Soft cinnamon sugar pretzels are a cozy, irresistible treat that’s perfect anytime you crave a sweet but comforting snack. This Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels Recipe turns ordinary pretzel sticks into toasty, buttery bites coated in warm cinnamon and sugar—all with minimal fuss. Whether it’s a lazy afternoon pick-me-up or a crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings, you’ll find yourself reaching for these again and again.
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In the Kitchen
I’ve found this Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels Recipe to be one of those game-changers that’s both quick and crowd-pleasing. You get the joy of soft, warm pretzels coated in buttery cinnamon sugar without hours of work. It’s perfect when you want a cozy treat that feels homemade but can be prepared in just a few minutes using an air fryer.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: The brief air frying locks in that perfect soft chew while giving a light toasty touch.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: Brushing with melted butter before a quick second round in the air fryer ensures the cinnamon sugar sticks beautifully.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You won’t need anything fancy to make these taste like a bakery delight—just pretzels, butter, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Whether it’s a quick afternoon snack or party finger food, this recipe is flexible and fuss-free.
Ingredients at a Glance
Using quality basics here makes all the difference. I like to choose soft pretzel sticks that are fresh and slightly chewy, and real unsalted butter to control the saltiness and richness. The cinnamon-sugar blend can be adjusted to your sweet spot, but fresh cinnamon really shines in this recipe.
- Soft Pretzel Sticks: Opt for fresh, refrigerated sticks if possible for the best soft texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Melts smoothly and lets you season the sugar coating just right.
- Brown Sugar: Adds warm molasses notes, enhancing the cinnamon flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and creates a nice crisp on the coating.
- Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon fresh from the jar for maximum fragrance.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements and detailed steps are laid out clearly in the recipe card at the bottom so you can follow along easily.
How to Make Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels Recipe
Step 1 — Air Fry the Pretzel Sticks for a Light Toast
Arrange your pretzel sticks evenly in the air fryer basket so they’re not overlapping—this helps them cook evenly and stay crunchy on the outside but soft inside. Set the air fryer to 320°F and cook for 2 minutes. You’ll notice they begin to turn a gentle golden color and release a slightly toasty aroma. This step warms them without drying them out, which is key.
Step 2 — Butter Them Up and Cook Just A Bit More
Take the pretzels out and, once cool enough to handle, cut them into bite-sized pieces. Melt the unsalted butter and brush it all over the bite pieces so they get that rich sheen and help the cinnamon sugar stick. Return them to the air fryer basket and cook for another 1 minute at the same temperature. This quick finish ensures they are warm and buttery—perfect for coating.
Step 3 — Sprinkle Your Cinnamon Sugar and Serve Warm
While the pretzels finish cooking, mix your brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the pretzel bites come out, immediately and generously sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture over them. The warm buttered surface helps the sugar melt slightly and stick beautifully. Serve right away with chocolate sauce or your favorite dip for an extra touch of indulgence.
Things to Remember
To get the best results every time with this Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels Recipe, keep a few key points in mind. That gentle toasting step softens the pretzels without drying them out, and timing your butter brush right before the final minute in the air fryer will give you that perfect sticky finish.
- Doneness Cue: Watch for a warm, golden sheen and a toasty aroma rather than deep browning to avoid tough pretzels.
- Temperature Trick: Keep your air fryer around 320°F for even cooking without burning the sugars.
- Make-Ahead Move: You can pre-cut and melt the butter/sugar mix in advance but coat and air fry just before serving.
- Common Pitfall: Avoid overcrowding the basket—it causes uneven cooking and soggy pretzel bites.
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can add a little flair once the pretzels are coated. For dipping, I’m a huge fan of warm chocolate sauce or a vanilla glaze, which adds a smooth contrast to the crunchy cinnamon sugar coating and soft pretzel inside.
Plays Well With
Pair these cinnamon sugar pretzels with fresh fruit like crisp apples or tart berries for a balanced snack. A cup of spiced cider or a creamy latte alongside also turns this recipe into a perfect fall or chilly day treat.
Simple Plating Upgrades
Try serving these in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper or on a wooden board with small bowls of dips and fresh herbs sprinkled on top for a café-style vibe. Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar from a fine sieve over the top for a pretty, inviting finish that friends will notice.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a day or two. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can keep their delightful softness for up to 48 hours before starting to dry out.
Freezing Tips
These pretzels freeze well if you arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature and warm gently to refresh the soft texture. Quality is best if enjoyed within a month.
Reheating Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat, pop pretzel bites into the air fryer at 320°F for 1–2 minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness. If using a microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and heat in short bursts. The oven method works too—wrap in foil and warm at 300°F for 5 minutes. Avoid overheating so they don’t turn hard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regular hard pretzels won’t work the same because they’re baked differently and lack the soft interior that makes this recipe special. Stick to soft pretzel sticks to get that warm, chewy bite.
Yes! Bake the pretzels at 350°F for about 3–4 minutes per phase, keeping a close eye to avoid over-browning, and brush with butter before the second bake. The air fryer just speeds the process and gives a nice crust.
Brushing the pretzels generously with melted butter while they are warm helps the sugar stick better. Coat them immediately after cooking when the surface is hot for the best adherence.
Absolutely! If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a little more cinnamon. For less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly. This recipe is forgiving and easily customized to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels Recipe is one of those simple joys that feels like a warm hug in every bite. I love how fast and straightforward it is, especially when a sweet craving hits or guests walk through the door. With just a few pantry ingredients and the magic of an air fryer, you’ll delight in snack time like never before. Give it a try and see how these soft, buttery, cinnamon-kissed pretzel bites quickly become your go-to treat.
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Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels Recipe
Delight in these Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, coated with a buttery cinnamon sugar glaze. Quick to prepare in the air fryer, they make an irresistible warm snack or dessert paired beautifully with chocolate sauce.
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Pretzels
- 4 Soft Pretzel Sticks
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¾ cup Brown Sugar
- ¾ cup Sugar
- 2 tablespoon Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Air Fry Pretzels: Arrange the pretzel sticks in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 320°F and cook for 2 minutes until warm and slightly crispy.
- Cut and Butter Pretzels: Carefully remove the pretzels from the air fryer and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Brush them generously with melted unsalted butter to enhance flavor and help the sugar coating stick.
- Air Fry Again: Return the buttered pretzel bites to the air fryer basket and cook at 320°F for an additional 1 minute to set the butter and slightly crisp the pieces.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mix: While the pretzels cook, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl, mixing well to create an even cinnamon sugar blend.
- Coat Pretzels with Cinnamon Sugar: As soon as the pretzel bites come out of the air fryer, immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over them so it adheres to the warm buttered surface.
- Serve Warm: Serve the sweet cinnamon sugar pretzel bites warm, optionally accompanied by chocolate sauce for a decadent dipping experience.
Notes
- Ensure pretzels are warm when coating with cinnamon sugar for best adhesion.
- Use unsalted butter to control overall saltiness; salted butter may make the treat too salty.
- Chocolate sauce or caramel dip pairs wonderfully with these pretzels for added indulgence.
- Cut pretzels into bite-sized pieces carefully to maintain shape and avoid crumbs.
- The cooking temperature and time can be adjusted slightly depending on your air fryer model for ideal crispness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
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