Here, at last, is the recipe for Lenten Pretzel Bites!

Parents will definitely need to help little ones make these, as it involves very hot water!  However, children can help with other steps, like mixing the ingredients, kneading the dough, and rolling in sugar.  

Also, as a plus…these pretzels are dairy-free (minus the butter for the toppings, but you can easily substitute margarine)!      

If you’re participating in Lenten Adventure, then you already have a savory pretzel recipe from us.  So in honor of Laetare Sunday (and all the solemnities in Lent), here’s a sweeter, dessert version as well!

Part 1: The Dough

You will need:

1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)

2 Tablespoons brown sugar

1 ⅛ teaspoon salt

1 ½ cups lukewarm water

4 cups all purpose flour

If doubling (good for big families or a crowd…they will disappear fast!)

2 packages active dry yeast (4 ½ teaspoons)

4 Tablespoons brown sugar

2 ¼ teaspoon salt

3 cups lukewarm water

8 cups all purpose flour

Combine the water, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.  Stir gently to combine, then let sit for 10-15 minutes until slightly bubbling and frothy (this is called proofing…if nothing happens, then you probably need cooler water or new yeast).

Add the salt and flour, and knead until smooth and formed into a ball (using a stand mixer or your hands).  If it’s too sticky, add a tiny bit of flour. If too dry, add a tiny bit of water. It should be slightly tacky.  Kids can definitely help with this part

Place dough in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour.  To keep kids from getting bored, how about popping in your favorite Glory Story CD?  The double-length CDs (like the stories of John Paul II and Jose Luis Sanchez) will perfectly fill the rising time!

Once doubled in size, uncover the dough and form into small balls, able to fit in the center of your palm.  Make sure they are all uniform in size, or they will bake unevenly!  

Place the bites onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and let rise for another 20-30 minutes.

Part 2: The Bath and Bake

You will need:

2 cups hot water

2 Tablespoons baking soda

Combine the water and baking soda in a separate bowl or shallow baking dish (it will sizzle…this is a good thing!).

Take the pretzel balls, and one by one, gently drop them into the hot bath using a slotted spoon (be VERY CAREFUL not to splatter).  Count to 5, then lift out of the water and place them onto the baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake at 450 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown (the edges will show it first).

Part 3: The Toppings

You can always sprinkle the pretzel bites with salt before baking, then brush with butter or margarine. But we wanted to spice things up for Laetare Sunday (it is a day of celebration, after all!).  So we are going to make cinnamon sugar pretzel bites.

Mix 1/4 cup of white granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (you can always make more if you need).

Brush the tops of the pretzel bites with melted, salted butter using a pastry brush, or by dipping the tops into the melted butter. You’ll need about 1/4 – 1/2 a stick.

In a separate bowl, roll the buttered side of the pretzels in the sugar mixture (kids love this step!)

Arrange or stack the bites as you see fit, then display for all to admire!

And there you have it!  Pretzel bites, perfect for any time of the liturgical year, but especially for Sundays in Lent!

Now go celebrate with your family!