These Pumpkin Spice Pretzels are the perfect treat to celebrate the flavors of fall! Light, fluffy, and golden-brown, each pretzel is drizzled with a sweet glaze and sprinkled with coarse sea salt. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these homemade pretzels are sure to become a seasonal favorite. The combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice gives them the comforting warmth of autumn, while the sweet glaze and salt topping add the perfect balance of sweetness and savory goodness.

Pumpkin Spice Pretzels

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Pumpkin Spice Pretzels offer the best of both worlds—warm, soft pretzels with a seasonal twist. The dough is infused with the rich flavors of pumpkin and spice, while the glaze adds a touch of sweetness to every bite. The coarse sea salt on top enhances the flavor and provides a satisfying contrast to the sweetness of the glaze. Plus, they’re simple to make and perfect for sharing during the fall season. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of hot cider or serving them at a fall party, these pretzels will impress everyone who tries them.

Ingredients

For the Pretzels:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
½ cup melted butter
Coarse sea salt (for topping)

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Yeast:

In a small bowl, combine warm water (around 110°F), brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

Mix the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and melted butter. Gradually add the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.

Knead the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Let the Dough Rise:

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Pretzels:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and then twist the ropes into pretzel shapes.

Boil the Pretzels:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the water. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water and cook for about 30 seconds before transferring them to a lined baking sheet.

Bake the Pretzels:

Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse sea salt, then bake them for approximately 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Make the Glaze:

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm pretzels once they have cooled slightly.

Serve:

Serve the pretzels warm with a cup of hot cider or your favorite fall beverage!

Servings and Timing

Yield: Approximately 8 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes

Variations

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: Instead of the glaze, coat the pretzels with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar immediately after baking for a sweet, spiced treat.
Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the pretzels in addition to or instead of the glaze.
Vegan Version: Use a non-dairy butter substitute and plant-based milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Pumpkin Spice Sugar: Mix pumpkin spice with sugar and sprinkle it over the pretzels before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
Cheese Filling: Add a savory twist by stuffing the pretzels with cream cheese or cheddar cheese before baking.

Storage/Reheating

These pumpkin spice pretzels are best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their soft, warm texture.

FAQs

Can I make these pretzels ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pretzel dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, just shape, boil, and bake them.

Can I freeze these pretzels?

Yes, you can freeze the shaped pretzels before boiling. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw, boil, and bake as directed.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s better to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe, as pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices. If using pie filling, you may need to adjust the sugar and spices in the dough.

How can I make the pretzels more flavorful?

You can add more pumpkin pie spice or even mix in some ground cinnamon or nutmeg for added depth of flavor.

How do I know when the pretzels are fully baked?

The pretzels should be golden brown all over and have a slightly crisp exterior. You can also check the internal temperature with a thermometer—when it reaches about 200°F, they’re done.

Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough. Mix the ingredients on low speed until the dough comes together, then increase to medium speed for kneading.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Spice Pretzels are the perfect fall treat—sweet, soft, and full of seasonal flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, serving them at a gathering, or just indulging in a cozy night at home, they’re sure to be a hit. The sweet glaze and crunchy sea salt topping bring a delightful balance of flavors, making these pretzels a must-try for autumn. Enjoy them with a cup of cider, and let the fall season come to life with every bite!

Pumpkin Spice Pretzels

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients