Homemade Pretzel Bites

 

Ingredients: 

2 cups milk

1 1/2 Tbsp yeast

6 Tbsp brown sugar, divided

4 Tbsp melted butter

5 1/2 cups flour

2 tsp salt

1/3 cup baking soda

3 cups warm water

pretzel salt

6 Tbsp melted butter

Warm up the milk in the microwave for 1 1/2 minutes. Add the yeast and 1 Tbsp brown sugar. Stir and let sit for about 5 minutes. 

In the bowl of the stand mixer, combine the 4 Tbsp melted butter, 5 Tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tsp salt. After the yeast has proofed, add that to the brown sugar/butter mixture. Add flour 1 cup at a time. Knead with the hook attachment for 10 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in a warm location for about an hour. 

After the dough doubles, punch it down and divide into 12 balls. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees while you complete this step. 

Roll each ball into a rope. Spray two baking sheets with cooking spray and set aside. 

Put the 3 cups of warm water and 1/3 cup of baking soda in a bowl. Cut each rope into pieces that are about 1 1/2 inches each. Dip each piece in the baking soda water and place on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with pretzel salt. (This amount will make two full baking pans.) Bake at 450 for 6-7 minutes. 

Spread the remaining 6 Tbsp of melted butter with a silicone baking brush.