Homemade Soft Pretzels

Ingredients

Warm water

1 cup (110°f - 115°f)

Sugar

1 tablespoon

Active dry yeast

2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet)

All-purpose flour

4 cups

Salt

1 teaspoon

Melted butter

2 tablespoons

Baking soda

1/2 cup

Coarse salt

for sprinkling

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. In a large pot, bring about 10 cups of water to a boil and carefully add the baking soda (it will foam up).
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 24 inches) and twist it into a pretzel shape.
8. Boil each pretzel in the baking soda water for about 30 seconds, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Sprinkle the pretzels generously with coarse salt.
10. Bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.