Pretzel bites

Step 1

In the bowl of your stand mixer (or in a mixing bowl if you're making by hand), mix the warm water, brown sugar, melted butter, and yeast. Be sure the melted butter isn't hot, as it will kill the yeast. Let rest for 3-5 minutes until it starts to bubble.

Step 2

Add the flour and the salt. Knead for about 5 minutes on medium speed until the dough forms a ball and comes off the walls of the bowl. You may need to add 1-3 tablespoons of extra flour if the dough appears too wet. It should be tacky and a bit sticky, but not wet.

Step 3

Split the dough into 8-10 equal pieces using a bench scraper. Cover the balls lightly with plastic wrap to prevent the dough from drying out and forming a skin. If you need to, use some oil on your bench when shaping the dough. You don't need much - a little goes a long way.

Step 4

Roll and stretch each ball into long strands about the width of 1 inch. Using a bench scraper cut 1 inch pieces and place on a tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 5

Let them rest for about 20 minutes to let them rise just a little bit.

Step 6

Add the baking tray to the freezer and freeze them on the tray for 20 minutes. This step is optional, but helps the pretzels bites keep their shape through the baking soda bath.

Step 7

While your pretzel bites rest and chill in the freezer, mix the 10 cups of water with the baking soda and bring to a simmer.

Step 8

Remove the pretzel bites from the freezer and bathe them a few at a time for 20-30 seconds.

Step 9

Remove them from the baking soda bath with a slotted skimmer or large slotted spoon and return them to the baking tray and sprinkle with coarse salt.

Step 10

Bake your pretzels bites at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.