Soft Pretzel Bites (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water, approximately 100°F (38°C)
02 - 2 and 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant or active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
03 - 1 Tablespoon brown sugar or granulated sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 Tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
06 - 3 and 3/4 – 4 cups (469-500g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (plus more for hands and work surface)

→ Topping

07 - Coarse salt or coarse sea salt

→ Baking Soda Bath

08 - 1/2 cup (120g) baking soda
09 - 9 cups (2,160ml) water

→ Optional for Serving

10 - Spicy cheese sauce or favorite mustard

# Instructions:

01 - Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer or large mixing bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add salt, melted butter, and 3 cups (375g) of flour. Mix on low speed, then add 3/4 cup (95g) of flour. If dough is sticky, add the remaining 1/4 cup of flour.
02 - Knead the dough using a stand mixer with a dough hook or by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes. Add small amounts of flour as needed to ensure a soft, tacky consistency. Test the dough by poking it or performing a windowpane test. Let rest for 10-30 minutes.
03 - Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Lightly grease parchment paper if used.
04 - Divide dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into 20-inch ropes and cut into 1.5–2 inch bites. Allow dough to rest for 10 minutes if it shrinks while rolling.
05 - Bring 9 cups (2,160ml) of water and 1/2 cup (120g) baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Boil 8-10 pretzel bites at a time for 10-15 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain excess water.
06 - Place pretzel bites on prepared baking sheets and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
07 - Store leftover pretzel bites at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave for a few seconds or bake at 350°F (177°C) for 5 minutes.

# Notes:

01 - For cinnamon sugar topping, bake pretzel bites plain, then brush with melted butter and coat in cinnamon sugar upon removal from the oven.
02 - Refrigerated dough can be shaped and baked after 1 hour of resting at room temperature.

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