You should not make these pretzels if you cannot resist salty ‘n sweet combination recipes because they are the end-all be-all of salty ‘n sweet combos.
And they’re ridiculously addictive.
They’re so good that we plowed through one batch in 24 hours, even after trying to use some rationing techniques, which clearly failed. I made a second batch 24 hours after I made the first batch.
And yes, they’re messy. Oil, cinnamon, sugar, chocolate, and sprinkles is no other way but messy. And no other way but finger lickin’ good.
I make a lot of food between trialing recipes and testing them, and Scott eats it all right alongside me, and I can count the times on one hand he’s actually asked me to make something twice.
These were one of those times.
I didn’t mind making them twice because they’re no-bake and can be made in 5 minutes from start to finish. So easy. A little bit too easy.
I took pictures of the first batch but for the second batch, rather than first spreading the pretzels onto parchment and drizzling with melted chocolate, I tossed the chocolate and sprinkles into the mixing bowl.
I learned something because of the second batch (thanks, Scott) and that I prefer the second method; the dump-it-all-in rather than parchment paper approach because not only is it easier, but the chocolate coats the pretzels better, too.
That technique also allows for more sprinkles to adhere to the pretzels and more sprinkles are contained within the bowl rather than bouncing off the baking tray and parchment paper and onto the floor.
Me and sprinkles have a way of making a mess so I’ll take any help I can get.
I store these in the freezer. The pretzels get really crisp and crunchy, the chocolate hardens and snaps when you bite into it, the tiny sprinkles have even better texture, and the little blobs of oily-cinnamon-sugar coating never freeze solid and I seek out those those chilled blobs that have fallen off the pretzels and are hanging out at the bottom of the container.
And no, the pretzels don’t taste greasy or oily. I’ve had potato chips or even sauteed vegetables that are greasier-tasting than these.
On the work-reward scale, these are a 10 out of 10. Extremely minimal effort with phenomenal payback in the taste department.
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Cinnamon Sugar Chocolate Pretzels (no-bake)
Salty-and-sweet treats are so addictively good. These fast and easy pretzels are coated in cinnamon-sugar and there’s sprinkles added for fun, along with a chocolate drizzle. My family begs me to make them and whenever I put them out at parties, they’re the first to go. They’re ready in 5 minutes for total impromptu snacking needs. To keep vegan and gluten free use pretzels that are vegan/GF like Mary’s Gone Crackers brand.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 5 cups pretzels (half of one 10-ounce bag; mini or ‘waffle’ or ‘basket-weave’ pretzels are ideal; not the large ‘open’ kind shown in the photos)
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare a large tray or baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, a Silpat, or wax paper; set aside. In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, add the oil, sugars, cinnamon, and stir to combine. Add the pretzels and toss to coat. Microwave for 1 minute on high power; stop and stir. Microwave for 1 minute; stop and stir. Microwave for 1 minute; stop and stir (3 minutes total cooking time).
From there, I’ve used two methods:
- Transfer pretzels to prepared tray, including any coating mixture that was at the bottom of the bowl and did not adhere, and keep pretzels fairly mounded up and close together so when drizzled with chocolate, it stays on them and not the paper. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate, about 45 seconds on high power, stopping to stir and heating in 10-second bursts if necessary until it can be stirred smooth. With a spoon, drizzle chocolate over the pretzels. Garnish with sprinkles. Either allow chocolate to set up at room temperature or place tray in the freezer for about 15 minutes to expedite. This method yields slightly prettier pretzels, and is what I did for the photos.
- Do not transfer the pretzels to a tray or paper. Keep them in the mixing bowl and add the chocolate chips, and stir to combine. Heat for 30 to 45 seconds on high power in the microwave to soften and melt the chocolate chips (pretzels are already pretty warm so that’s all that is needed to melt the chips), and stir to coat. Add sprinkles and stir to coat. Either allow pretzels to cool and chocolate to set up at room temperature in the bowl or place bowl in the freezer for about 15 minutes to expedite. This method yields slightly better coated pretzels, the chocolate is better distributed, and based on taste, I prefer this method but they look dark and are not as pretty.
