Homemade Soft Pretzels

Ingredients:

• 4½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and levelled, plus more if needed

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1¾ cups warm milk or water, about 110°F

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

For Boiling

• 9 cups water

• ½ cup baking soda

For Topping

• 1 large egg

• 1 tablespoon water

• Coarse salt, for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Add the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, warm milk and melted butter to the bowl of a stand mixer.

2. Using the dough hook, mix on medium speed for 4–5 minutes, until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is overly sticky, add a little additional flour as needed.

3. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30–60 minutes, or until doubled in size.

4. Preheat the oven to 450°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

5. Bring 9 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large pot.

6. Divide the risen dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope approximately ¾-inch thick, then cut into 1–2 inch pieces.

7. Working in batches, carefully add the pretzel bites to the boiling baking-soda water. Boil for 30 seconds, then remove and transfer to the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each piece.

8. Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush over the pretzel bites and sprinkle with coarse salt.

9. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until deeply golden brown.

10. Allow to cool slightly and serve warm.