Jasjit’s Pretzel Puffs

Step 1

Whisk warm water, yeast, and sugar together in a bowl. Cover yeast mixture and allow to sit for 5 minutes or until foamy on top. Add salt, melted butter and 3 cups of flour.

Step 2

Using either a hand mixer with dough attachment or a stand mixer, beat on low speed for 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula if needed, then add ¾ cup of flour. Beat on low speed until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 2 minutes. If dough is extremely sticky after 1 minute of mixing, add remaining ¼ cup of flour and continue to beat for 1 more minute.

Step 3

Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for 2 minutes. Cover lightly with a towel and allow to rest for 10 to 30 minutes. (Meanwhile, get the baking soda and water boiling as instructed in step 6.)

Step 4

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 5

With a sharp knife, cut dough into six equal pieces. Sprinkle work surface very lightly with flour and roll each piece of dough into a 20-inch rope. Cut each rope into 1½ to 2-inch pieces.

Step 6

Mix water and baking soda together in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Place 8 to 10 pieces of dough at a time into the boiling water for a quick 10 to 15 seconds, then lift them out and allow the excess water to drip off. Place them onto prepared baking sheets and sprinkle with coarse sea salt while they are still wet.

Step 7

Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.