5-Ingredient Cinnamon Sugar Baked Pretzel Rods

That famous sheet pan pretzel transformation turns simple hard pretzel rods into an addictive, sweet, buttery snack that tastes like churros or cinnamon-sugar pretzel bites. By tossing whole unbroken rods on a baking sheet with melted butter, vegetable oil, and a warm cinnamon-sugar coating, the pretzels absorb the rich buttery glaze while baking into an ultra-crispy party snack.

The 4 Additional Ingredients

1. Unsalted Butter (½ cup / 1 stick, melted) – Adds a rich, warm flavor and helps the sugar stick.
2. Vegetable or Canola Oil (¼ cup) – Combined with the butter, oil prevents the coating from burning and keeps the pretzels crisp.
3. Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Forms a sweet, sparkling crust over the savory pretzels.
4. Ground Cinnamon (1 ½ tablespoons) – Delivers that irresistible churro-style warmth and aroma.

Quick Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Rods

Ingredients

• 1 bag (12 to 16 oz) Whole Unbroken Hard Pretzel Rods or Sticks
• ½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted
• ¼ cup Vegetable or Canola Oil
• ½ cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons Ground Cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Wet Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and vegetable oil until combined.
3. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
4. Toss on the Sheet Pan: Arrange the whole unbroken pretzel rods on the baking sheet. Drizzle the butter and oil mixture evenly over the pretzels, then toss gently with your hands or tongs until every rod is coated.
5. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the oiled pretzels. Toss once more so the sugar adheres to all sides of the pretzel rods, then spread them out into a single layer across the pan.
6. Bake & Stir: Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through (at the 10-minute mark) to ensure even browning and crisping.
7. Cool & Set: Remove the pan from the oven and let the pretzels cool completely on the baking sheet. As the sugar and butter cool, they set into a crunchy, sweet glaze. Transfer to a bowl and serve!

Pro Tips & Storage

• Savory Option: Prefer savory snacks? Swap the sugar and cinnamon for 1 packet of Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix, 1 teaspoon of Garlic Powder, and 1 teaspoon of Dill Weed mixed into the butter/oil for classic Garlic Ranch Pretzel Rods!
• Storage: Keep cooled pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks—they stay crunchy and delicious for party snacking!