Homemade Soft Pretzels
Soft homemade pretzels achieve a signature golden-brown exterior and tender interior by first boiling them in a baking soda solution before baking.
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Instructions
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Start boiling water for the baking soda solution in a large pan; preheat oven to 450 F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a stand mixer bowl; let stand 15 minutes until foamy.
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Stir in olive oil, flour, and salt.
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Knead dough with a dough hook on medium-low speed for 10 minutes, adding small amounts of water if too dry.
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Form dough into a ball, place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about an hour until doubled.
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Once water is boiling, add baking soda to the pan.
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Turn dough onto a floured surface, flatten, and cut into 12 uniform pieces.
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Roll each piece into an 18 to 20 inch rope.
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Form an oval by bringing ends together, then cross one over the other.
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Press ends together at the bottom to form a pretzel. Repeat with all dough and place on lined baking sheets.
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Boil pretzels three at a time for 45 seconds, turning once.
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Remove, drain, and place back on baking sheets. Repeat for remaining pretzels.
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Sprinkle pretzels with coarse salt.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown, rotating pans halfway.
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Cool slightly before serving.