Ultimate Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels Recipe (So Easy!)

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 16 | Difficulty: Easy

Looking for the perfect sweet and salty snack? These cinnamon sugar pretzels are crispy, addictive, and incredibly easy to make with just 4 simple ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick dessert, or want an irresistible homemade gift, this recipe delivers every single time.

Why This Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels Recipe Works

After testing multiple variations, I’ve perfected this recipe to give you the crispiest, most flavorful cinnamon sugar pretzels possible. Unlike soft pretzel recipes that require yeast, rising time, and a boiling step, these baked cinnamon pretzels come together in under 40 minutes with minimal effort.

The secret? Low and slow baking at 325°F allows the cinnamon sugar coating to crystallize perfectly onto each pretzel twist, creating that irresistible crunchy exterior without burning.

What Makes These Pretzels Special

No yeast or rising time required – uses store-bought pretzels as the base
Budget-friendly – costs less than $5 to make a full batch
Kid-friendly snack – my children request these weekly
Perfect for meal prep – stays fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored properly
Customizable – easy to adjust sweetness or add variations
Great for gifting – package in mason jars for homemade holiday gifts

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

Here’s everything you need to make this simple recipe:

Main Ingredients

16 oz pretzel twists (one standard bag) – mini pretzel twists work best
½ cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter – melted
½ cup granulated white sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Small bowl for cinnamon sugar mixture
Rimmed baking sheet (half-sheet pan works perfectly)
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Rubber spatula for mixing
Heat-safe spatula for stirring during baking

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This lower temperature is crucial – don’t be tempted to increase it or your pretzels may burn before the sugar crystallizes properly.

Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Coat Pretzels with Butter

Pour the entire bag of pretzel twists into your large mixing bowl. Melt the butter completely (microwave for 30-45 seconds works great) and drizzle it evenly over the pretzels.

Using a rubber spatula, toss the pretzels thoroughly until every piece is coated with butter. This step is essential – the butter acts as the “glue” that helps the cinnamon sugar stick to each pretzel. Take your time here and make sure there’s no pooled butter at the bottom of the bowl.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Whisk or stir until completely mixed – you want an even distribution of cinnamon throughout the sugar.

The ratio matters here: 2 tablespoons of cinnamon to ½ cup sugar gives you bold cinnamon flavor without being overwhelming. If you prefer milder cinnamon taste, reduce to 1½ tablespoons.

Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Pour the cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter-coated pretzels. Using your spatula, toss continuously for 2-3 minutes until every pretzel is evenly coated. The mixture should look fairly uniform with no bare spots.

Don’t rush this step – proper coating ensures every bite has that perfect sweet-salty-cinnamon flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Pretzels

Spread the coated pretzels in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. It’s okay if they’re close together, but try to avoid major clumping.

Bake for 30 minutes total, but here’s the critical part: stir every 8-10 minutes. Set a timer! Remove the baking sheet from the oven, use a heat-safe spatula to gently stir and redistribute the pretzels, then return to the oven.

This stirring prevents burning and ensures even caramelization of the sugar coating. You’ll notice the pretzels transform from wet-looking to dry and crystallized as they bake.

Step 6: Cool Completely

After 30 minutes, the cinnamon sugar coating should look dry and crystallized (not wet or sticky). If it still looks wet, bake for 5 more minutes.

Remove from the oven and let the pretzels cool completely on the baking sheet. This takes about 30-45 minutes. As they cool, the coating will harden and become even crispier.

Important: Don’t try to eat them hot! The sugar coating will be extremely hot and can burn your mouth. Plus, they need cooling time to reach that perfect crunchy texture.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

Choosing the Right Pretzels

Mini pretzel twists are ideal because they have more surface area for the coating to stick to. I’ve tested this recipe with:

Pretzel twists ✓ Perfect (recommended)
Pretzel sticks ✓ Works well, less coating surface
Pretzel nuggets ✓ Good, very crunchy
Large soft pretzels ✗ Not recommended for this recipe

Don’t Skip the Stirring

Stirring every 8-10 minutes is non-negotiable. I learned this the hard way when my first batch burned on the bottom while the top remained undercooked. The stirring ensures:

Even heat distribution
Prevents burning
Helps sugar crystallize uniformly
Creates consistent texture throughout

Storage Tips

Proper storage keeps these pretzels crispy for up to 2 weeks:

Wait for complete cooling – even slightly warm pretzels will create condensation in storage
Use airtight containers – gallon-size zip-top bags work great, or use airtight containers
Remove excess air – prevents staleness
Store at room temperature – no refrigeration needed
Add parchment between layers – if stacking in a container

Make-Ahead Instructions

These cinnamon sugar pretzels are perfect for meal prep or advance preparation for parties:

1 week ahead: Make the full batch, store properly
2 weeks ahead: Possible, but freshness is best within 10 days
Same day: Allow at least 2 hours for baking and cooling before serving

Variations and Customizations

Sweet Variations

Pumpkin Spice Pretzels: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice
Vanilla Cinnamon: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to melted butter
Maple Cinnamon: Use 2 tablespoons maple sugar + ½ cup regular sugar
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled pretzels
Brown Sugar Version: Use light brown sugar for deeper molasses flavor

