Soft Pretzels

I found this recipe when I was trying to find a quick way to make homemade soft pretzels. These pretzels are delicious (and very quick)! This is the link to the original recipe: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2012/12/25/30-minute-whole-wheat-pretzels/

Ingredients: 

1 1/2 cups warm water

1 Tbsp yeast (or a small packet)

1 tsp salt

1 Tbsp sugar

4 cups flour

1/2 cup baking soda

1 egg

pretzel salt

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Add the salt and sugar. With a wooden spoon, stir in flour, one cup at a time. 

Using the hook attachment, knead the dough for about 4 minutes. 

Break the dough up into six equal portions. (You could make them smaller or larger depending on your preference. I found that 6 was a pretty good number.)

Line a pan with parchment paper. Roll each dough section out and shape into the pretzel. 

(To shape: roll out into a long rope. Pull the ends together like you are making a circle. Twist the ends together and pull toward you, shaping the pretzel.) 

Meanwhile, boil 9 cups of water and 1/2 cup baking soda. Using a slotted spoon, drop a pretzel into the boiling water. Cook for about 20 seconds (it will float). Drain excess water and place on the parchment paper lined baking sheet. Do the same for the other 5 pretzels. 

Beat an egg in a bowl. Brush the pretzel (both sides) with the egg wash and sprinkle salt on top. (For a couple of them, I put pepperoni and some mozzarella cheese on top.) Bake for 10 minutes at 425 degrees. Then, turn the oven to broil and keep in there for about 5 minutes. Make sure they don't brown too much.