Copycat Auntie Anne's Soft Pretzels

Steps

1. 1

   In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 to 4.5 cups of bread flour, 2.25 teaspoons of fast-rising yeast, 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar, and 1.5 teaspoons of salt. Stir to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. 2

   Add 1/4 cup of oil and 1.5 cups of warm water to the flour mixture. Start stirring in the bowl until a shaggy dough forms.

3. 3

   Turn the dough out onto a clean surface. Gather it together and knead the dry flour into the dough. Do not add more liquid; continue kneading until the dough is mostly smooth.

4. 4

   Lightly spray the mixing bowl with oil. Place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.

   Start 1-hour timer
5. 5

   Preheat your oven to 450°F (230 °C) (230°C (450 °F)). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

6. 6

   Turn the proofed dough out onto a clean surface. Do not punch it down to maintain an airy texture. Use a pizza cutter to cut sections of the dough.

7. 7

   Roll a section of dough into a long rope. To shape into a pretzel, set the middle down, cross the ends over each other twice, and press the ends down onto the bottom curve.

8. 8

   Prepare a shallow dish with water and stir in 1/4 cup of baking soda.

9. 9

   Dip both sides of each shaped pretzel into the baking soda water, then place them onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.

10. 10

    Brush the tops of the pretzels with a beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with pretzel salt or coarse sea salt.

11. 11

    Bake in the preheated oven at 450°F (230 °C) for 10 minutes until golden brown.

    Start 10-minute timer
12. 12

    Remove from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter for a classic soft pretzel finish.