Preparation Steps

• In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
• Stir in the sugar and melted butter into the yeast mixture.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• While the dough is rising, prepare the boiling water bath. In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and baking soda to a rolling boil.
• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a long rope and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Working in batches, carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds per side.
• Remove the pretzel bites with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
• Brush the pretzel bites with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt, if desired.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
• If making sweet pretzel bites, toss the warm baked pretzels in melted butter, then in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.