Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

Indulge your sweet cravings with these unbelievably easy and utterly irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites. Crafted from a revolutionary two-ingredient dough (just Greek yogurt and flour!), these soft, buttery morsels require absolutely no yeast or lengthy proofing time. Whether you prefer baking in the oven or using the convenience of an air fryer, you’ll be enjoying a fresh, warm batch of these delightful treats in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick dessert, a sweet snack, or impressing guests, these homemade pretzel bites offer all the nostalgic charm of your favorite mall pretzels, made simpler and faster.

Having perfected the art of the savory two-ingredient dough pretzel bite, it was only a matter of time before I embarked on creating a sweet, cinnamon-sugar variation. And what a delicious decision it turned out to be! The classic combination of warm cinnamon and sweet granulated sugar transforms these fluffy bites into an extraordinary treat that rivals even the most beloved bakery versions, like those famous Auntie Anne’s pretzels. You’re about to discover a game-changer for your snack routine.

Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly these sweet, bite-sized pretzels come together. The magic lies in the two-ingredient dough, which eliminates the need for yeast, intricate kneading techniques, or hours of waiting for dough to rise. This means you can go from zero to warm, cinnamon-spiced perfection in less than twenty minutes, making them an ideal last-minute dessert or a spontaneous treat for any time of day. They’re so quick and simple, they might just become your new favorite recipe!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE CINNAMON SUGAR PRETZEL BITES…

• The Easiest Dough You’ll Ever Make: Forget complicated recipes. Our simple two-ingredient dough comes together in minutes with minimal effort.
• No Proofing Required: Say goodbye to long waiting times. This recipe means instant gratification – mix, shape, and bake!
• Sweet, Soft, and Buttery Perfection: Each bite-sized pretzel is wonderfully soft, generously coated in melted butter, and perfectly seasoned with a sweet cinnamon sugar blend.
• Quick and Convenient: Ready in under 20 minutes, these are perfect for last-minute cravings or entertaining.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Delicious whether baked in a traditional oven or crispy from an air fryer.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: A fantastic recipe for involving little helpers in the kitchen.
• Irresistible Flavor: The classic combination of cinnamon and sugar makes these undeniably addictive.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE PERFECT CINNAMON SUGAR PRETZEL BITES

Creating these delightful cinnamon sugar pretzel bites is surprisingly simple, requiring only five basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The magic truly happens when these humble components come together to form a soft, pliable dough that transforms into these addictive treats. (Full, precise measurements are provided in the printable recipe card below.)

• Greek Yogurt: This is the secret ingredient that gives our two-ingredient dough its incredible texture and rise. The acidity in the Greek yogurt reacts with the leavening agent in the self-raising flour, creating a fluffy, soft dough without the need for yeast. It’s crucial to use thick, plain Greek yogurt (full-fat, low-fat, or non-fat all work, but avoid runny, watery yogurts) as its consistency is key to the dough’s structure. Regular plain yogurt is typically too thin and won’t yield the same results.
• Self-Raising Flour: The other half of our miraculous two-ingredient dough! Self-raising (or self-rising) flour already contains baking powder and a pinch of salt, which react with the Greek yogurt to create lift and a tender crumb. Don’t have self-raising flour on hand? No problem! You can easily make your own by combining all-purpose (or plain) flour with baking powder. The conversion is simple: for every cup of plain flour, mix in 2 teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt.
• Butter: Melted butter is essential for coating the cooked pretzel bites. It acts as the perfect adhesive for the cinnamon sugar, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated in that sweet, spiced goodness. It also adds a rich, irresistible flavor and a beautiful sheen.
• Cinnamon: The star spice of this recipe! Ground cinnamon provides that warm, comforting, and instantly recognizable flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness. Make sure your cinnamon is fresh for the best aroma and taste.
• Granulated / White Sugar: This is what gives our pretzel bites their characteristic sweetness and delightful crunchy exterior when combined with cinnamon. White granulated sugar is ideal for its fine texture and ability to create that classic cinnamon sugar coating.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOMEMADE CINNAMON SUGAR PRETZEL BITES

Get ready to create some magic in your kitchen! The process for making these cinnamon sugar pretzel bites is incredibly straightforward, whether you’re using an oven or an air fryer. We’ll start with the common dough preparation, then break down the cooking methods.

