These simple soft and chewy pretzel bites are super easy to make, and very addictive. They are crispy on the outside and gorgeously pillowy on the inside. The process is simple, but it does have one crucial step - the baking soda. Dipping the pretzel bites into water and baking soda before baking gives them a golden colour and a wonderful texture. Without it, they would still be good, of course, but not as soft as chewy as the ones dipped into the solution. If you like, you can even sprinkle them with cinnamon and brown sugar after brushing them with butter, for a sweet little treat.
Ingredients
For the dough
350 grams plain flour
2 teaspoons dried yeast
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar
200 ml warm water
50 ml oil
For the coating
100 ml warm water
2 tablespoons baking soda
For brushing
4 tablespoons melted butter
Preparation
Sift the flour in a large bowl, add the yeast, salt and sugar and whisk to combine. Make a well in the centre and add the water and oil, mix well with a wooden spoon, adding a tiny bit of flour more, if needed. Mix until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out on a floured surface and knead it by hand for 5 minutes or so, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Do not be tempted to add more flour, because the dough needs to be as soft as possible without it being overly sticky. Place the dough in a large clean bowl and let it rise for about an hour, in a warm spot.
Take the risen dough out of the bowl and knead it gently on a very lightly floured surface, then divide it into four equal parts. Cover the dough pieces with a clean cloth and let them rest for about 10 minutes. While the dough is resting, combine the water and baking soda in a container deep enough to dip them in. Whisk until the baking soda is completely dissolved. Take each part of the dough and shape it into a rope (about 25 cm/10" in length), then each piece into 8 equal pieces.
Take two large baking sheets, line them with baking paper and keep them close to dough pieces. Dip each pretzel bite in the baking soda and water and place them on the baking sheet. Allow them to rest for about 5 minutes. Bake them in a preheated oven, at 230˚C (450˚F) for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re golden. Take them out of the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter. Make sure you serve them warm. Yields 32 pretzel bites.
Note: If you want, you can sprinkle the pretzel bites with coarse salt, just before baking.