Spicy Kick Options

Cinnamon Cayenne: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat
Chai-Spiced: Mix cinnamon with cardamom, ginger, and cloves
Mexican Chocolate: Add ½ teaspoon espresso powder + pinch of cayenne

Dietary Modifications

Vegan: Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter
Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar to ⅓ cup (note: coating will be thinner)
Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free pretzels (texture may vary slightly)

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon sugar pretzels are incredibly versatile. Here’s how to serve them:

As a Snack

Party snack bowls alongside chips and popcorn
Movie night treat
After-school snack for kids
Game day finger food
Road trip snack (pack in individual bags)

As a Dessert Element

Ice cream topping
Yogurt parfait crunch
Crushed as cheesecake crust
Mixed into snack mix with chocolate chips and nuts
Alongside warm apple cider or hot chocolate

For Gifting

Package these pretzels in:

Mason jars with ribbon
Cellophane bags tied with twine
Decorative tins
Food-safe boxes lined with tissue paper

Add a cute label with the name and date. These make excellent:

Holiday gifts
Teacher appreciation gifts
Housewarming presents
Thank you gifts
Birthday party favors

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 oz / about 10-12 pretzels):

Calories: 95
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 14g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 1g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but your pretzels will be saltier. Since store-bought pretzels already contain salt, I recommend unsalted butter for better flavor balance.

Why are my pretzels sticky instead of crispy?

This happens when pretzels haven’t baked long enough or haven’t cooled completely. The sugar needs time to crystallize. If they’re still sticky after cooling, return them to the oven for 5-10 more minutes.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Use two baking sheets and rotate their positions halfway through baking. You may need to bake 5 minutes longer.

What if I don’t have ground cinnamon?

Ground cinnamon is essential for this recipe – cinnamon sticks won’t work. If you’re out, try pumpkin pie spice as an alternative, but the flavor will be different.

How do I prevent burning?

Use an oven thermometer to verify your temperature is accurate, stir every 8-10 minutes religiously, and don’t increase the baking temperature.

Can I use brown sugar?

While you can, the texture will be different. Brown sugar has more moisture, which can make the coating less crispy. If you try it, reduce the amount slightly.

Are these good for kids’ lunches?

Yes! Pack them in small containers or bags. They’re a fun alternative to chips and provide a bit of whole grain from the pretzels.

Can I freeze cinnamon sugar pretzels?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Problem: Pretzels burned on bottom

Solution: Your oven may run hot. Reduce temperature to 300°F and increase baking time by 5-10 minutes. Always stir every 8-10 minutes.

Problem: Sugar didn’t stick well

Solution: Make sure butter coats every pretzel thoroughly before adding sugar. Don’t rush the tossing process.

Problem: Coating is uneven

Solution: Mix cinnamon and sugar more thoroughly, and toss pretzels longer to distribute coating evenly.

Problem: Pretzels are soft, not crispy

Solution: Bake longer until the coating looks completely dry. Moisture in the coating means it needs more time.

Similar Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these cinnamon sugar pretzels, try these related recipes:

Ranch Pretzels – savory alternative with ranch seasoning
Chocolate Covered Pretzels – elegant dessert version
Buffalo Ranch Pretzels – spicy party snack
Parmesan Garlic Pretzels – Italian-inspired savory pretzels
Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels – yeasted dough version for special occasions
Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce – perfect game day appetizer

The Science Behind the Crunch

Understanding why this recipe works helps you make it perfectly every time. The low oven temperature (325°F) allows:

Slow moisture evaporation from the butter and sugar
Gradual crystallization of sugar onto pretzel surface
Caramelization without burning
Butter absorption into the pretzel for extra flavor

The stirring process ensures even heat exposure and prevents sugar from pooling and burning in hot spots.

Why This Recipe Beats Store-Bought

Store-bought cinnamon sugar pretzels often contain:

Artificial flavors and colors
Excessive sodium (over 300mg per serving)
Preservatives for shelf stability
Less actual cinnamon flavor

By making these at home, you control:

Quality of ingredients
Amount of sugar and cinnamon
Freshness (these taste 10x better fresh)
Cost (homemade is 60% cheaper)

Final Thoughts

These cinnamon sugar pretzels have become a staple in my home. They’re requested for every party, bake sale, and family gathering. The combination of salty pretzel crunch with sweet cinnamon coating is absolutely addictive.

The best part? They’re foolproof. If you can melt butter and toss pretzels in a bowl, you can make this recipe. No special skills required, no fancy equipment needed, just simple ingredients and 40 minutes of your time.

Whether you’re looking for an easy snack, a crowd-pleasing party food, or a thoughtful homemade gift, these cinnamon sugar pretzels deliver. Make a batch this week – I promise they won’t last long!

Recipe Card

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

Yield: 16 servings (1 oz each)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

16 oz pretzel twists (1 bag)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place pretzels in large bowl. Drizzle with melted butter and toss until fully coated.
Mix sugar and cinnamon in small bowl.
Pour cinnamon sugar over pretzels and toss for 2-3 minutes until evenly coated.
Spread on prepared baking sheet in single layer.
Bake 30 minutes, stirring every 8-10 minutes.
Cool completely before serving or storing.

Storage: Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

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Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out!

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