Soft Pretzel Bites

1 1/2 cups Warm Water
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 package)
2 Tablespoons Dark Brown Sugar (light can be used also)
1 Tablespoon Honey

1 Tablespoon Melted Butter

3 cups All Purpose Flour
1-2 tsp Salt
1 Cup Bread Flour

6 Cups Water
5 Tablespoons Baking Soda

4 Tablespoons Melted Butter (you can use more or less)
Sea Salt, Cinnamon Sugar (whatever toppings)

In a mixing bowl add warm water brown sugar and honey. Add yeast and stir for just a second, let set for 10 minutes.
Then add butter, and slowly begin to add flours (add salt while adding flour). Turn mixer onto speed 2 and stir until dough comes away from the edges.
Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead into a ball, put dough in a well greased bowl, spray dough lightly with cooking spray. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour or 1 1/2 hours.
Punch down and knead for a minute or two, using your hands roll into about a 2-3 inch log, cut into about 12 pieces. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes.
Heat water to boiling, add baking soda and dissolve.
Roll each piece of dough out into 1/2 inch thick logs, and cut 1 inch pieces (or however big or small you would like). Keep dough covered to keep from drying out.
Add about 10 pieces to the boiling water/soda and pouch the dough for 10-20 seconds. Using a slotted spoon (or something similar, I use a wire basket) take the dough out and put it on a well greased baking sheet with aluminum foil.

If only wanting Salted Pretzel Bites, sprinkle some salt on before baking.

Bake at 400 degrees for 10-13 minutes.

Coat pieces with melted butter and salt, or cinnamon sugar, etc... (to taste)

And bake for another 2 minutes.

You can even make cheese dips, etc to go with them.

Enjoy!

By: Melissa Frederick