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These cinnamon-coated pretzel sticks are my quick pick-me-up snack for movie marathons and when I'm short on time for a sweet treat. The way the sugary, buttery layer hugs each stick with just the right cinnamon touch hits all the snuggly, crunchy notes. You can throw them together in no time and good luck stopping after one handful.
My first batch was for a school fundraiser and I brought every single crumb back home. Now the family asks for them at every game night.
Tasty Ingredients
- Thick pretzel sticks: The snack’s base Grab those big pretzel rods so they catch loads of sugary goodness
- Butter: Go with unsalted so your sweet coating really pops Let it cool so you don’t end up cooking the egg white
- Egg white: Holds all the spice and sugar together Separate carefully for the smoothest texture
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds cozy flavor Skip the fake stuff to get the real punch
- Granulated sugar: This gives the stick its sparkle Use fresh so everything melts great while baking
- Ground cinnamon: The main flavor star Aim for nicely colored and fragrant cinnamon for the best kick
Simple How-To
- Get Everything Ready:
- Turn your oven on to 350°F and put parchment on your baking pan so there’s no mess to clean up later.
- Chill the Butter After Melting:
- Melt your butter in the microwave (use low heat) and give it some time to cool. That’ll keep your egg white from cooking when they're mixed.
- Whisk the Wet Things:
- Crack the egg and rescue the white. Stir it up with vanilla and the butter once it's not hot—stop when it looks mixed but not bubbly.
- Stir Cinnamon and Sugar Together:
- In a different bowl, mash the cinnamon and sugar together until there are no clumps. That way the flavor spreads out right.
- Get Sticks Coated:
- Dump pretzel sticks in a gallon bag, pour your wet mix in, zip it up, and shake gently. Try not to snap the pretzels but coat them all over.
- Sugar It Up:
- Add your cinnamon sugar blend to the bag. Close it tight and toss until all the pretzels look sweet and even. It might take a minute.
- Bake Until Crunchy:
- Spread the pretzels out on your tray so they aren’t piled up. Bake them for fifteen minutes, but halfway through, grab a spatula and give them a gentle mix for even browning.
- Time to Cool Off:
- As soon as they come out, mix once more to break up any that stuck together. Let them cool down all the way so they’re extra crunchy before you snack.
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What I love the most is the way the kitchen smells like vanilla and cinnamon whenever these bake. When my nieces come over, we whip up a big batch and tie up small gift bags for their teachers. Eating these always reminds me of giggles and sugary hands.
Easy Storage Ideas
Let the sticks cool down all the way for max crunch. Store in a sealed jar or plastic bag and they'll stay tasty all week. If they get a bit soft, just stick them on a baking sheet and heat in a low oven for a few minutes to crisp them up.
Swaps for Ingredients
If all you've got are mini pretzels or twists, those will work—just tweak the coating to cover every twist. Need it dairy-free? Try coconut oil or plant butter. Not a fan of plain sugar? Brown sugar brings a hint of caramel.
Ways to Enjoy More
Serve up with something creamy like whipped cream cheese dip or drizzle with caramel for a little extra. Stack these in jars or clear treat bags for fun favors. Or crumble onto ice cream for a crunchy sundae topping.
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Background and Fun Facts
Flavored pretzels have been part of American celebrations for ages, popping up in holiday treat tins and potlucks. That mix of cinnamon and sugar has always been the go-to choice for a warm, familiar taste, just like you'd get with snickerdoodles or fresh churros.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What keeps butter from messing up when mixed with egg white?
Easy fix: let your melted butter hang out a bit to cool before adding the egg white. Hot butter can scramble the egg, so cooling helps blend it all smooth for dipping.
- → Can I change how sweet or cinnamony these are?
You sure can! Use extra cinnamon for more kick or bump up the sugar for serious sweetness. Make them exactly how you want.
- → What's the trick for perfect cinnamon sugar coverage?
Toss those pretzel sticks in a big zip bag with your coating. Shake gently (nobody wants broken sticks) so everything gets a sweet, even layer.
- → How long will these stay good?
Once they’ve cooled off, toss the sticks into an airtight jar or container. They'll stay crunchy and tasty for about a week.
- → Which dip tastes best with these?
Cream cheese frosting is super creamy, or try caramel sauce for richness. Both go great with the sweet and salty flavor combo.
- → Is it fine to use skinny pretzel sticks instead?
Yep, but bake them less since they go crisp faster. Thin ones break easier, so be gentle while coating them up.