Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (355 ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons (9g) salt
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) baking soda
  • 8 cups (2 liters) water, for boiling
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (14g) ground cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the melted butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  5. Punch down the dough and divide it into smaller pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope. Cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Bring 8 cups of water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Gently drop the pretzel bites, a few at a time, into the boiling water. Boil for 30 seconds per side.
  7. Remove the boiled pretzel bites with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Brush with the beaten egg. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  8. While the bites are baking, melt the butter and combine the sugar and cinnamon in separate bowls. Immediately after removing the bites from the oven, brush them generously with melted butter, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
  9. Serve warm and enjoy!