mason jars tied with ribbon. For parties, scoop into individual paper treat bags or mini cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go servings.

Beverage Pairings

• Hot apple cider or spiced chai for cozy vibes
• A tall glass of cold milk—classic and simple
• Sparkling wine or sweet Riesling for something a little fancy at holiday gatherings

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to maintain crispness.

Reheating Methods

While these are best fresh, you can re-crisp them by placing them in a 275°F oven for about 5 minutes if they’ve softened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes! Just add a small pinch of salt to the cinnamon sugar mix.

Can I use a sugar substitute?
Granulated monk fruit or coconut sugar can work, but the texture might differ slightly.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use two baking sheets so the pretzels don’t overcrowd and bake unevenly.

Troubleshooting

Why are my pretzels soggy?
They may not have cooled fully before storage. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before packing away.

The sugar didn’t stick—what happened?
Make sure you mix the butter and sugar in while everything is still warm. Cold pretzels or butter will lead to clumping.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Vegan – Use plant-based butter or coconut oil.
• Gluten-Free – Swap in your favorite gluten-free pretzels, just ensure they are firm and crunchy.

Flavor Twists

• Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the cinnamon sugar for a spicy kick.
• Stir in vanilla extract to the melted butter before mixing for extra aroma.
• Drizzle with white chocolate after baking for a sweet finish.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• For a Valentine’s Day version, toss in red, white, and pink sprinkles after baking. You could even pair them with these adorable Cupid Cupcakes.
• Around the holidays, mix in crushed peppermint candies or drizzle with dark chocolate and top with festive sprinkles.
• Want to keep it on the indulgent side? These would be right at home next to Red Velvet Sugar Cookies or Vegan Cherry Almond Brownies.

Conclusion

There’s something so satisfying about a snack that takes almost no time to make but delivers major flavor—and these Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels hit that sweet spot every single time. Whether you’re making a big batch to gift or just want something delicious to munch on during your next Netflix night, you’ll fall in love with how effortless and tasty these are.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your version! Tag me or share your photos and feedback over on Pinterest or drop a comment below. Let’s keep the sweet and salty goodness going!

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