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Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks have become a go-to sweet snack in my kitchen for holidays and movie nights. The way the buttery coating clings to each stick with the perfect hit of cinnamon and sugar always brings the right amount of warmth and crunch. They take very little effort to make and are impossible to stop eating once you start.
I first made these for a school bake sale and came home with an empty tray every single time. Now they are a favorite for family game nights.
Ingredients
- Thick pretzel sticks: The heart of the snack Use sturdy pretzel rods to make sure each bite holds plenty of coating
- Butter: Opt for good quality unsalted butter to let the cinnamon sugar shine Cool before using so it does not scramble the egg white
- Egg white: Helps make all the cinnamon sugar stickiness possible Separate it cleanly for best texture
- Pure vanilla extract: Gives beautiful warmth Choose pure over imitation for best flavor
- Granulated sugar: Classic sweetener coats the pretzels in sparkle Use fresh so it melts evenly in the oven
- Ground cinnamon: Adds the key spice Look for aromatic cinnamon with good color for best punch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan:
- Get your oven ready at 350 Fahrenheit and spread parchment paper over a sturdy baking sheet so cleanup is easy and nothing sticks.
- Melt and Cool the Butter:
- Soften the butter in the microwave on low then give it a few minutes to cool down so your egg white stays smooth when mixed in.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a small bowl carefully separate your egg white and whisk it together with the vanilla and cooled butter until just blended.
- Combine Cinnamon Sugar:
- In a separate bowl mix together the sugar and cinnamon pressing out any lumps so the blend is totally even.
- Coat the Pretzel Sticks:
- Pour your pretzel sticks into a big zip top bag then drizzle the butter egg mixture over top. Close and shake gently so every piece gets touched with buttery goodness without snapping the sticks.
- Add the Sugar Spice Mix:
- Open the bag and pour in your cinnamon sugar mixture. Seal and toss the bag gently again to coat all the sticks with that fragrant blend. Take your time for even coverage.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Spread your coated pretzels across the lined baking sheet in one even layer so they crisp instead of steam. Bake for fifteen minutes and at the halfway point use a flat spatula to stir gently so every side bakes up golden.
- Cool and Serve:
- Right out of the oven stir one more time to separate any stuck pieces. Let them cool completely for crunchy perfection before you dig in.
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One of my favorite things about these is how the warm vanilla and cinnamon scent fills the kitchen. Whenever my nieces visit we make a big batch then pack them up in small bags with ribbon for their teachers. The memories of sticky fingers and giggles always come to mind whenever I taste one.
Storage Tips
Let the pretzel sticks cool all the way for the crispiest results before putting into containers. Use any airtight jar or bag to keep them fresh for up to a week. If they soften up pop them on a tray in a low oven for a few minutes to crisp them right back up.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you only have pretzel twists or minis on hand those work too just adjust the coating amount for full coverage. Swap coconut oil or plant butter if needed for a dairy free twist. Brown sugar gives a slightly caramel flavor if white sugar is not your style.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these with a side of something creamy like whipped cream cheese dip or a touch of caramel sauce for an extra treat. Stack them in jars or clear bags for an easy party favor. They also make crunchy fun toppings for ice cream sundaes.
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Cultural and Historical Context
Seasoned pretzels have been a nostalgic treat in American kitchens for decades always showing up in cookie tins and swap tables during holidays. Simple cinnamon sugar is a classic pairing used in all sorts of baked goods to bring a familiar cozy flavor reminiscent of both churros and snickerdoodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you ensure the butter doesn't curdle when mixing with egg white?
Let the melted butter cool slightly before whisking in the egg white. If the butter is too hot, it can curdle the egg, so allowing it to cool helps create a smooth mixture for coating.
- → Can I adjust the cinnamon-sugar ratio?
Absolutely, you can customize the sweetness and spice by adding more cinnamon for a stronger flavor or extra sugar for a sweeter finish.
- → How do I get an even coating on each pretzel stick?
Place the pretzel sticks in a zip-top bag and add the coating mixtures. Gently shake to coat without breaking the pretzels for an even layer of flavor.
- → How long can these be stored?
Once completely cooled, store your pretzel sticks in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain their crunch and freshness.
- → What’s a good dip to serve with these?
Cream cheese frosting or caramel sauce pairs wonderfully, adding a creamy or rich note to the sweet and salty sticks.
- → Can I use thin pretzel sticks instead of thick ones?
You can, but bake for a shorter time to prevent burning. Thin sticks will also be more delicate, so handle with care during coating.