Chewy Pretzel Bites

Submitted by Julie Twitchell

You have to try these. I think they taste just like the ones at the mall. I found the recipe here.  The kids and I ate the whole batch this afternoon--yikes. My kids have convinced me to make it with cinnamon sugar next time.

Dough:
2 1/2 Cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
2 1/4 tsp. instant yeast(if using active dry yeast, use 1 TB and proof with sugar, then add to the flour mixture)
1 Cup very warm water

Topping:
1/2 Cup warm water
2 TB baking soda
salt--course or kosher
3 TB butter, melted

1. In a mixing bowl place flour, salt, sugar and yeast. Mix to just combine. Add the water and mix well, adding more flour as needed, a bit at a time to form a soft smooth dough that clears the sides and bottom of the bowl.(I didn't need to add any more flour)
2. Knead the dough,(by hand or machine) for about 5 minutes; until soft, smooth and quite slack. The goal is to get a really soft dough that isn't too sticky. Lightly flour the dough and place it in a plastic bag; close the bag, leaving room for the dough to expand. Let dough rest for 30-60 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Prepare 2 baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or lightly greasing them.
4. Transfer dough to a lightly greased work surface, and divide it into 4 equal balls. Allow dough to rest for 5 minutes. While the dough is resting, combine the 1/2 cup warm water and baking soda in a cup deep enough to dip pretzel bites. Make sure the baking soda is thoroughly dissolved. (I had a hard time getting it to dissolve, so I stirred it while I dipped the pretzel bites)
5. Roll each ball into a long snake, about 12-15 inches long. With a sharp knife, cut 6-8 pieces, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in width. Dip each pretzel into the baking soda solution(this will give the pretzels a nice, golden color), and place them on the baking sheets. Sprinkle them lightly with salt. Allow them to rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
6. Bake pretzels for 7-8 minutes or until they are golden brown. Bake one sheet at a time.
7. Remove pretzels from oven; brush them thoroughly with the melted butter. Keep brushing the butter on until the butter is all gone. Eat the pretzels warm, or reheat them in an oven or microwave on low heat.

Cook's Note: The recipe says it makes 2 dozen, but we ended up with 3 dozen bites.

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