Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the flour and salt into the bowl and mix until it forms a dough. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
  3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  5. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and ¼ cup baking soda to a gentle boil.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small pieces (about 1-inch each). Roll each piece into a ball.
  7. Working in batches, drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  8. Brush the tops of the pretzel bites with the beaten egg and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
  9. In a separate bowl, mix the ½ cup granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon.
  10. Once the pretzel bites are out of the oven, immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.

💡 Chef's Notes

Serve warm in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper. Consider a side of melted chocolate or cream cheese dip.

Recipe by Grace Turner - Culinary Writer