For the Dough

1. In a bread mixer, I use a Bosch mixer, or large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast and allow to bloom for 5 minutes.
2. Add sugar, butter, salt and 3 cups of the flour and mix together allow to mix for 5 minutes (or if doing by hand knead for 5 minutes.
3. Add another cup of flour and mix again.  Dough should be pulling away from the sides of the mixer and not overly sticky, if it is, continue to add flour until dough starts to pull away from the sides.
4. Transfer to an oiled bowl, cover and allow to double in size, about 1 hour.
5. Punch down the dough and allow to rise again.

Pre-Soak Before Cooking

1. Pre-heat oven to 450°F.
2. In a large pot combine the water and baking soda and turn on medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
3. While the pot is heating up, its time to shape the pretzel bites.
4. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Taking one piece at a time, roll it into a 24” rope and cut 1 1/2” sections and transfer them to a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
5. When the pot comes to a boil, add the pretzel dough to the pot in batches, do not overcrowd the pot, cook for 30 seconds each side. Remove with a slotted spoon back to the parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Repeat for the remaining pieces.
6. In a small bowl combine the egg and water and whisk together until fully combined, lightly brush each of the pieces.
7. Place in the oven for 11 – 13 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
9. Mix together the sugar, and cinnamon and set aside.
10. Melt the butter and set aside.
11. When pieces are cooled coat each piece with butter and toss them into the cinnamon sugar mixture, repeat for the remaining pieces.

Icing

1. Combine cream cheese, butter until creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix until there are no lumps

ENJOY every bite!