Warm, golden-brown pretzels with soft, chewy interiors and a classic salty crust for delicious snacking.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
02 - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
03 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
04 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 tsp fine sea salt
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
→ Boiling & Topping
07 - 10 cups water
08 - 2/3 cup baking soda
09 - 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp water
10 - Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
# How To Make:
01 - In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
03 - Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
05 - Preheat oven to 450°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
06 - Bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
07 - Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a 20-inch rope and shape into pretzels by forming a U, twisting the ends twice, and pressing them onto the bottom of the U.
08 - Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda solution for 30 seconds; transfer to prepared baking sheets using a slotted spatula.
09 - Brush pretzels with egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
10 - Bake pretzels for 12 to 15 minutes until deep golden brown.
11 - Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
