If you love snacks with a bit of flair, Sweet and Spicy Pretzels should definitely be on your radar. They’re crunchy, addictive, and have the perfect balance of sugary sweetness with a hint of fiery heat.

I’m not a huge fan of spicy foods but sometimes it’s nice to have a snack that has just a hint of spice. These pretzels are definitely a perfect blend of sugar and spice, making them a handy little snack to munch on while I’m sitting at my desk.

If you’re looking for spice without the sugar you should try my recipe for Seasoned Pretzels or if you’re wanting more sweetness check out my Toffee Pretzels or my Fall Snack Mix.

Sweet and Spicy Pretzels are a perfect snack for when you want something more than just plain old chips or crackers. The balance of sugar and spice, combined with the satisfying crunch of pretzels, makes them a snack that’s hard to resist.

Plus, they’re easy to make and customize, so you can adjust the recipe to match your favorite flavors or use pretzel sticks instead of the mini twists. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just indulging in some “me-time,” Sweet and Spicy Pretzels are sure to be a hit!

What are Sweet and Spicy Pretzels?

Sweet and Spicy Pretzels are a flavorful snack that combines the sugary sweetness of ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon, or sugar with the heat from spices such as chili powder, cayenne pepper, or sriracha. The pretzels are typically coated in a mixture of these ingredients and baked to achieve a perfect crunchy texture.

This snack offers a dynamic flavor profile—sweet at first, followed by a spicy kick—making it an addictive choice for parties, road trips, or casual munching. The blend of flavors provides a satisfying mix of savory, sweet, and spicy in every bite.

Ingredients

• Pretzels
• Butter, melted
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Cayenne pepper

How to make Sweet and Spicy Pretzels

Preheat your oven to 250°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the melted butter, vanilla extract, and pretzels.

In a small bowl mix together sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper until fully combined.

Pour sugar mixture over the pretzels and toss them until they are evenly coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.

Spread the coated pretzels evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Once the pretzels are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool.

As they cool, the coating will harden and become deliciously crunchy.

Enjoy them once cooled, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week (though they rarely last that long!).

TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE

(Amazon affiliate links)- These are the tools I use when making this recipe!

• Nordic Ware Baking Pan– These pans are large enough to make stirring snacks like these seasoned pretzels so easy. 
• Pyrex glass mixing bowl – The Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowl is handy to store in the fridge and freezer when you need to freeze contents or keep them fresh.
• Silicone Whisk– These whisks work great and they keep my pans scratch-free.