Warm, golden-brown soft pretzels featuring a chewy inside and a salty crust, perfect for any snack time.
# What You Need:
→ Dough
01 - 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
02 - 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
03 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
04 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Boiling & Topping
07 - 10 cups water
08 - ⅔ cup baking soda
09 - 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
10 - Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add flour, salt, and melted butter to yeast mixture; stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
03 - Turn dough onto floured surface; knead 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise in warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
05 - Preheat oven to 450°F; line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
06 - Bring water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot.
07 - Punch down dough; divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch rope; form into pretzel shape by making a U, twisting ends twice, and pressing them to the base.
08 - Carefully submerge each pretzel in boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds; transfer to prepared baking sheets using a slotted spatula.
09 - Brush pretzels with egg yolk mixture; sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
10 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until deep golden brown.
11 - Allow pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
