I recently whipped up a batch of Baked Pretzel Sticks that have quickly become my go-to treat. Incorporating warm water, active dry yeast, sugar, all-purpose flour, and melted butter, these pretzel sticks delight with a perfect blend of textures and a touch of cinnamon sugar. I couldn’t wait to share.

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I recently decided to try making something new and ended up with these awesome Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks. I’ve always been into experimenting with snacks that mix sweet and salty, and this recipe totally delivers on both counts.

I started by mixing 1 1/2 cups warm water with a packet of active dry yeast and a tablespoon of granulated sugar to wake up the yeast, then I stirred in 4 cups all-purpose flour along with a teaspoon of salt and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter for the dough. After a quick rest, I boiled the sticks in 2 quarts of water with 2/3 cup baking soda and then brushed them with another 1/2 cup melted butter.

Finally I dipped them in a mix of 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (a pinch of coarse sea salt on top if youre feeling extra). Its perfect for those who love creative baked pretzel sticks or any pretzel stick treat!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love how this recipe gives me that perfect mix of sweet and salty flavours that always leaves me wanting more. The process is pretty fun since I get to see the dough transform as it rises and then gets dunked in that crazy boiling water with baking soda, which makes the pretzels super crunchy. It’s really cool that even though the steps seem a bit complicated at first, the instructions keep it simple and easy to follow. Plus, making these treat sticks always feel like a little celebration that brightens up any snack time.

Ingredients

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Warm Water: Activates yeast, making bubbles and hydrating the dough for a perfect rise.
Active Dry Yeast: Creates airy dough while turning sugars into carbon dioxide and ethanol.
All Purpose Flour: Provides structure and carbohydrates, serving as the main foundation of the sticks.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and wakes up the yeast, adding crispness to the coating.
Unsalted Butter: Brings rich flavor and moisture, helping form a soft, golden dough.
Ground Cinnamon: Offers a warm spice that finishes the pretzel sticks with aromatic sweetness.
Baking Soda: Strengthens dough structure, yielding a wonderfully chewy, satisfying texture when baked.
Granulated Sugar & Cinnamon Coating: Creates a sweet and crunchy finish after butter brushing.

Ingredient Quantities

1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for activating the yeast)

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for the dough)

2 quarts water (for boiling)

2/3 cup baking soda (for the boiling bath)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing the baked sticks)

1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)

Coarse sea salt, to taste (optional extra sprinkle)

How to Make this

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1. In a large bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F) with 1 tablespoon sugar and add the packet of yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets frothy.

2. Add 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir and then knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth.

3. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

4. Once risen, punch the dough down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out until its about 1/2 inch thick and cut it into stick shapes.

5. Preheat your oven to 450°F while you prepare the boiling bath.

6. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot and slowly stir in 2/3 cup baking soda (be really careful, it can bubble up a lot!).

7. Carefully drop a few dough sticks at a time into the boiling water for about 30 seconds each. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a greased baking sheet.

8. Bake the pretzel sticks in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes until they become a light golden color.

9. When they are fresh out of the oven, immediately brush the sticks with 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter.

10. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup granulated sugar with 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Toss the warm pretzel sticks in the cinnamon sugar mixture and sprinkle with a little coarse sea salt if desired. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Kitchen thermometer for checking water temperature
4. A clean towel for covering the dough
5. Floured surface for kneading and rolling out the dough
6. Rolling pin to flatten the dough
7. Knife or pizza cutter for cutting the dough into sticks
8. Baking sheet (greased) for the pretzel sticks
9. Large pot for boiling water and baking soda
10. Slotted spoon for removing the dough from the boiling water
11. Oven for baking the pretzel sticks
12. Small bowl for mixing the cinnamon sugar coating
13. Pastry brush for brushing the melted butter on the baked pretzel sticks

FAQ

Q: How do I activate the yeast properly?

A: Make sure the water is warm (around 110°F) and mix in the sugar with the yeast. If bubbles start forming in about 5 minutes, then you're good to go.

Q: Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

A: Yeah, you can, but bread flour might make the pretzel sticks a bit chewier. It's fun to experiment to find your fav texture.

Q: How do I shape the pretzel sticks?

A: Roll out the dough evenly then cut it into strips. Try not to get too stressed about perfection, they're meant to be delicious even if they ain't looking perfect.

Q: How can I get an extra crispy finish?

A: After boiling, brush the sticks with the half cup melted butter and coat them in the cinnamon sugar. Then bake till they're golden. Keep an eye on them so they don't burn.

Q: How should I store leftover pretzel sticks?

A: Let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container. If they get a bit soft, popping them in the oven for a few minutes can help bring back some crispiness.

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of warm water, you could use warm milk which gives the dough a richer flavor. Just be sure it isn’t too hot so it doesn’t kill the yeast.
You can swap active dry yeast with instant yeast using the same measurement, though you might skip the proofing stage with it.
If you don’t have all-purpose flour, bread flour is a good substitute for a chewier texture though it may make the dough a bit denser.
You can replace the melted butter in the dough with coconut oil. It adds a hint of coconut flavor and works in the same quantity.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your water is just the right temp (around 110°F) when you mix in the yeast. If its too hot the yeast dies and if its too cold it wont activate properly.

2. Don’t rush the dough kneading. Work it until its smooth and elastic so you’ll get that nice chewy texture even if it takes a bit longer than you thought.

3. Be super careful when adding the baking soda to the boiling water cause it can bubble up real bad. Go slow and keep a safe distance.

4. Brush the pretzel sticks with butter straight out of the oven so the flavor really soaks in. If you wait, you might lose that buttery taste.