- Store pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. I love these pretzels straight from the freezer and store mine in the freezer.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 463Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 519mgCarbohydrates: 60gFiber: 2gSugar: 25gProtein: 5g
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I made these for teacher appreciation week and could not believe how simple and delicious they were. I actually prefer them without the chocolate. The cinnamon sugar combo tastes like an Auntie Ann’s pretzel! I’m making another batch now for my mother and mil for Mother’s Day. So addictively good!
So glad you tried them and they were a big hit and you’re making another batch!
I LOVE your blog!! I made these tonight and I feel like I somehow messed them up. They came out with a burnt kind of taste. I know.. how do you mess up a 5 minute microwave recipe? :( Anyway.. it was so simple, I’ll try again tomorrow!!
I would say based on what you wrote that your micro must run on the hot side and maybe cook for 2 mins rather than 3. That may solve your problem. Thanks for being willing to try again and for having a sense of humor :) I appreciate the compliments on my blog and if you do end up re-making the pretzels, LMK how it goes for round 2!
Wooooow! I made these yesterday and they were so easy to make and so addictive that I just couldn’t stop snacking on them. I have never been a great fan of snack-size bagels, but the cinnamon and sugar on top? Well, that changes everything!! And I have to admit, I was not going to freeze them, cause i thought “frozen pretzels?mmmh, not sure about that”, but I’m glad I did at the end, they were so much more crispy and they didn’t even seemed frozen! I will definetely keep them in the freezer from now on (together with all my other baked goods lol :) ). Thanks again for the recipe ;)
I love these things too. My husband, however, is a fiend. He’s already a pretzel fan, and with the little bit of oil, cinn-sugar, chocolate, there really is something for everyone! And yes, the frozen snappiness – it’s just perfect I think. I only make these when we’re in Aruba and it’s so hot there, even at room temp, that I put almost everything in the freezer regardless so it doesn’t melt! And for these, it’s the right call for sure. Glad you’re snacking away :)
These are so good. I want to try them with coconut oil. Has anyone else tried it?
They may not set up like using canola oil; because coconut oil is liquid at room temp (over about 73-74F) so you may run into the chocolate being very messy, especially this time of year. Even though canola oil is a liquid, too, I just feel like things won’t set properly with coconut oil. But if you try it, please LMK how it goes!
I feel like such a fangirl right now. I’m all like OMG, she replied to me. I’m a grown, professional woman. Really. I swear I’m not a weirdo.
I keep ten pages of cooking blogs on Pulse and read them religiously. Yours is my favorite; I’ve made a ton of your stuff. Your recipes have always worked for me and they’re all deliciously different. Love your blog and will be buying your book.
Maybe I’ll try half and half with canola oil and coconut oil and see how it works. Such a simple recipe, yet so good. Thanks.
Well thanks for reading, for trying my recipes, for LMK that they WORK an that you enjoy them, and that I’m your fave blog. Wow, that’s quite a mouthful and an honor with all those things.
Thank you!
And if you buy my book, thanks in advance! Please LMK what you make from it!
And these pretzels – they are SO Easy! And one of my hub’s fave things I make of everything I make, period. I keep them in the freezer and he loves loves loves them!
I made these for a work potluck except I used white chocolate (I had to make a dish that started with the letter “w”) and I replaced the vegetable oil with coconut oil. They turned out fabulous! Everyone LOVED them. Thanks!
Glad they were a big hit – and with white choc, delish I bet! I love my white chocolate too :) Thanks for the field report!!
Seriously drooling all over my keyboard. I made your chocolate wafer cake (the one with the pudding and wafers) for my husband’s birthday. It was a bigger hit than the cookie cake :-) Everyone loved it!
Glad the wafer cake was a hit! That cake is so easy and was a huge hit for us, too! And it’s easy, the best kind :)
woah. yes ph lease!! these pretzies look so adorable
Thank you for the simple recipe! Mine are cooling right now….I tasted one warm – YUM! We are taking these on a camping trip, if I can keep my hands off them. I’ll have to hide them before the Hubby gets home! He’s going to love them. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
LOVE the feedback and glad you made them and liked them and yes, they are so addictive. I hope your hubs likes them and that you have a few to actually bring with on the trip :)
Those are like crack pretzels on steroids!!! Love the salty/sweet goodness you got going on there!!!
The salty ‘n sweet combo is the best!! I would destroy these pretzels! YUM!! :)
If a man asks for a recipe a second time, that’s a sure sign that it’s a keeper — the rest is just “food” to them, ha! These look awesome, and who care’s if they get your fingers messy, that’s what soap and water are for. ;)
half the time I ask him, well do you want me to make the xyz thing again he has NO CLUE and even after I show him PICS of it on my site he’s still foggy – seriously, I trial lots of things but these were a keeper :)
Yes please, with white chocolate.
Hi,
I’m hosting a monthly linky party and I would love you to join. Check it out on
http://meandmysweets.blogspot.se/2012/08/my-sweet-party-august-childhood.html
Cheers!
These pretzels combine all my favorite flavors! How much I would love to get my hands on one or two of those!
Oh boy! These look dangerous!
I firmly believe that the best desserts are both salty and sweet. I cannot keep chocolate covered pretzels around, I go nuts. Clearly I’d have the same problem with these :)
When I read your kitchen tips post – about salty/sweet, seasoning as one goes, complementary flavors, using one thing to bring out the flavor of another, not surprising you are a salty ‘n sweet fan!
Looks absolutely delicious! I love chocolate and I love pretzels so I know I would love this.
pretzels dipped in dark chocolate is one of my weaknesses! I would never have thought to add in a cinnamon and sugar combo, but I imagine they are just as delicious as they look :)
they are so delish and addictive – you’ve been warned! :)
I appreciate the warning because those do look addictive. Even though I visit your site all the time, I have never seen the candy corn bites before. I LOVE candy corn!!! I will be making those this October for sure!
That post never got the love I thought it would so maybe this year it will — LOL. I mean how could cookie dough and candy corn ever be bad, and with pretzels! :)
You really are killing me with all these easy treats. To easy to make and too easy to eat!
Yes – toooooo easy :)
Averie, your pretzels look amazing! You are making me so hungry!
congratulations, you have a wonderful blog! I will follow you now! kisses!
Oh, those are very good looking pretzels too! I was staring at the photo, mentally eating all… :) Great for a party too, mmmm. :)
yes you better make them for a party – they’re just too tempting to have lingering :)
Guess what? I baked something too. What do you think?
You really hooked me up on that baking department! :)
I think it’s awesome you’re baking (more)! And in honor of Julia C….even better! :)
I love sweet and salty! It has totally been my thing this summer!
I usually only like pretzels if I have something to dip them into … but in general I do like salty/sweet combinations, and actually prefer them to straight up sweet.
knowing you, I think these would be right up your alley!
I love recipes like this – so sweet, so simple, and with a fair amount of salt to bring everything together. Can’t wait to make and then EAT these!
These look as addictive as you say they are. Typically I keep my sweets sweet and savory foods savory, but I might have to make an exception for these.
Another must try! I love the picture of the candy corn bites. I saw candy corn in the store this week. My first thought was I have to make your homemade butterfingers bar again! So good!
ok those look amazing! They look like such a party too with the sprinkles and the chocolate! i can almost taste them! haha great recipe! yay no bake!
It was a party eating them, that’s for sure!
