Description

You'll need self control to not eat all of these wonderful homemade buttery pretzel bites. They're easy to prepare and can be ready in about 30 minutes. They're soft yet chewy and every bit as good as Auntie Anne's at the mall.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 c. warm water, plus 9 more cups
• 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 t.)
• 1 t. salt
• 1 T. packed light brown sugar
• 1 T. unsalted butter, previously melted and not scorching hot
• 3 3/4 - 4 1/4 c. all-purpose flour plus more for the counter surface
• 1/2 c. baking soda
• 1 large egg, beaten
• coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
• non-stick cooking spray or oil, for greasing
• cheese sauce or honey mustard, for serving

Steps

1. Whisk yeast into 1 1/2 c. warm water; allow to sit for 1 minute, some clusters of yeast may remain. Add salt, brown sugar and melted butter; whisk until fairly combined. Slowly add 3 c. flour, 1 c. at a time. Mix with a wooden spoon or a dough hook attached to stand mixer, until dough is thick. Add 3/4 c. more flour until the dough is no longer sticky. If it's still sticky, add up to 1/4 c. more. Poke the dough, if it bounces back, it's ready to knead.
2. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead dough for about 3 minutes; shape into a ball. Place in a large greased mixing bowl; cover; let dough rest in a warm area for about 10 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats; set aside.