📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! Trust me on this one.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk to combine those dry ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of warm milk, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter (make sure it's not too hot!), and 1 large egg. Don't worry, if you crack an egg shell into the mixture, just scoop it out quickly! It happens to the best of us!
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing leads to tough pretzels—nobody wants that!
5. Once combined, you should have a soft dough, not too sticky, not too dry. If it seems a tad sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it comes together nicely.
6. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. I usually try to make them all the same size for even baking, but hey, perfection isn't required!
7. Place the pretzel balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Baking them close together could lead to a stickier baking experience.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them, as ovens vary. They should be firm to the touch. If you poke one with a toothpick, it shoulud come out clean.
9. While the pretzel bites are baking, make the caramel dip. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of water, and 1/4 cup of butter. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Don't get discouraged if it takes a few minutes to dissolve completely.
10. Bring the mixture to a boil, without stirring, until it turns a rich amber color. If you have a candy thermometer, aim for around 320°F (160°C). It's easier than it sounds, I promise!
11. Carefully remove from heat and slowly whisk in 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up! A little splatter is to be expected, it's part of the fun, right?
12. Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly before dipping your baked pretzels. You'll see the caramel begin to thicken as it cools.
13. Once the pretzel bites are cool enough to handle, dip them in the caramel, coating them completely. You might need to use a fork or tongs to help with the dipping process, if they are too soft to handle.
14. Place the caramel-covered pretzels back on the baking sheet or cooling rack to let the caramel set. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes or until they are no longer sticky.
15. Once the caramel has set, enjoy your delicious pretzel bites with caramel dip! They're perfect for parties, movie nights, or even just a tasty afternoon snack. You won't be disappointed! (Probably.)