If you’re after the ultimate sweet-and-salty snack, Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are about to become your new obsession. These golden, homemade beauties are soft on the inside, boast a delightful cinnamon crunch on the outside, and come together with just a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re serving them fresh for a crowd or enjoying a cozy treat at home, these pretzel sticks are irresistible, easy, and bound to disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—just a handful of familiar ingredients work together to create both chewy dough and a craveable cinnamon sugar coating. Here’s what makes each component shine:
- Refrigerated pizza dough: This shortcut gives you homemade pretzel flavor without the fuss of yeast or hours of rising time.
- Baking soda: An essential for the water bath, baking soda is what gives pretzels that classic chewy bite and golden color.
- Water: Used with the baking soda for the classic pretzel dip—don’t skip this step!
- Granulated sugar: The foundation of our irresistible cinnamon sugar coating.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds that signature warmth and aromatic spice to each stick.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and gives a luxurious finish.
- Coarse sea salt (optional): For those who love a little extra sweet-salty contrast, a quick sprinkle makes every bite pop.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). For easy cleanup, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—you’ll thank yourself later. This simple prep step ensures your Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks won’t stick and makes the final removal a breeze.
Step 2: Get the Baking Soda Bath Ready
Bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil in a medium pot. Carefully stir in the baking soda (it tends to bubble up, so pour slowly and stir thoroughly). This bath is the secret weapon for authentic pretzel texture, giving each stick that incredible chew and golden finish.
Step 3: Shape the Pretzel Sticks
Unroll your pizza dough onto a clean surface and, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut it into strips about 1 inch wide. If you’d like, give each strip a little twist for that fun pretzel shape. Space them out on your work surface so they’re ready for their quick dip.
Step 4: Dip and Arrange
Using tongs, gently lower each dough strip into the baking soda water for 20–30 seconds in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot!). This step is essential: it’s what transforms simple dough into a true pretzel stick. Once dipped, place the strips onto your prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the sticks are puffed and beautifully golden brown. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing! Keep an eye on them so you don’t miss that perfect just-baked window.
Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Magic
While your pretzel sticks bake, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. As soon as the pretzels come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter, then immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture so it sticks to every nook and cranny. If you like, finish with a light sprinkle of coarse sea salt for that sweet-salty hit.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks
Garnishes
For a little something extra, try a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving, or drizzle the finished sticks with a little vanilla glaze. If you’re feeling decadent, a dip into melted chocolate or caramel sauce makes these Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks completely over the top—ideal for parties or special treat days!
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks shine brightest as a sweet snack or dessert, but they also pair beautifully with fresh fruit, creamy dips like whipped cream cheese, or a frosty mug of milk. For a sophisticated twist, try them alongside a fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Planning a gathering? Serve your pretzel sticks standing upright in a mason jar or tall glass for a playful, help-yourself vibe. Or, create a DIY dipping station with small bowls of different sauces (think cream cheese, chocolate, or fruit preserves) so everyone can customize their sweet snack adventure. These also travel wonderfully—pack them in a lunchbox or snack bag for sweetness on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your completely cooled Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll be a little less pillowy-soft after the first day, but still totally fabulous for snacking.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooled and cinnamon-sugar-coated sticks on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, just let them thaw at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked taste, pop your pretzel sticks in a 300°F oven for about five minutes, or until warm and fragrant. You can also use a toaster oven for extra convenience—just be sure not to overheat, as the sugar topping can burn quickly.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated pizza dough?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite soft pretzel dough recipe, feel free to swap it in. Just make sure to keep the shaping and baking soda bath steps, as they’re crucial for that classic pretzel flavor and texture.
What’s the purpose of the baking soda bath?
The baking soda bath is essential for developing that signature pretzel crust and deep golden color. The alkaline environment also helps create the unique chewy bite that makes Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks stand out from regular breadsticks.
Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks gluten-free?
Yes, simply start with a gluten-free pizza dough. Just be aware that some gluten-free doughs handle differently, so you may need to adjust shaping or baking times slightly for best results.
What are some fun dips to serve with these pretzel sticks?
These sticks are fantastic on their own, but they also love dipping! Try classic cream cheese, chocolate ganache, caramel, sweetened yogurt, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully, just make sure to use several baking sheets and rotate them in the oven so each batch bakes evenly. Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are always a hit at parties and disappear quickly, so don’t be shy about making extra!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of these Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks warm from the oven. The combination of soft, chewy dough with sweet cinnamon and just a kiss of salt makes every bite a little celebration. Treat yourself and your loved ones—they’re easy, shareable, and utterly delightful!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 16 pretzel sticks
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are a delightful twist on classic soft pretzels, with a sweet and aromatic cinnamon sugar coating. Perfect for snacking or a fun treat, these pretzel sticks are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
Baking Solution:
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 4 cups water
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Additional:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Coarse sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Baking Solution: In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and stir in the baking soda.
- Prep Dough: Unroll the pizza dough and cut it into 1-inch wide strips. Twist each strip slightly.
- Dip and Bake: Dip the dough strips into the baking soda water, then bake until golden brown.
- Coat and Serve: Brush baked pretzels with melted butter, roll in cinnamon sugar, and add sea salt if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a sweeter touch, drizzle with vanilla icing or pair with a cream cheese dip.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel stick
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
