Soft Pretzels

Ingredients

Dough

• 2 cups (11 ounces) bread flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup (6 ounces) room-temperature water
• Vegetable oil spray

Finish

• 1 tbsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) water
• 1 tsp pretzel or kosher salt (optional)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

Directions

1. Mix dough in stand mixer and knead for 8 minutes.
2. Transfer dough to counter and knead by hand for 30 seconds.
3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover. Let rise until doubled, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a cooling rack on the baking sheet. Spray liberally with oil.
5. Combine baking soda and 1/2 water in microwave safe bowl. Microwave 1 to 2 minutes, until water looks clear. Stir to completely dissolve.
6. Press dough into a 6 inch square and cut into 6 1 inch strips.
7. Stretch and roll each strip into a 22 inch long rope. Shape into pretzel.
8. Dip pretzel into baking soda water to fully coat. Place on oiled rack.
9. Sprinkle with salt. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
10. Cool for 10 minutes, the brush with 3 T melted butter.