Soft Baked Pretzels
Prep Time: 20+ minutes Cook Time: 15+ minutes Additional Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1+ hours
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE PRETZEL DOUGH :
1 cup warm to hot water
1 package active dry yeast
2 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 3/4 cups flour
FOR THE BAKING SODA SOLUTION:
4 cups water
1/4 cup baking soda
FOR THE TOPPINGS:
1/4 cup melted butter
coarse salt
cinnamon/sugar
cheese flavored powder
everything but the bagel seasoning
get creative!
INSTRUCTIONS
Place the 1 cup warm water in the bowl of your stand mixer. Sprinkle the top of the water with the yeast packet. Let it dissolve for about 2 minutes
Once dissolved, add the softened butter, brown sugar, salt and 2 cups of the flour
Attach the dough hook and mix on medium-low speed until a smooth dough balls forms, about 6-8 minutes
With a wooden spoon, stir in 3/4 cups of remaining flour until no longer sticky
With vegetable oil, lightly grease a medium glass bowl
Transfer dough to greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel
Let rise for 20 minutes
After rise time, preheat oven to 450°F
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly rub down with butter
Dump the dough clean, dry surface
Divide dough into 8 equal pieces
Using the palms of your hands, roll each piece into a 12 inch long rope
Once roped, twist into pretzel shape and gently pinch ends closed
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil
Once boiling, add baking soda. Mixture will bubble rapidly
Using a large slotted spoon, drop one pretzel into the baking soda water
Let float for 30 seconds
After 30 seconds, remove pretzel gently, allowing any excess water to drip off
Place on greased, parchment lined baking sheet. Reshape if needed.
Immediately sprinkle with coarse sea salt
Repeat with remaining pretzels
Once all boiled in baking soda bath, place baking sheets in the 450° oven
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown
Brush with melted butter while still hot and add any additional toppings of your choice
Serve warm