Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy with these apple cider seasoned pretzels! This easy snack recipe takes just a few minutes to whip up in the microwave and delivers all the fun, favorite flavors of fall in every bite.
It’s no secret around here that I love making and eating seasoned pretzels. They are perfect for gifting, taking to parties, or snacking on while watching the big game. If you’re a pretzel lover like me, be sure to check out my other fun pretzel recipes on Accidental Happy Baker:
- Zesty Italian Seasoned Pretzels
- Sriracha Ranch Pretzels
- Cinnamon Sugared Pretzels
- Asiago Cheese Pretzels
And now, I’m excited to share my fall-inspired Apple Cider Pretzels! You might be wondering, “Do these really taste like apple cider?” The answer is yes! They have a distinct apple cider flavor, thanks to a blend of apple cider drink mix, white and brown sugar, and apple pie spice. The combination creates a sweet and cozy coating that’s hard to resist.
What’s the secret to the apple cider flavor?
The apple cider flavor comes from using apple cider drink mix, which adds both the apple taste and a nice sweetness. This drink mix is a nostalgic staple at my in-laws’ cabin. My kids used to love sipping on it after a day of sledding. When I was brainstorming fall snack ideas, I immediately thought of using this mix to bring that apple cider coziness to pretzels!
A Quick and Easy Recipe
What’s great about this recipe is how simple and fast it is. You can have these apple cider pretzels ready in just 15 minutes using your microwave. I know what you’re thinking—”Microwaving pretzels?”—but trust me, it’s a shortcut you’ll love.
Ingredients:
- Mini twist pretzels
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- White sugar
- Corn syrup
- Apple cider drink mix
- Apple pie spice
You might be surprised by the amount of sugar, but after testing the recipe several times, I found that the combination of brown and white sugar gives the best flavor and texture. A small amount of corn syrup also helps the sugar spice mixture stick to the pretzels without crumbling off.
How to Make Apple Cider Pretzels:
Step 1.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, mix together the melted butter, sugars, apple cider mix, corn syrup, and apple pie spice.
Add the pretzels to the bowl and stir until they’re all evenly coated.
Step 2.
Microwave uncovered on high for 4-5 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes to ensure even coating.
While the pretzels are heating, mix together the remaining ¼ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice.
Step 3.
Once done, spread the pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and immediately sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture over them, stirring to coat. Break apart any clusters of pretzels with a spoon before they dry.
Let the pretzels cool and dry for 10-15 minutes before transferring to an airtight container or Ziploc bag.
Please note: I always use mini twists when making seasoned pretzels. This recipe has not been tested using any other pretzel variety.
If you don’t have access to the apple cider drink mix, you can omit that ingredient and you’ll still have a yummy apple pie spiced pretzel.
This recipe was made and tested in a 1000w microwave.
Apple Cider Pretzels
Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy with these apple cider seasoned pretzels!
Ingredients
- 8 cups mini twist pretzels
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1//4 white granulated cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 (0.74 oz) packet apple cider drink mix
- 2 teaspoons corn syrup
- 2 teaspoon apple pie spice
To Dust
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
Instructions
- In a large microwaveable bowl, add the melted butter, the sugars, apple cider mix, corn syrup and apple pie spice. Add the pretzels to the bowl and stir well making sure that all the pretzels are coated in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Microwave uncovered on High 4 to 5 minutes, thoroughly stirring about every 2 minutes. Meanwhile mix together the remaining ¼ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice.
- Carefully spread the hot pretzels onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet and immediately sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture over the pretzels, while stirring. Again, make sure they are all coated and as much sugar coating adheres to the pretzels as possible. Some pretzels may clump together, use a spoon to break them apart.
- Let them cool and dry for about 10-15 minutes before transferring to an airtight storage container or gallon ziploc bag.
Notes
*I prefer to use mini twists when making seasoned pretzels, this recipe has not been tested using any other pretzel shape.
*If you cannot find apple cider drink mix, you can omit it and just have apple pie spice pretzels.
These pretzels make a delicious fall snack, perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of cider or packing up for game day munching. They’re great for sharing, but be warned—they disappear fast!