I’m weak in the knees, Averie! These pretzel bites look INCREDIBLE. You know I can’t resist sweet + salty, but for that reason alone, I’m SO making these. I need to try those clusters of cinnamon, sugar and chocolate that I spy on top of each crunchy pretzel. And of course I could count on you to add sprinkles to them because it’s mandatory :)
Just those little clusters alone are worth the price of admission!! :)
I love the sprinkles! Super cute photos too.
photos were WAY harder than I thought they’d be – everything was just looking like a big MESS. The resulting photos are still ‘messy’ but you know what I mean :)
This is one of those snack that my Hubby would actually reach for. He works out a lot, so many times I am the only one up for a dessert. Can’t wait to try these pretzels and tempt him :)
if yours is anything like mine, he will LOVE them!
Such fun sweet treats and I love the sprinkles!
and no-bake…while in the heat which was KEY!
*Shiver*. Mmmmm 5 minute snacks in the microwave. Why don’t I have pretzels in my pantry?! WHY?! For now I will just have to lick the screen…
Try it with any random crackers or even boring cereal like corn flakes….lol
Haha, I don’t eat boring cereal. My cereal comes out of the box covered in cinnamon and chocolate ;) But a great idea for when I head out for pretzels…
Huge salt tooth over here. Which will probably come back to bite me in the butt someday but for now I don’t need to worry and I add salt to practically everything.
OMG – these….I need like now. I’ve been craving pretzels like mad recently. I am sure it’s related to the heat and running (loss of electrolytes that I can’t keep up with). So the salty sweet here makes my mouth pretty much water!
When I’m in San Diego I rarely crack a sweat but here, like every minute :) So the salty factor (and sweet) is just heavenly!
These look seriously dangerous, Averie! Yum!
More than you even know…Lol
I love this recipe! I would totally request it a third time, and have you send me a batch. CUTE pictures too!!
Thanks for saying that about the pics – there was just no easy way to photograph messy pretzels!
Sweet and salty is oh so good–and these definitely look oh so good!! I like a little sea salt with both my chocolate and/or caramel. Storing them in the freezer sounds even better! I am reminded of the homemade butterfinger bars (easy and spot-on for taste) in seeing the candy corn cookie dough pretzel bites in this post.
Oh yes, wow, forgot to relink those (I hate the pics so I think that’s why I mentally forget about them – lol) but yes similar idea! Microwave, easy, salty ‘n sweet!
OMG. OMG. OMGGGGGG. I’m pretty sure you made these pretzels for me, no? You can be assured that if I was with you in Aruba… I would have requested these twice, three times, four times… ummm a thousand times because chocolate + pretzels are my #1 love. LOVE LOVE LOVE. And when there are sprinkles involved, I get weak at the knees.
And I cannot imagine how tasty these would be kept in the freezer. Brilliant! I love making chocolate covered pretzels around halloween…so random, I know… but the orange, black, and sometimes purple halloween sprinkles are so darn cute on chocolatey pretzels! I gotta try them with cinnamon next time though. THIS recipe is why I’m in love with Averie Cooks so muchhhhhhhh :)
You’re too sweet and I was thinking of you when I was making these – salty ‘n sweet, pretzels, choc, and SPRINKLES! I was like THIS is a Sally recipe and yes for Halloween with orange sprinkles (or Scott has already requested them 4 mos early for Xmas in red & green and he’s Jewish & doesn’t celebrate xmas..Lol)
These are so pretty!!
Thanks – was harder than I thought it would be to take pics of them!
the pretzels look out of the world but I really have my heart stuck on those homemade thin mints! :)
they’re so easy – I hope you try them!
salty sweet always gets me! And sprinkles make them so pretty :) Glad Scott was a huge fan!
you know how it is when you finally make something that your hubs just loves – you feel so happy – and this was so EASY! win!
so fun! I am posted this on my ingredients inc Facebook page today
why thank you!
I love pretzels ! This recipie looks divine, I can’t wait to try it – I think this might be one I cook with the kids as I’m sure they’d get a real kick out of making them. I also think these would be great for a children’s birthday party. Yummy
they would be – or Halloween with orange sprinkles, xmas with red & green – so many options!