Homemade Soft Pretzels

Steps

• 1

  In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine water, salt, sugar and yeast. Allow to sit for 5 minutes or until slightly foamy.
• 2

  Add in melted butter and flour and, using the dough hook, knead for about 4-5 minutes or until the dough is cohesive and has pulled away completely from the edges of the bowl.
• 3

  Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
• 4

  When the dough is nearly doubled, bring to a boil the 10 cups water and baking soda.
• 5

  Preheat the oven to 450°F and line two baking sheets with lightly oiled parchment paper.
• 6

  In a small bowl, beat together egg yolk and water for the egg wash.
• 7

  When dough is risen, remove from the bowl and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll out each piece into a 2-foot long rope and twist into a pretzel shape, pinching the edges to keep them from coming apart.
• 8

  Using a turner, place one pretzel at a time into the baking soda bath and boil for 30 seconds. Remove from the bath and place on parchment paper.
• 9

  Brush each pretzel with the egg wash and sprinkle with salt or topping of your choice.
• 10

  Once all pretzels have been boiled, bake for about 12-14 minutes or until a deep brown.
• 11

  Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before eating.