Pretzel Dough

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2/3 cup baking soda
• 10 cups water
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons coarse pretzel salt

Method

1. 1

   In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.

   5:00 · Yeast activation
2. 2

   Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix with a dough hook or by hand until a shaggy dough forms.

3. 3

   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface, or with the mixer on medium speed, until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.

   5:00 · Kneading
4. 4

   Shape the dough into a ball, place in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.

5. 5

   Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 22 inches long.

6. 6

   Shape each rope into a pretzel shape by forming a U, crossing the ends over each other twice, and folding them down onto the bottom of the U. Place shaped pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

7. 7

   Preheat the oven to 450°F. In a large stock pot, bring the 10 cups of water to a boil, then whisk in the baking soda.

8. 8

   Using a slotted spatula, lower each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds, then return to the parchment-lined baking sheet.

   0:30 · Baking soda bath
9. 9

   Brush each boiled pretzel with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt.

10. 10

    Bake in the preheated oven until deep golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.

    12:00 · Baking
11. 11

    Transfer pretzels to a wire rack and let cool slightly before serving.