Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks

Introduction

There’s something magical about the combination of cinnamon, sugar, and pretzels. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and the cinnamon sugar coating brings a warm, cozy flavor that makes these Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks a must-try. I recently made these for a family gathering, and they were an instant hit. The kids couldn’t stop munching on them, and even the adults found themselves sneaking a few extra. Whether you’re preparing them for a movie night, a party, or simply as a sweet snack, these pretzel sticks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? They’re easy to make and can be whipped up in no time!

Ingredients

• Pretzel Sticks: 1 bag (12 ounces) of thick pretzel sticks (dipping sticks are recommended)
• Butter: ½ cup melted and slightly cooled
• Egg White: 1 large egg white
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Sugar: 1 cup granulated sugar
• Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Prep Your Workspace:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the pretzels from sticking and help ensure even baking.
2. Melt & Mix:
   • Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and allow it to cool slightly.
   • In a separate bowl, separate the egg white from the yolk and whisk the egg white until it becomes frothy.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the whisked egg white into the cooled butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
3. Sweet & Spiced Coating:
   • In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together until evenly mixed, creating the sweet and spiced coating.
4. Coat the Pretzels:
   • Place the pretzel sticks into a large zip-top bag. Pour the butter mixture over the pretzels, seal the bag, and gently shake to coat the pretzels evenly.
   • Add the cinnamon sugar mixture to the bag, reseal it, and shake again until all the pretzels are fully coated with the sweet, spiced mixture.
5. Bake to Perfection:
   • Spread the coated pretzel sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
   • Stir the pretzels halfway through the baking time to ensure even baking and coating.
6. Cool & Serve:
   • Once baked, remove the pretzels from the oven and stir them immediately to prevent them from sticking together.
   • Allow the pretzels to cool completely before serving or storing them in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8
• Calories per Serving: 290

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve

• Perfect for Snack Time: Enjoy them as an afternoon snack with a hot drink like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
• At Parties or Gatherings: Set them out on a serving tray for a delightful addition to your party spread.
• Movie Nights: Pair them with your favorite movie for a sweet and savory snack experience.
• Gift in a Jar: For a thoughtful homemade gift, package the pretzel sticks in a decorative jar and tie a ribbon around it.

Additional Tips

1. Even Coating: If you want to ensure even coating, use a zip-top bag for shaking the pretzels with the butter and cinnamon sugar mixture. This helps avoid clumps and ensures every pretzel gets coated perfectly.
2. Add Extra Spice: If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cinnamon to 1 ½ tablespoons, or add a pinch of nutmeg for an additional layer of flavor.
3. Use Dipping Sticks: If possible, use dipping pretzel sticks, which are thicker and more sturdy. This will make the coating process easier and the end result more satisfying.
4. Allow Pretzels to Cool Fully: Let the pretzels cool completely before storing them. This ensures they retain their crunch and the cinnamon sugar coating stays intact.
5. Don’t Overbake: Watch your pretzels closely as they bake to avoid overbaking. You want them crispy but not burnt.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks.
• Maple Cinnamon Pretzels: Swap out the vanilla extract for a teaspoon of maple extract for a warm, autumn-inspired flavor.
• Peanut Butter Pretzel Sticks: After baking, dip the cooled pretzel sticks in peanut butter or drizzle peanut butter over them for a sweet and salty combination.
• Cocoa Cinnamon Sugar: Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a chocolatey twist.
• Nutty Cinnamon Pretzels: Mix chopped pecans or almonds into the cinnamon sugar coating to add some crunch and nuttiness to your pretzel sticks.

Serving Suggestions

• With Ice Cream: These cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet dessert.
• In a Snack Mix: Combine them with other snacks like pretzel chips, nuts, and dried fruits for a delicious homemade snack mix.
• As a Breakfast Treat: Serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast on cold mornings.
• With a Sweet Dip: Pair these pretzel sticks with a sweet cream cheese dip or chocolate ganache for a decadent treat.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing: Keep the cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pretzels before baking them. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze them for 1 hour, and then store them in a zip-top bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can cook them directly from frozen—just add an extra 2 minutes to the baking time.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular pretzels instead of pretzel sticks?
   Yes, you can use regular pretzels, but pretzel sticks are ideal because they allow for more surface area to be coated with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
2. What if I don’t have a zip-top bag for coating the pretzels?
   If you don’t have a zip-top bag, you can use a large bowl to toss the pretzels in the butter and cinnamon sugar mixture. Just be sure to coat them evenly.
3. Can I make these pretzels ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the pretzel sticks a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
4. Can I make these pretzels without an egg white?
   Yes, you can omit the egg white. The egg white helps the coating stick, but you can still get good results without it by using butter alone.
5. Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
   Yes, brown sugar will give a slightly different flavor, adding a richer, molasses-like taste to the pretzel coating.
6. How can I make these pretzels spicier?
   Increase the amount of cinnamon or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
7. Can I bake these in a convection oven?
   Yes, you can. Just reduce the temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and check for doneness a couple of minutes earlier.
8. How long can I store these pretzels?
   They can be stored for up to 1 week in an airtight container at room temperature.
9. Can I freeze cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks?
   Yes, freeze them before baking. Lay them out on a baking sheet, freeze, and then store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
10. How can I make these pretzels more visually appealing?
    Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top or sprinkle some colorful sprinkles for a festive look.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are a perfect treat to satisfy both your sweet and savory cravings. Their crispy texture, sweet cinnamon flavor, and touch of vanilla make them a delightful snack for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in or as a gift for friends and family, these pretzel sticks will surely be a hit. Customize them with your own flavor variations, and don’t forget to store some for later—if they last that long!

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