Vegan Soft Pretzel Bites

Step 1

Start by warming your water. You want it to be warm to the touch, but not hot.

Step 2

Pour the warm water into a large bowl and mix in the sugar. Then sprinkle the yeast on top. Cover and let sit for 10 min to activate the yeast.

Step 3

Once the yeast is foamy, mix in the salt and coconut oil.

Step 4

Now, slowly mix in 2 cups of flour. Once it is well blended, mix in the 3rd cup of flour. If the dough is too sticky to handle, mix in enough flour from the 4th cup until you can handle the dough.

Step 5

On a clean lightly floured surface, knead your dough for 3-5 min adding more flour as needed. You shouldn't need more than 4 cups of flour. The dough should be slightly sticky.

Step 6

Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a large oiled bowl. Cover and set in a warm place to rise for 15-20 minutes.

Step 7

Meanwhile, line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. Then preheat your oven to 450ºF and heat the water for the baking soda bath.

Step 8

Once the dough has risen a bit, cut it into 8 triangles, as you would a pizza.

Step 9

With your hands, roll each triangle out to an 18-inch-long rope. Cut each rope into 8-9 (2-inch) bites.

Step 10

Once the water is boiling, lower the heat. When the water stops boiling add 3 Tablespoons of baking soda.

Step 11

Turn up the heat to simmer the water, then place about 10 bites in the bath. Let them soak for 20-30 seconds. Once they "puff up" a bit remove the bites from the bath and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until it's full. Be sure not to crowd your baking sheet.

Step 12

Bake at 450ºF for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are nice and brown. Keep an eye on them at about halfway through because they will darken quickly.

Step 13

In a bowl mix the cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.

Step 14

Lightly brush each bite with just enough coconut oil to allow the sweet coating to stick.

Step 15

Roll in the cinnamon and sugar mix until coated.

Step 16

Brush the tops of each bite with coconut oil, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt.