Irresistible Microwave Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: Your Ultimate Sweet & Salty Homemade Snack Guide
Prepare to delight your taste buds with this incredibly simple and outrageously delicious cinnamon sugar pretzel recipe. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and salty, creating a crunchy, flavor-packed snack that you and your family will absolutely adore. What makes this recipe a true game-changer is its minimal ingredient list and the magic of your microwave, transforming ordinary pretzels into an extraordinary treat in mere minutes. This makes it an ideal, kid-friendly cooking project, perfect for budding young chefs.
The discovery of how effortless it is to create seasoned pretzels in the microwave was a revelation, originally stumbled upon while perfecting a Caramel Apple Chex Mix recipe. Since then, the possibilities for unique pretzel creations have been endless, but these homemade cinnamon sugar pretzels have quickly risen to the top as an absolute favorite. They offer a delightful crunch and a perfect balance of sugary sweetness and savory saltiness, reminiscent of popular gourmet brands like Dot’s Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels, but at a fraction of the cost. If you’re a fan of Dot’s, you might also enjoy my original Dot’s pretzels copycat recipe for a savory kick. Whether sweet or savory, homemade seasoned pretzels are a budget-friendly way to enjoy premium snacking.
These homemade cinnamon sugar pretzel bites are the epitome of a satisfying snack: crisp, crunchy, perfectly sweet, and delightfully salty. They are an instant crowd-pleaser for any gathering, a perfect companion for movie nights curled up on the couch, or an excellent after-school treat. This quick and easy recipe requires only about 10 minutes of active preparation, followed by a short microwave cook time, ensuring minimal cleanup and a rapid solution to those inevitable cinnamon sugar cravings! Beyond just a snack, preparing these pretzels can be a wonderful, engaging activity to get your children involved in the kitchen, teaching them basic cooking skills and fostering a love for homemade treats.
Through various experiments with this cinnamon sugar pretzel recipe, I discovered a crucial ingredient that elevates these pretzels from good to absolutely fantastic: a touch of corn syrup. When working with heavier, clumpier ingredients like cinnamon sugar, achieving an even coating can be a challenge. That’s where the corn syrup comes in. It acts as a delicious and incredibly effective adhesive, binding the cinnamon sugar mixture to each pretzel. This ensures that the flavorful coating stays firmly in place, minimizing crumbling and maximizing flavor with every single bite. The result is consistently coated, perfectly sweet and salty pretzels that truly deliver on taste and texture – a win-win for any snack enthusiast!
If you’re looking to expand your repertoire of comfort food snacks perfect for family get-togethers or casual entertaining, don’t miss out on my Spicy Sriracha Ranch Pretzels for a zesty kick, or my unique Dill Pickle Popcorn for an unexpected savory crunch. These recipes, like the cinnamon sugar pretzels, are designed to be easy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
What Do I Need to Make Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels?
Gathering your ingredients for these delightful homemade cinnamon sugar pretzels is as simple as the recipe itself. You likely have most of these staples in your pantry already, making this a perfect spontaneous snack idea. Here’s what you’ll need to create this sweet and salty masterpiece:
- Mini twist pretzels: 8 cups are ideal for a good batch. The mini size ensures more surface area for that delicious coating.
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, melted, provides the rich base for the cinnamon sugar.
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup for the main coating mixture, plus an additional ¼ cup for dusting.
- Corn syrup: 2 teaspoons are the secret ingredient for perfect adherence and even coating.
- Ground cinnamon: 2 teaspoons for the primary mixture, plus 1 teaspoon for the final dusting, ensuring maximum cinnamon flavor.
For the Final Dusting (Essential for that extra “zing”):
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Having these simple ingredients on hand means you’re always just minutes away from a batch of these crave-worthy homemade cinnamon sugar pretzels.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Perfect Microwave Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
Making these cinnamon sugar pretzels is incredibly straightforward, thanks to the efficiency of microwave cooking. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly coated, sweet, and crunchy pretzels every time. Remember, the key is even mixing and stirring!
- Prepare the Flavor Base: In a large, microwave-safe bowl (one that can comfortably hold all 8 cups of pretzels), combine the 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons corn syrup, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Heat this mixture in the microwave on 50% power until the butter is just melted. This gentle heating prevents the sugar from scorching and ensures a smooth, uniform base. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the sugar has largely dissolved into the butter and corn syrup. This creates the sticky, sweet, and aromatic coating that will adhere to your pretzels.
Coat the Pretzels: Add the 8 cups of mini twist pretzels to the bowl with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, stir very well, ensuring that every single pretzel is generously coated. Take your time with this step; thorough coating is crucial for consistent flavor and texture. Gently toss and fold the pretzels until they all have a glossy, cinnamon-speckled appearance.
2. Microwave and Stir: Place the uncovered bowl of coated pretzels back into the microwave. Heat on High power for 4 to 5 minutes. The crucial part here is to stir the pretzels thoroughly about every 2 minutes during this cooking phase. This ensures even cooking and prevents any parts of the pretzels from burning or becoming overly hard, while allowing the cinnamon sugar to crystalize and adhere properly. While the pretzels are microwaving, in a separate small bowl, mix together the remaining ¼ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This will be your final dusting mixture, adding an extra layer of sweetness and spice.
3. Final Dusting and Cooling: Once the microwaving is complete, carefully spread the hot pretzels in a single layer onto a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Immediately and generously sprinkle the prepared cinnamon sugar dusting mixture over the hot pretzels. Gently stir and toss the pretzels on the baking sheet to ensure they are all thoroughly coated with this fresh layer of cinnamon sugar. The heat from the pretzels will help the dusting mixture to adhere even better. Allow the pretzels to cool completely on the parchment-lined sheet. As they cool, the coating will harden, resulting in perfectly crunchy, sweet, and salty cinnamon sugar pretzels.
Important Note on Microwave Wattage: This recipe was developed and tested using a 1000-watt microwave. Microwave cooking times can vary significantly depending on the wattage of your appliance. If your microwave has a lower wattage, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly (e.g., an extra minute or two, stirring frequently). Conversely, a higher wattage microwave might require less time. Always keep a close eye on your pretzels and adjust accordingly, prioritizing frequent stirring to prevent burning.
Once your homemade sweet and salty pretzels have cooled completely, they are ready to be stored. Transfer them to an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. Properly stored, these delicious snacks will maintain their freshness and crunch for up to a week, though they are often devoured much faster!
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Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
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Ingredients
- 8 cups mini twist pretzels
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
To Dust:
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
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In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, the first measure of sugar, corn syrup, and the first measure of cinnamon. Microwave on 50% power until butter is just melted. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
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Add the mini twist pretzels to the bowl. Stir diligently until all pretzels are evenly coated with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
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Microwave the pretzels uncovered on High for 4 to 5 minutes, making sure to stir them thoroughly every 2 minutes. While microwaving, prepare your dusting mixture by combining the remaining ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small separate bowl.
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Carefully spread the hot, coated pretzels onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle the prepared cinnamon sugar dusting mixture over the pretzels. Stir and toss them again on the sheet to ensure a final, even coating. Allow the pretzels to cool completely to achieve maximum crispness.
Notes
Store your cooled cinnamon sugar pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunch and flavor for up to a week.
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From the first delightful crunch, these microwave cinnamon sugar pretzels are destined to become a staple in your snack rotation. They offer the perfect balance of sweetness and salt, a satisfying crunch, and the unbeatable convenience of a quick, homemade treat. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a party, a quiet evening at home, or as a fun cooking activity with the kids, this recipe promises delicious results every time. Enjoy the simple pleasure of these perfectly seasoned, irresistibly addictive pretzels!
