Is it really possible to pass a pretzel shop at an airport or shopping center without being enticed in by the aroma of the cinnamon-sugary bites? The aroma instantly permeates the room, making you want a bucket of pretzel pieces right now.
INGREDIENTS:FOR PRETZEL BITES1 tsp. granulated sugar1 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast2 1/4 c. (270 g.) all-purpose flour, plus more for surfaceKosher saltCooking spray1/2 c. baking soda
INGREDIENTS:FOR CREAM CHEESE FROSTING & ASSEMBLY3 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted1/3 c. granulated sugar4 tsp. ground cinnamonKosher salt1 c. (115 g.) confectioners' sugar2 oz. cream cheese2 tbsp. whole milk
Step 1: Granulated sugar and 3/4 cup warm (between 110° and 115°) water should be combined in a medium bowl or liquid measuring cup and stirred until the sugar dissolves. Add a little yeast on top. Give the yeast five minutes to start bubbling and foaming.
DIRECTIONS:
Step 2: Mix the flour and 3/4 teaspoon of salt together in a big bowl. Stir the dry ingredients with the scraped yeast mixture until a shaggy dough forms. After scraping the dough onto a sanitized surface, knead it for five minutes, or until it is smooth.
Step 3: Grease a second, big bowl with frying spray. Put the dough in a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and leave it in a warm place for one to one and a half hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Turn the oven on at 450°. Apply cooking spray after lining a baking sheet with paper. Cut the dough into four pieces and place them on a gently floured surface. Roll out the dough into a 12-inch rope that is 1/2" to 3/4" thick, working with one piece at a time while covering the remaining portions with plastic wrap. Cut the rope into 1-inch-wide chunks. To smooth out the shape, gently roll each nugget on the work surface. Place on the ready sheet. Continue with the leftover dough.
Step 5: Heat up a big saucepan of water until it boils. Bring back to a boil after adding the baking soda. Cook for about 30 seconds, tossing a couple times, or until nuggets are light golden brown and cooked through. Scoop out the nuggets with a slotted spoon or spider, discarding any extra water in the pot, and place them back on the baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until pretzel nuggets are deeply golden brown.
DIRECTIONS FOR CREAM CHEESE FROSTING & ASSEMBLY:
Step 1: Transfer butter into a spacious bowl. Mix the cinnamon, granulated sugar, and a generous amount of salt in a medium-sized bowl. Cream cheese, milk, and confectioners' sugar should be thoroughly mixed in a separate medium-sized basin.
Step 2: Put the pretzels in the butter right away and toss to mix. Coat the butter-coated pretzels in cinnamon sugar, working in batches.
Step 3: Place pretzels on a serving dish. Serve warm with icing on the side.