Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites (Auntie Anne's from Scratch)

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of sourdough discard, 1/2 cup of warm water, 2 tbsp of coconut sugar, and 1 tsp of instant yeast. Then, mix in 1 1/2 cups of flour and 1 tsp of salt until a dough forms. Knead until smooth. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in another 1-2 tbsp of flour. Cover the mixing bowl and place somewhere warm to proof for 1-2 hours, or until the dough is nice and puffy.

While you’re waiting for the dough, prep a baking soda water bath by whisking together 1 tbsp of baking soda with 1 cup of warm water. You can also prep the cinnamon sugar mixture by whisking together 1/4 cup of coconut sugar and 1 tsp of cinnamon, and the cream cheese icing by mixing 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1 tsp of vanilla, and 2 tbsp of milk. If the icing is not getting smooth when you whisk it together, you may need to warm it up.

Once the dough is ready, preheat your oven to 400F and divide the dough out equally into 16 pieces. Roll into balls and dip & coat them in the baking soda water bath. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden.

Brush the pretzel bites in melted butter and toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Plate and serve with the cream cheese icing!