Pretzel Bites

 I was a bit intimidated by making pretzel bites, but was surprised at relatively easy they were to make.  This is my kids new favorite and usually the whole batch gets eaten quickly!

Pretzel Bites

1 1/2 cups warm water

2 Tablespoons white sugar

2 1/4 teaspoons yeast

6 Tablespoons melted butter

2 1/2 teaspoons salt

4 1/2 to 5 cups flour

3 quarts water

1/3 cup baking soda

1 egg white mixed with a teaspoon of water

 Combine the 1 1/2 cups water, sugar, yeast and butter.  Mix and then let stand for 5 minutes.

Add the salt and 4 1/2 cups flour, mix on low speed until combined.  Mix until the dough is smooth and begins to pull away from the bowl.  If it is too wet add additional flour.  Remove from bowl and knead into a ball with your hands. At this point you can place the dough in a greased bowl and let raise for until it has doubled in size. (However, we never can wait that long so I skip the raising part and it has always turned out great).

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Combine 3 quarts of water and the baking soda in a pan and bring to a boil. 

While your water is boiling, divide your dough into 8 balls.  Roll each ball into a rope.  Then cut each rope it into bite size pieces (about 1 inch) with some clean scissors.  

Once your water is boiling, add a few bites into the water (I did about 10 at a time), boil for about 30 seconds (they will rise to the top) and then remove with a slotted spoon and place onto a cookie sheet cover with greased parchment paper.  

Brush with the egg white mixture and bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from oven, brush with melted butter and your choice of topping.  We like sea salt on some and we shake the rest in a cinnamon sugar mixture.  The flavor possibility is endless!!

Delicious!

Tiffanee