Soft Pretzels

Steps

1. 1

   Combine the active dry yeast, warm water, and sugar in a mixing bowl and stir well. Leave for a few minutes until the yeast blooms and looks foamy; the creator says the water was about 121°F (49 °C) before cooling slightly.

2. 2

   Add the vegetable oil, flour, and salt. Mix until incorporated, then knead with a mixer for 8–10 minutes. The dough should be soft and supple; if it seems stiff or dry, add a little more water. The creator added about 1 tablespoon during mixing.

   Start 10-minute timer
3. 3

   Turn the dough out and shape it into a ball. Spray a bowl so the dough will not stick, place the dough inside, and spray the top.

4. 4

   Set the dough aside to rise for about 1 to 1½ hours.

5. 5

   Combine 8 cups water and the baking soda in a pan and stir. Cover and bring the soda bath to a boil.

6. 6

   Divide the risen dough into 8–12 pieces, depending on the desired pretzel size. For eight pretzels, the creator cut the dough in half, divided each half into four, then divided those portions in half again.

7. 7

   Roll each piece into a rope, twist it twice, bring the ends over, and pinch them to the bottom to form a pretzel. Set the shaped pretzels on a tray lined with paper and leave them there until the soda bath is ready.

8. 8

   Preheat the oven to 450°F (230 °C) while preparing to boil the pretzels.

9. 9

   Working in batches, drop the pretzels into the boiling soda bath. Boil for about 30–45 seconds per side, flipping once, then lift them out and return them to the tray.

   Start 45-second timer
10. 10

    Whisk the egg with about 1 tablespoon water to make a light egg wash. Brush a thin layer over the boiled pretzels.

11. 11

    Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning. The description lists kosher salt as a topping, and the video also mentions sesame seeds as an alternative or additional topping.

12. 12

    Bake at 450°F (230 °C) for about 8 minutes, until the pretzels are baked and golden.

    Start 8-minute timer
13. 13

    When the pretzels come out of the oven, optionally brush the tops with garlic butter. Let them cool, then serve; the creator suggests dipping them in mustard.