Mini Pretzel Bites

These are yummy treats!

Dough:
2 1/2 cups (10 1/2 ounces) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1 cup (8 ounces) very warm water

Topping:
1/2 cup (4 ounces) warm water
2 tablespoons baking soda
Coarse salt (optional)
3 tablespoons butter, melted

Mix water, sugar and yeast to proof. Add flour and salt.Mix to just combine. 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. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until it is soft and slightly sticky. Lightly flour the dough and place it in a plastic bag; close the bag and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 500°F. This is what will help those pretzels stay soft on the inside. Prepare two baking sheets by lightly greasing them.

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased work surface, and divide it into about four strips of equal length. Allow the pieces to rest, uncovered, for 5 minutes. While the dough is resting, combine the 1/2 cup warm water and the baking soda in a liquid measuring cup. It might not dissolve so just stir in every couple of dips.

Cut each strip of dough into about 6-8 pieces, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in width. Dip each pretzel bite in the baking soda solution, and place them on the baking sheets. Sprinkle them lightly with coarse, don't over salt. Allow them to rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Bake the pretzels for 7-8 minutes or until they’re golden brown. I went on the longer side cause I was nervous they would be raw, but they were fully cooked. Next time I will only bake them for 7 mins.

Remove the pretzels from the oven, and brush them thoroughly with the melted butter.

I got this recipe from Mel's Kitchen Cafe.