How to Make Soft Pretzels at Home

Ingredients

• 4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 1 1/4 cup warm water
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 4 cups hot water
• 1/4 cup kosher salt, cinnamon & sugar, or other topping

Prepare yeast.

In a small bowl, combine yeast, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 1/4 cup warm water. Let sit 10 minutes or until creamy.

Combine dry ingredients.

Mix together flour, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1 1/2 tsp salt.

Knead dough.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add yeast mixture and oil. Knead dough until smooth - about 7-8 minutes.

Let dough rise.

Place the ball of dough in an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise about an hour, or until doubled in size.

Shape pretzels.

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, roll into a rope, and shape into a pretzel shape.

Add topping.

Mix baking soda and 4 cups hot water. Dip each pretzel in the baking soda and then in the topping of choice. Place on a greased baking sheet.

Bake.

Bake in a 450 degree oven 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.

Eat!