Small Batch Soft Pretzel Bites

 Soft and chewy.   I like to dip them in cheese or mustard.  A great movie watching snack.

SMALL BATCH SOFT PRETZEL BITES

(makes 20)

Pretzel Ingredients:

*1/2 cup + 2 teaspoons warm water

*3/4 teaspoon granulated sugar

*1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

*1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast

*1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Water Ingredients:

*1 1/4 quarts water

*1/3 cup baking soda

Topping Ingredients:

*1 egg yolk beaten

*1 teaspoon water

*kosher salt

Pretzel Directions:

~In a small bowl, combine 1/2 + 2 teaspoons warm water, 3/4 teaspoon sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

~Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon yeast over top.

~Allow to sit for 10 minutes to proof (bubble/foamy).

~In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.

~Make a well in the center of the flour.

~Pour yeast mixture into the well.

~Mix to form dough.

~Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth (or use dough hook on your mixer).

~Lightly oil and medium mixing bowl.

~Add pretzel ought to oiled bowl, and turn so that all side get a layer of oil on it.

~Cover with plastic wrap or a clean damp towel until dough is doubled in size (about 1 hour).

~Divide dough into 2 equal pieces.

~Roll each section into a rope about 24 inches long.

~Cut each rope into 10 pieces.

~Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

~Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Topping Directions;

~In a small bowl, whisk egg yolk and 1 teaspoon water together.

Boil Directions:

~Bring 1 1/4 quarts of water to a boil.

~Stir in 1/3 cup baking soda.

~Carefully drop in  pretzel dough and boil for about 15-20 seconds flipping them as they cook.

~Remove from water and set on prepared cookie sheet.

~Brush some of the egg mixture over top of each pretzel bite.

~Sprinkle desired amount of kosher salt over top.

~Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a dark golden brown.