COMMON DOUGH PREPARATION

Begin by combining 1 cup of thick Greek yogurt in a spacious mixing bowl. Give it a quick stir to ensure it’s smooth. Next, add 1 cup of self-raising flour to the yogurt. Mix these two ingredients together using a spoon or spatula until a shaggy, somewhat sticky dough starts to form. It won’t look like a smooth dough just yet, and that’s perfectly normal.

Now, gradually incorporate more flour, about ½ to ¾ of a cup additionally, spoonful by spoonful. Continue mixing until the dough begins to come together into a cohesive ball that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The exact amount of additional flour needed will vary depending on the moisture content of your Greek yogurt, so trust your judgment and add it slowly until the dough is manageable.

Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn your dough ball out onto the floured surface and knead gently for about 3-5 minutes. The goal is to achieve a smooth, elastic dough that is no longer excessively sticky and holds its shape well. If the dough still feels too sticky, lightly dust your hands and the surface with a little more flour and continue kneading until you reach the desired consistency. It should be soft but not tacky, allowing you to roll it without sticking.

Divide the well-kneaded dough into four equal pieces. Take one piece at a time and roll it out into a long, thin rope, approximately ½ inch in diameter. Once you have a uniform rope, use a knife or a dough cutter to slice it into equal, bite-sized pieces. I typically aim for 8 pieces per rope, which gives you a total of 32 delicious pretzel bites from the entire batch.

COOKING IN THE OVEN

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a baking tray by lining it with baking paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the shaped pretzel bites on the prepared baking tray, ensuring they are spaced out evenly and not touching. This allows for even baking and browning.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time as ovens can vary.
4. While the pretzel bites are baking, prepare your cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing well until thoroughly blended. Melt the butter in a separate small bowl.
5. Once baked, remove the pretzel bites from the oven. Immediately brush each warm pretzel bite generously with the melted butter.
6. Working quickly, dip the buttered pretzel bites into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Toss them gently to ensure they are evenly coated on all sides.
7. Serve your warm, freshly coated cinnamon sugar pretzel bites immediately for the best experience.

COOKING IN THE AIR FRYER

1. Once your dough is prepared and cut into bite-sized pieces (as per the common dough preparation steps above), it’s time for the air fryer!
2. Place the pretzel bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. If you have a smaller air fryer, you will need to cook them in batches to allow for even cooking and optimal crispiness. Overcrowding the basket will result in steamed rather than crispy bites.
3. Cook the pretzel bites at 180°C (350°F) for 7-10 minutes. Shake the basket gently every few minutes to promote even browning. Continue cooking until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through.
4. While the pretzel bites are cooking, prepare your cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing well until thoroughly blended. Melt the butter in a separate small bowl.
5. Once cooked, carefully transfer the warm pretzel bites from the air fryer basket to a plate.
6. Immediately brush each warm pretzel bite generously with the melted butter.
7. Working quickly, dip the buttered pretzel bites into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Toss them gently to ensure they are evenly coated on all sides.
8. Serve your warm, freshly coated cinnamon sugar pretzel bites immediately for the best taste and texture.

EXPERT TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST CINNAMON SUGAR PRETZEL BITES

• Choose the Right Greek Yogurt: The success of this two-ingredient dough hinges on the consistency of your Greek yogurt. Always opt for a thick, plain Greek yogurt. Brands can vary, so look for one that is not runny. Avoid substituting with regular plain yogurt, as it contains more water and will make your dough too sticky and difficult to work with.
• Flour Conversion Made Easy: If you don’t have self-raising (self-rising) flour, you can easily create your own. For every cup of all-purpose (plain) flour, whisk in 2 teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt. This quick swap ensures your dough will still get that essential rise.
• Work Efficiently with the Dough: This dough is best when handled quickly. Once mixed, roll it out and cook it as soon as possible. Overworking or letting the dough sit for too long can make it a little tougher or stickier, affecting the final texture.
• Achieving a Deep Golden Brown: For an extra rich, deep golden-brown exterior on your pretzel bites, brush them lightly with a little melted butter *before* baking or air frying, and then cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. After cooking, brush them with butter again before coating with cinnamon sugar. This double buttering technique enhances both color and flavor.
• Pre-made Cinnamon Sugar Blend: Short on time or ingredients? Feel free to use a store-bought cinnamon sugar blend for the coating. Just ensure it’s fresh for optimal flavor.
• Don’t Over-Knead: While some kneading is necessary to bring the dough together, over-kneading can develop the gluten too much, leading to tougher pretzel bites. Knead just until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky.
• Consistent Sizing: Try to cut your pretzel bites into similar sizes. This ensures they cook evenly, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overdone.
• Batch Cooking for Air Fryer: Resist the urge to overcrowd your air fryer basket. Cooking in a single layer is crucial for achieving that desired golden, slightly crispy exterior. If you have a small air fryer, cook in multiple batches.

MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES USING TWO-INGREDIENT DOUGH…

The versatility of two-ingredient dough extends far beyond these amazing pretzel bites! If you love how easy and adaptable this dough is, you’ll definitely want to try some of these other fantastic recipes:

• Easy Yogurt Flatbreads: Perfect for wraps, dipping, or as a side with your favorite curries and stews.
• Quick Supreme Pizza: Enjoy a homemade pizza with a light and chewy crust in no time.
• Savory Ham and Cheese Scrolls: A delightful snack or light lunch, ideal for lunchboxes.
• Garlic Knots: Soft, garlicky, and perfect with pasta dishes or as an appetizer.
• Simple Apple Cinnamon Rolls: A sweet treat, similar to these pretzel bites but in roll form!
• No Yeast Bagels: Achieve classic chewy bagels without the fuss of yeast.
• OR explore all our fantastic Two-Ingredient Dough Recipes for even more inspiration!

If you’ve whipped up a batch of these glorious Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please take a moment to leave a comment and a star rating below to share your thoughts. Your feedback helps others discover and enjoy this recipe too!

For more delicious and easy recipes, be sure to FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST. Stay connected and never miss out on new culinary adventures!

📋 RECIPE

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites {No Yeast}

Yield:
32

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
20 minutes

Indulge your sweet cravings with these unbelievably easy and utterly irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites. Crafted from a revolutionary two-ingredient dough (just Greek yogurt and flour!), these soft, buttery morsels require absolutely no yeast or lengthy proofing time. Whether you prefer baking in the oven or using the convenience of an air fryer, you’ll be enjoying a fresh, warm batch of these delightful treats in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick dessert, a sweet snack, or impressing guests, these homemade pretzel bites offer all the nostalgic charm of your favorite mall pretzels, made simpler and faster.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek Yoghurt
• 1.5 cups Self-Raising / Self-Rising Flour (+ extra for flouring surface etc)
• 2 tablespoon Butter, melted
• ½ cup Granulated / White Sugar
• 1 tablespoon Cinnamon

Instructions

COMMON DOUGH PREPARATION

1. Place 1 cup of Greek yogurt in a mixing bowl and give it a stir. Then add 1 cup of self-raising flour and mix to combine.
2. Gradually add ½ – ¾ cup more flour into the bowl as you continue to mix until the dough holds together in a ball shape. The exact amount depends on your yogurt’s wetness.
3. Turn your dough ball onto a well-floured surface and knead gently for 3-5 minutes until smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
4. Cut the dough into 4 even pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, then cut each rope into 8 equal bite-sized pieces (32 total).

IN THE OVEN

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F and line a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone mat.
2. Place the pretzel bites on the prepared baking tray, ensuring even spacing.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Combine cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl. Melt butter in a separate bowl.
5. Immediately brush the warm pretzel bites with melted butter, then dip them into the cinnamon sugar and toss to coat evenly.
6. Serve immediately.

IN THE AIR FRYER

1. Place the pretzel bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
2. Cook for 7-10 minutes at 180°C / 350°F, shaking the basket every few minutes, until golden brown.
3. Combine cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl. Melt butter in a separate bowl.
4. Transfer the warm pretzel bites to a plate and brush with melted butter. Dip into the cinnamon sugar and toss to coat evenly.
5. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use thick, plain Greek yogurt (full-fat, low-fat, or non-fat is fine) for the best dough consistency. Avoid regular plain yogurt as it’s too thin.
• To make your own self-raising flour: For every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, add 2 teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt.
• Work quickly with this dough – mix, shape, and cook promptly for the best results.
• For a deeper golden-brown color, brush pretzel bites with melted butter *before* cooking for an extra 1-2 minutes, then brush again before coating with cinnamon sugar.
• A store-bought cinnamon sugar blend can be used for convenience.
• Avoid over-kneading the dough, as this can lead to a tougher texture. Knead just until smooth and pliable.
• Ensure pretzel bites are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
• When using an air fryer, cook in a single layer in batches to ensure even cooking and crispy results.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 32
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 44Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 81mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 1g