Apple Pie Pretzels
These Apple Pie Pretzels are a sweet, crunchy fall snack that tastes like warm cinnamon apple pie! Pretzels are coated in melted butter, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and a sweet brown sugar coating, then baked until crisp and delicious. They’re easy to make with just a handful of pantry ingredients and are perfect for fall snacking, Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or adding to a homemade snack mix.
It would be easy to swap out pumpkin pie spice for the apple pie spice. Are you team apple or pumpkin? I can never decide!
Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Pretzels
- Easy to make: Just mix, coat, and bake!
- Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of everyday ingredients.
- Perfect for fall: Cinnamon and apple pie spice give these pretzels all the cozy fall flavors.
- Great for sharing: Serve them at fall parties, Halloween gatherings, Thanksgiving, or family movie night.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare a batch ahead of time for an easy snack whenever a sweet craving hits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pretzels: Use one bag of your favorite pretzels. Pretzel twists, mini pretzels, or pretzel sticks will all work.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar coating stick to the pretzels and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet cinnamon flavor that pairs perfectly with the apple pie spice.
Apple pie spice: This is the secret to getting that classic apple pie flavor! Use apple pie spice powder from the spice aisle. After making this recipe a couple of times trying it with the store brand and brand names, I really prefer the McCormick apple pie spice flavor.
Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness to the coating.
Granulated sugar: Combines with the brown sugar to create a sweet, crunchy coating.
Sheet pan– A large half sheet pan is the best to use, but you can split it between 2 quarter sheet pans.
Mixing Bowls– I love these Pyrex bowls
If you’d like to add any of these ingredients to your grocery order, I have them all linked here for you.
How to Make Apple Pie Pretzels
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 300°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup, if desired.
Step 2: Make the coating
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, cinnamon, apple pie spice, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined.
Step 3: Coat the pretzels
Add the pretzels to the bowl and stir well, making sure the pretzels are evenly coated in the buttery cinnamon sugar mixture.
Step 4: Spread on a baking sheet
Pour the coated pretzels onto a large sheet pan and spread them into a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan! Use two sheet pans if necessary so the pretzels bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through the baking time to help the pretzels toast evenly.
Step 6: Cool and enjoy
Remove the pretzels from the oven and transfer them to paper towels or parchment paper to cool. Let them cool completely before serving or storing. Enjoy your sweet, crunchy apple pie pretzels!
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Tips for the Best Apple Pie Pretzels
- Use a large bowl. This makes it easier to stir the pretzels and coat them evenly without making a mess.
- Spread them into a single layer. Overcrowding the baking sheet can prevent the pretzels from baking evenly.
- Stir halfway through baking. This helps distribute the coating and encourages even baking.
- Let them cool completely. The coating will set as the pretzels cool, helping them develop a crisp texture.
- Watch the oven near the end. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the pretzels to prevent the sugar from getting too dark.
Variations and Add-Ins
Want to change things up? Try one of these easy ideas!
- Caramel apple pretzels: Drizzle the cooled pretzels with a little caramel sauce and let it set before serving. Note that this can make them less suitable for long-term storage.
- Apple pie snack mix: Toss the cooled pretzels with cinnamon cereal, pecans, or other crunchy snacks.
- White chocolate apple pie pretzels: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled pretzels for an extra-sweet treat.
- A little extra spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon sugar mixture for even more fall flavor.
How to Store Apple Pie Pretzels
Allow the apple pie pretzels to cool completely before storing them. Transfer them to an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to one week for the best texture.
Keep moisture away from the pretzels, as it can cause them to lose their crunch. If you’re making these for a party or holiday gathering, prepare them a day or two ahead and store them in a tightly sealed container.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pretzels should I use?
You can use pretzel twists, mini pretzels, or pretzel sticks. Choose your favorite variety, and make sure to spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Can I make apple pie pretzels ahead of time?
Yes! These are a great make-ahead snack. Bake them, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.
Why do my apple pie pretzels seem sticky?
The pretzels may still be warm, or the coating may need more time to set. Allow them to cool completely before storing them. Also, make sure they’re stored in an airtight container away from moisture.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes. Salted butter will work, although the finished pretzels may taste a little saltier. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall flavor.
Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of apple pie spice?
Yes! Pumpkin pie spice can be used as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still make a delicious fall snack.
How long do apple pie pretzels last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they should keep well for up to one week. For the best crunch, enjoy them within the first few days.
More Easy Fall Treats to Try
If you love easy fall recipes, try making these sweet treats next:
- Halloween Sweet & Salty Snack Mix
- Apple cinnamon dump cake
- Lemonade Puppy Chow
- Apple Cinnamon Donuts
- McDonald’s Apple Pies
- Apple Turnover
- Apple Carmel Cake
Fall baking doesn’t have to be complicated! These Apple Pie Pretzels are an easy way to enjoy your favorite fall flavors with minimal prep and simple ingredients.
If you make this recipe, leave a comment and let me know how you liked it!
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Apple Pie Pretzel Snack Mix
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounce bag pretzels
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons apple pie spice powder
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper, if desired.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, cinnamon, apple pie spice, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add the pretzels and stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the pretzels in a single layer on a large sheet pan. Use two pans if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and spread the pretzels on paper towels or parchment paper to cool completely.
- Once cooled, serve or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Nutrition
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