Dough and Shape

In a bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and 1/4 cup of the water. Whisk to combine. Let stand for 5 minutes or until frothy.

Add the remaining water, flour, salt, and yeast mixture, and stir to combine. Add the room temperature butter. Mix on low speed until combined.

Increase speed to medium and knead for about five minutes or until the dough is elastic and smooth. Dough shouldn't stick to the sides of the bowl.

Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope. Cut the rope into 1 to 2-inch pieces to make bites.

Waterbath

In large wide pot bring 6 cups of water to simmer. Add baking soda and stir to dissolve the baking soda. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Place few pretzel bites into water bath and simmer for 30 seconds. Flip pretzels and simmer for another 30 seconds. With large slotted spoon remove pretzels and transfer to baking sheet.

Bake

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. After all pretzels have been dipped in the water bath, brush with egg wash.

*If you want to add salt, do this after brushing with egg wash.

Bake 400 degrees for 10 -12 minutes until golden brown.

Once baked, brush melted butter all over the pretzel bites. Toss the pretzels bites in cinnamon sugar to coat.