Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks for the Perfect Sweet Snack

If you’re craving something sweet, salty, and totally irresistible, these homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are about to become your new go-to treat. With a delightfully crisp outside, fluffy inside, and a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar, they’re perfect for parties, holidays, or just a cozy night in. Trust us — you won’t be able to stop at just one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sometimes, the best recipes are the simplest ones. These cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks come together with everyday ingredients and don’t require special skills — just a little time and a lot of love.

Irresistible Flavor: The blend of sweet and salty is pure magic — and that warm cinnamon scent? It’s heaven.
Easy to Make: No fancy equipment, no complicated techniques. Just roll, bake, and coat in sweet goodness.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them at parties, snack on them during movie nights, or add them to brunch spreads.
Kid-Friendly: Great to make with kids — they’ll love rolling and coating them in cinnamon sugar.
Make Ahead Friendly: You can prep the dough in advance and bake when ready.

These pretzel sticks prove that comfort food can be playful, flexible, and surprisingly simple.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Before you dive into baking, gather these kitchen essentials. They’ll help the process go smoothly from start to finish.

Baking Sheets: Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Large Mixing Bowls: For making and proofing the dough.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters with baking!
Whisk or Wooden Spoon: To mix the dough.
Kitchen Scale (optional): Great for precision.
Clean Kitchen Towel: To cover your dough while it rises.
Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: To slice the dough into sticks.
Basting Brush: To apply butter after baking.
Cooling Rack: Keeps the pretzels crisp after baking.

Preparation Tips

Want to get the best results? Try these smart tips before you start baking:

Use Warm Water (not hot): When activating yeast, aim for 100–110°F. Too hot and it might kill the yeast.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: The dough needs time to rise so the pretzels turn out fluffy and soft inside.
Butter Helps the Sugar Stick: Brush butter while sticks are still warm for the cinnamon sugar to adhere perfectly.
Use Parchment Paper: Prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Prep Ahead: Make the dough a day in advance and refrigerate after the first rise.

Ingredients List

These sweet-and-salty sticks are made from pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 ½ cups warm water (100–110°F)
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1 tbsp granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (divided)
½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Optional:

Coarse sea salt (for extra crunch before baking)

Step-by-Step Directions

Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, 1 tbsp sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go.
Mix the Dough: Add flour, salt, and 2 tbsp melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or mix with your hands until a soft dough forms.
Knead: Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm spot. It should double in size.
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape the Sticks: Punch down the dough and divide into about 20 even pieces. Roll each into a rope approximately 6–7 inches long.
Optional Salty Version: Sprinkle tops with coarse sea salt for a salty-sweet twist before baking.
Bake: Place sticks on baking sheets and bake for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden and puffed up.
Prepare Coating: While they’re baking, mix ½ cup sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
Butter and Coat: Once baked, brush pretzel sticks with remaining melted butter and immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm.
Cool & Serve: Let them cool slightly on a wire rack, then serve warm or room temperature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with simple recipes, small errors can impact the outcome. Here are a few common slip-ups and how to avoid them:

Adding Yeast to Hot Water: If the water is too hot, you’ll kill the yeast. Stick to lukewarm.
Skipping the Rise: Rushed? Don’t skip the dough rise — it’s key to soft, fluffy sticks.
Underdusting with Cinnamon Sugar: Don’t be shy — coat the sticks while warm so the sugar sticks well.
Overbaking: Keep an eye on them toward the end. Slightly golden is perfect. Too long and they become too crunchy.

Best Side Dishes

These pretzel sticks are a snack superstar — but pairing them up can turn them into something even more special. Here are some delicious ideas:

Warm Vanilla Dip: Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla for a silky sweet dip.
Fruit Salad: A fresh, juicy mix offsets the sweetness with lightness.
Whipped Chocolate Spread: For the chocoholics, serve with warm Nutella or chocolate ganache.
Spiced Apple Cider: During colder months, this cozy drink is the perfect companion.

Expert Recipe Tips

Want even more flavor, texture, and appeal? Try these pro tips:

Add Vanilla to Dough: A dash of vanilla extract in the dough gives a subtle sweetness and a wonderful aroma.
Go Mini: Make smaller sticks for bite-sized party snacks.
Try Brown Sugar: For a deeper caramel flavor, substitute half the coating sugar with brown sugar.
Add a Cream Cheese Drizzle: Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and drizzle on top for extra indulgence.
Use Whole Wheat Flour: Want a healthier twist? Replace up to 50% of the flour with whole wheat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These treats are best fresh, but they store well too:

To Store: Once fully cooled, place in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Freeze uncoated baked sticks for up to 2 months. Reheat and coat in sugar when ready to serve.
To Reheat: Warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds. Add a bit of fresh butter and a new coat of cinnamon sugar if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

Yes! Pre-made pizza dough or crescent roll dough can be used in a pinch. Just roll, bake, and coat as directed.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap butter for a vegan version and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The pretzel dough works just as well without animal products.

Do I need to boil these like traditional pretzels?

Nope! That’s the beauty of this recipe — they bake up beautifully without the boiling step. It saves time and effort.

How do I know if the dough has risen enough?

It should double in size and feel soft to the touch. You can poke it gently — if the indentation stays, it’s ready to shape.

Can I make them gluten-free?

You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix, though texture may vary. Just make sure your mix contains xanthan gum for elasticity.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated bread, especially when it’s homemade. These Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks hit the sweet spot — satisfying, comforting, and beyond easy to level up.

Whether you’re making snacks for guests or treating yourself to a weekend bakeathon, this recipe is a tried-and-true crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, dust off that mixing bowl and have some fun in the kitchen!

Have you tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and tell us how it went! Got a photo? Tag us on Instagram — we love seeing your delicious creations.

And if you’re on a sweet-and-salty kick, be sure to check out our Soft Homemade Pretzels or the ultra-decadent Mini Churro Bites for more snack-time joy!