Hey, Snickerdoodle!

  • Spring Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Spring Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Spring Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
×
Home » Recipes » Appetizers

Sweet and Savory Seasoned Pretzels

Modified: Aug 25, 2023 · Published: Nov 20, 2021 by Ashlyn Meredith · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Jump to Recipe

These Sweet and Savory Seasoned Pretzels are coated with brown sugar, smoked paprika, lemon zest, rosemary, and just a bit of cayenne pepper. This snack pretzels recipe is sweet, smokey and has just a hint of spice. These flavored pretzels are great on their own, but pair them with the maple mustard dipping sauce and you've got quite the snack!

Sweet and savory pretzels on white plate.

These baked seasoned pretzels are a perfect party food that will definitely be a crowd pleaser! If you are looking for a snack for the holiday season, these are perfect for that. Rosemary mixed with smoked paprika, lemon and brown sugar is a flavor combo that will blow you away!

This addictive pretzel snack recipe is so easy to make and only takes a few minutes to whip up. The best part is you can make it the day before you plan to serve it so it will be ready to go when you are!

If you are looking for more appetizer recipes, try my: Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts, Double Layer Beef Taco Cups or Mini Bell Pepper Nachos with Chorizo.

Jump to:
  • Why You Will Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients Needed
  • Step by Step Instructions
  • EXPERT TIPS
  • FAQ
  • Storing and Freezing
  • More Recipes to Try
  • Recipe

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • It's easy. This flavored pretzels recipe is quick to make and doesn't require any special kitchen equipment.
  • It's a crowd pleaser. These roasted pretzels are a great snack to make for a crowd, but they will go quickly, so consider making a double batch!
  • Smokey, sweet and savory. The flavor combination of the smoky paprika, the sweet brown sugar, the savory rosemary, and a little heat from the cayenne pepper is just so good!
Sweet and Savory Pretzels on brown parchment paper.

Ingredients Needed

Here are notes about some of the ingredients needed to make this salty snack. All ingredients can be found at your local grocery store or at an online retailer like Amazon.

  • Butter: Unsalted is best for this recipe. You already have salt on the pretzels, so no need for more!
  • Brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar will work for this recipe.
  • Smoked paprika: The smokey flavor you get from the smoked paprika is one of the best parts of this recipe, but if you don't have smoked paprika, sweet or hot paprika would still add great flavor.
  • Cayenne pepper: There isn't much cayenne pepper and it adds just a perfect amount of heat. If you prefer more, you could increase this by a ¼ teaspoon or if you prefer no heat, remove it completely.
  • Rosemary: Fresh rosemary is best for this. If you are unable to get fresh rosemary, you could substitute 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
  • Lemon zest
  • Pretzels: You could really use any shape or size you prefer here, but I really like to use pretzel twists for this.
  • Mayonnaise: Full fat mayonnaise always tastes the best, but when you are making a dipping sauce like this, light mayo would be just as good. When it's mixed with the other ingredients in the dipping sauce, the flavors all meld together really nicely and it doesn't really matter which kind of mayonnaise you use.
  • Cream cheese: You could use full fat or ⅓ less fat cream cheese here, but I wouldn't go for fat free with this particular recipe.
  • Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup is going to give you the best flavor here.
  • Whole grain mustard
Sweet and Savory Pretzels ingredients.
Maple mustard dipping sauce ingredients.

Step by Step Instructions

Here is how you make seasoned prezels and the maple mustard dipping sauce. For the full ingredient list and instructions, see the recipe card below.

Make the Dipping Sauce

STEP 1: Place all ingredients in a medium sized bowl and mix until smooth.

STEP 2: Place in a small serving bowl, cover tightly and put in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

Make the Pretzels

STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 250°F.

STEP 2: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

STEP 3: Place the pretzels in a large bowl and set them aside.

STEP 4: In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon zest, and rosemary to the butter and mix well.

STEP 5: Pour butter mixture over the pretzels and stir to coat pretzels evenly.

Sweet and Savory Pretzels preparation.
Sweet and Savory Pretzels preparation.

STEP 6: Pour pretzels onto the prepared baking sheet and spread them out in a single layer.

Sweet and Savory Pretzels preparation.
Sweet and Savory Pretzels preparation.

STEP 7: Bake the pretzels in the 250°F oven for 20 minutes, stirring twice during baking time.

STEP 8: Remove the pan from the oven and let them cool completely, for about 10 minutes. Break apart any pretzels that may have stuck together during baking.

STEP 9: Serve with maple mustard dipping sauce.

EXPERT TIPS

There is how to make this seasoned pretzel recipe perfectly every time!

  • The maple mustard dipping sauce is best when prepared ahead and put in the fridge for several hours before serving. I like to make this the night before I plan to serve it so there is plenty of time for the flavors to blend together well.
  • You can either mix all the ingredients for the dipping sauce in a mixer or whisk them by hand.
Sweet and Savory Pretzels on a white plate.

FAQ

Do I have to make the dipping sauce?

No. These zesty pretzels are great on their own, but the dipping sauce definitely adds to this super flavor combo.

Can I make this with gluten free pretzels?

  • Yes! This snack could easily be made with gluten free pretzels. My favorite gluten free pretzels are these.
  • Can I use a different shaped pretzel?

    Yes. This recipe would be equally delicious on any pretzel shape or size you prefer. Mini pretzels, pretzel sticks or pretzel crisps would all be a great choice. Feel free to use whatever kind of pretzels you prefer.

