Name: Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: ½ cup granulated sugar (substitute with brown sugar); 3 teaspoons cinnamon; 6 cups mini pretzels; 6 tablespoons salted butter (melted)

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These easy cinnamon sugar pretzels are the ultimate sweet and salty snack! Baked to golden brown perfection and tossed in a buttery cinnamon sugar coating, they’re irresistibly crunchy, full of flavor, and ready for snacking in under 20 minutes. Perfect for parties, holiday treat trays, lunchboxes, or edible gifts.

Sweet and crunchy pretzels coated with cinnamon sugar in a white bowl.

Why I love this recipe

Uses simple pantry staples you probably already have
No baking skills needed; just mix, toss, and bake
Totally customizable with your favorite shaped pretzels and sweet or savory spices
Makes a big batch, perfect for sharing or giving as a DIY food gift
Budget-friendly and great for using up leftover pretzels

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

You only need a few simple ingredients to whip up this sweet snack.

Granulated sugar — swap with brown sugar for a richer, caramel flavor
Ground cinnamon — or use pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or ginger for a seasonal twist
Mini pretzels — any shape works; pretzel twists or snaps hold the coating best
Salted butter, melted — unsalted butter works too, just add a pinch of salt. Dairy-free? Swap butter with melted coconut oil or vegetable oil; just use the same amount.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Recipe Variations

Drizzle after baking – Try melted white chocolate, caramel, or a sprinkle of seasonal spice blends like apple pie spice or chai.
Change up the pretzels – Use pretzel sticks or sourdough nuggets for a new texture.
Go soft – Swap mini pretzels for warm, chewy homemade soft pretzels. Try my easy version made with pizza dough! They’re just as simple to make and taste even better than Auntie Anne’s cinnamon sugar pretzel bites!

Pretzels coated with cinnamon sugar sitting in a textured ceramic bowl.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

Prep the oven and pan: Preheat to 350°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
Make the cinnamon sugar mixture: In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
Coat the pretzels: Add pretzels to a large bowl, drizzle with melted butter, and toss to coat. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar, mix gently, then pour the rest.
Bake: Spread the coated pretzels evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–14 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even coating.
Cool and store: Let the pretzels cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing. Enjoy!

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels making steps collage, coating the pretzels with melted butter and cinnamon sugar, mixing, laying on baking sheet on a pan and bake.

Storage & MAke-Ahead Instructions

Make-Ahead: These pretzels stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week, making them ideal for party prep, lunchboxes, or gifting ahead of time.
Store: Keep in an airtight container or Ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheat: Not necessary, but if you’d like to refresh them, pop in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.
Freeze: Not recommended. Freezing affects the crunch and coating texture.

Recipe Tips

Gently toss to coat – Use two wooden spoons (like tossing salad) to avoid crushing the mix.
Line your baking sheet – Makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.

Small pretzels coated in cinnamon sugar, spread over a baking sheet.

Why are my pretzels not crunchy after baking?

If your pretzels turned out soft, they likely weren’t fully cooled before storing.
Always let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This helps them crisp up and prevents moisture from softening the cinnamon sugar coating.

More Sweet and Salty Pretzel Recipes You’ll Love

Churro Chex Mix – Just like your favorite snack mix, but with a cinnamon-sugar twist.
Rolo Pretzel Bites – Easy, chocolate-covered pretzel bites with caramel and crunch
Reindeer Pretzels – Festive, kid-friendly pretzels perfect for holiday fun
Churro Bites – Sweet, cinnamon-sugar bites (not pretzels, but with the same cozy flavor!)

If you’ve tried this Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it turned out in the comments below.

5 from 1 vote