# Components:
→ Dough
01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet active dry yeast (7 g)
03 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup warm water (110°F)
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
→ Apple Filling
07 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
08 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
11 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
→ Baking Soda Bath
12 - 4 cups water
13 - 1/4 cup baking soda
→ Cinnamon Sugar Coating
14 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
15 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
16 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
# Directions:
01 - Combine warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Let rest for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add melted butter, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead using a dough hook on low speed for 5 to 7 minutes until a smooth dough forms. Add additional flour if overly sticky.
03 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
04 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes until tender and syrupy. Set aside to cool.
05 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
06 - Bring water and baking soda to a low boil in a large pot.
07 - Punch down the risen dough and divide into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into an 18-inch rope, then flatten gently. Spoon apple filling in a thin line along the center of each rope, fold over, and pinch seams to seal.
08 - Cut each filled rope into 8 equal pieces, yielding 32 pretzel bites in total.
09 - Working in batches, immerse pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda bath for 20 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
10 - Bake pretzel bites for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
11 - While warm, brush each pretzel bite with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.
12 - Serve warm and enjoy.