    Sweet and savory pretzels on white plate.

    Storing and Freezing

    I recommend eating these fresh out of the oven. You could store the pretzels in an airtight container if you aren't planning to eat them right away or if there are leftovers for up to 2 days.

    Freezing is not recommended for the pretzels or the dipping sauce.

    Sweet and savory pretzels on white plate.

    More Recipes to Try

    • BBQ chicken pizza on brown parchment paper.
      Easy Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
    • Roasted red potatoes with rosemary in a white bowl.
      Parmesan Roasted Red Potatoes with Rosemary
    • Pear, blue cheese, and toasted walnut salad in a white bowl.
      Pear Blue Cheese Salad
    • Crostini with apple slices and melted cheddar cheese.
      Apple Crostini Appetizer

    Don't forget to leave a star rating below! This helps both me and other readers! Follow along on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook and subscribe to my newsletter so you never miss what Hey, Snickerdoodle is up to!

    Recipe

    Sweet and savory pretzels on white plate.

    Sweet and Savory Seasoned Pretzels

    These sweet and savory seasoned pretzels are coated with brown sugar, smoked paprika, lemon zest, rosemary, and just a bit of cayenne pepper. This snack is sweet, smokey and has just a hint of spice. These guys are great on their own, but pair them with the maple mustard dipping sauce and you've got quite the snack!
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Pin SAVE Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 221 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For the Pretzels:

    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
    • 2 sprigs rosemary, chopped
    • Zest of a lemon
    • 6 cups pretzels

    For the Dip:

    • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
    • ⅓ cup cream cheese, softened
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard

    Instructions
     

    For the Pretzels:

    • Preheat oven to 250°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Melt the butter in a microwave safe bowl.
      6 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • Add brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, rosemary, and lemon zest. Stir well to combine.
      1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, 2 sprigs rosemary, chopped, Zest of a lemon
    • Place pretzels in a large bowl. Pour butter mixture over pretzels and stir well to coat in the butter mixture. Dump pretzels onto prepared baking sheet, scraping any remaining butter mixture from the bowl.
      6 cups pretzels
    • Bake in 250°F oven for 20 minutes, stirring twice during baking time. Remove from oven and let cool before serving.

    For the Dip:

    • In a medium sized bowl, add the mayonnaise, cream cheese, maple syrup, and mustard. Whisk until smooth. Put in a small serving bowl. Serve alongside pretzels.
      ⅓ cup mayonnaise, ⅓ cup cream cheese, softened, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 221kcal | Carbohydrates: 27.6g | Protein: 3.7g | Fat: 11.1g | Saturated Fat: 5.5g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 520mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 2mg

    Please note that these nutrition facts are approximations and may not be entirely precise.

    Keyword brown sugar, pretzel, rosemary, smoked paprika
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a comment below and tag @heysnickerdoodle on social!

    More Appetizers

    • A close up of one smashed potato with cheese, bacon and chives.
      Cheesy Smashed Potatoes with Sour Cream Dipping Sauce
    • A stack of smashed carrots.
      Crispy Smashed Carrots
    • A bowl of smoked salmon dip with potato chips surrounding it.
      Simple Smoked Salmon Dip
    • Hot honey spicy mango margartita in a glass with a mango and lime garnish.
      Hot Honey Spicy Mango Margarita
    4.70 from 10 votes (10 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    A picture of Ashlyn Meredith in the kitchen.

    Hey, there!
    I'm Ashlyn and I'm the human behind Hey, Snickerdoodle where you will find approachable, simple recipes that are attainable for any home chef.

    About Ashlyn

    Spring Recipes


    • A piece of banana cake topped with frosting, a banana slice and caramel sauce dripping down the side.
      Banana Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
    • A jar of salad dressing with a salad in the background.
      Buttermilk Parmesan Dressing
    • A stack of two cookies with a bite taken out of the top one.
      Orange Sugar Cookies
    • A slice of baked oatmeal in a white bowl and topped with fruit and coconut.
      Coconut Strawberry Baked Oatmeal
    • A chocolate chunk cookie with a bite taken out of it.
      Browned Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies
    • Hasselback potato with cheese, bacon and sour cream on a white plate.
      Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes with Bacon
    • Walnut spice cookies drizzeld with a maple glaze and walnuts.
      Maple Walnut Spice Cookies
    • A stack of two pumpkin oatmeal bars.
      Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars with Dark Chocolate Chips

    New Recipes


    • Tortillas filled with shredded chicken, pico de gallo and queso fresco.
      Sheet Pan Chicken Tacos
    • A frosted blondie with sprinkles and bite taken out of it.
      Brown Butter Blondies with Cream Cheese Frosting
    • A heart shaped cookie with shite icing and sprinkles.
      Valentine’s Day Shortbread Cookies with Icing
    • A plate with cookies topped with icing and sprinkles.
      Christmas Cut Out Shortbread Cookies

    Most Popular Recipes


    • A bowl of pretzel dip with a pretzel getting dipped in.
      Pretzel Dip
    • Hot honey spicy mango margartita in a glass with a mango and lime garnish.
      Hot Honey Spicy Mango Margarita
    • A stack of smashed carrots.
      Crispy Smashed Carrots
    • Easy Turkey Basil Pesto Panini

    Privacy Policy

    Footer

    About Me

    Privacy Policy

    Accessibility Policy

    Subscribe

    ↑ back to top

    Copyright © 2025 Hey, Snickerdoodle!, LLC - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Sweet and savory pretzels on white plate.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.