Soft Pretzel Bites

1 1/2 cups warm (110 to 115 degrees F) water
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 package active dry yeast
4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, melted
10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Pretzel salt or cinnamon/sugar mixture

Combine the water, sugar, salt, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, until the mixture starts to bubble. Add the flour and butter and, using a dough hook, mix on low speed until well combined. Change to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the dough from the bowl, and spray it well with cooking spray.  Return the dough to the bowl, cover with greased wax paper and sit in a warm place for approximately 50 to 55 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment, and spray with cooking spray.

Put baking soda and water in a large pot and bring to a boil.  In the meantime, pinch of pieces of the dough and roll into bite-sized pieces.  Place the pretzels into the boiling water, one by one, for 30 seconds. Remove them from the water using a slotted spoon. Set on greased parchment.  Brush the top of each pretzel with the egg wash (beaten egg plus water).  Then sprinkle with salt.  Bake until dark golden brown in color, approximately 12 to 14 minutes, switching racks half way through.

For cinnamon/sugar pretzel bites, while pretzels are still warm, brush with melted butter, then sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top.

Serve warm.  May serve plain ones with mustard!

Original recipe tweaked from one found HERE.