Hot, Soft, Buttery Pretzels

Nothing is better than a soft pretzel hot from the oven.  Make them with smaller holes and use them as rolls.

Dough:                                                Topping:
2.25 Cups All Purpose Flour               1 Cup Warm Water
1/2 Tsp Kosher Salt                             2 Tbl Baking Soda
1 Tsp Sugar                                         Pretzel Salt
2.5 Tsp Yeast                                      3 Tbl Unsalted Butter **
1 Cup Warm Water

Combine all dough ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer.

Mix with a wooden spoon until just combined.  Put onto mixer with dough hook and knead on low for 5 minutes. 

The dough should be smooth, not sticky.  Coat with flour, return to the bowl for 30 minutes.

Let Rise for 30 minutes.  Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or non stick foil.

Place dough on a lightly oiled counter top.  In a large, flat bowl, combine water and baking soda.  Divide the dough into 8 pieces.

Roll into a long rope.

Shape into a pretzel.

Dip each pretzel into water/soda mix and place on a greased baking sheet.  Sprinkle with salt** and let rest for 10 minutes.

Bake for 9 to 10 minutes until golden brown.  Brush with melted butter as soon as you remove them from the oven.

**If you do not have salt, you may omit.  Brush with salted butter when removed from the oven.