Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks

To make these delicious cinnamon sugar pretzels, gather the following simple ingredients:

For the Pretzel Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

For the Pretzel Bath:

• 10 cups water
• 2/3 cup baking soda

Step-by-Step Instructions

this recipe

1. Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step activates the yeast and ensures your pretzels will rise perfectly.

In a larger bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the flour mixture. Stir until the dough comes together, then knead for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic.

2. Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial to developing the chewy texture of the pretzels.

3. Shape the Pretzel Sticks

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 8-10 inches in length. If you want thicker or thinner pretzel sticks, adjust the size to your preference.

4. Prepare the Pretzel Bath

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Once the water is boiling, carefully drop the pretzel sticks into the water, a few at a time, for about 30 seconds. This bath gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture and golden-brown crust.

5. Bake the Pretzel Sticks

Place the pretzel sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each pretzel stick with melted butter and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

6. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While the pretzels are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating by mixing the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl. Once the pretzels are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter. Roll each pretzel stick in the cinnamon sugar mixture until it’s fully coated.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Your Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are ready to serve! Enjoy them warm for the best texture and flavor. They’re perfect on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks

• Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: This step is key to getting that perfect chewy texture and golden color. Make sure your water is at a rolling boil before dipping the pretzels.
• Use Fresh Yeast: For the best rise and texture, make sure your yeast is fresh. If it doesn’t foam after mixing with the warm water, it’s likely expired.
• Serve Warm: These pretzel sticks are best served fresh out of the oven while they’re warm and soft. However, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Why Make These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks?

These pretzel sticks offer a unique twist on traditional snack foods by combining the irresistible flavors of cinnamon and sugar with the satisfying texture of pretzel dough. Not only are they an affordable and fun homemade treat, but they’re also perfect for customizing. You can add chocolate chips to the dough, dip them in frosting, or experiment with other flavorings.

Whether you’re treating yourself or serving guests, Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whip up a batch today, and enjoy a delightful snack that’s both nostalgic and delicious.

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With this simple yet mouthwatering recipe, your cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks will become a go-to snack for any occasion.
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but with the right care, they can still be delicious for days to come. Here are some tips for serving and storing your pretzels:

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Warm: These pretzel sticks are at their best when served warm, right out of the oven. If you make them ahead of time, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their softness and warmth.
2. Pair with Dips: While the cinnamon sugar coating is sweet enough on its own, adding a dip can take your pretzels to the next level. Try pairing them with chocolate sauce, caramel dip, vanilla glaze, or even a cream cheese-based dip.
3. Snack or Dessert: These pretzel sticks can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. They’re perfect for an afternoon treat, a movie night, or as part of a dessert spread at a party.
4. Presentation: For an extra touch, serve the pretzel sticks in a mason jar or a basket lined with parchment paper. You can also drizzle a little extra cinnamon sugar or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a more festive look.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature: Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for 1-2 days. To keep them soft, store them with a slice of bread in the container. The bread will help maintain moisture and keep the pretzels from becoming stale.
2. Freezing: If you have leftovers or want to prepare them in advance, you can freeze the pretzels. Place the cooled pretzel sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for 1-2 hours until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
3. Reheating: To reheat frozen or stored pretzel sticks, place them on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re warm and soft. If they’re not crispy enough, you can lightly broil them for 1-2 minutes to regain their crispness.

By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks any time, whether fresh or reheated!

1. Can I make cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough and shape the pretzel sticks ahead of time. After shaping, you can refrigerate the pretzel sticks for up to 24 hours before boiling and baking them. This will allow you to prepare them in advance and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve. Alternatively, you can freeze the pretzel sticks after shaping and thaw them before boiling and baking.

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2. Can I use a different sugar or spice for the coating?

Absolutely! While cinnamon sugar is the classic coating for these pretzels, you can experiment with other flavors. Try using a mix of brown sugar and cinnamon for a deeper, richer flavor. You could also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra twist, or even make a chocolate sugar coating with cocoa powder for a chocolaty variation.

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3. How do I keep the pretzel sticks soft after baking?

To keep your cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain moisture, you can place a slice of bread in the container. If you plan to store them for a longer period, freezing them is a great option. When reheating, avoid using the microwave as it can make them chewy or tough—opt for the oven to retain their softness.

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4. Can I make these pretzels without yeast?

While yeast gives pretzels their signature chewy texture, you can make a quicker version without yeast. If you prefer a no-yeast version, you can use a baking soda dough instead. However, the texture and flavor will differ from traditional pretzels. For the best results and true pretzel texture, using yeast is recommended.

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