Soft Pretzels

By luvmybuttonsnbows

Prep time: 35 min.
Makes 12

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 1 c. warm water
• 2 1/2 to 3 c. flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. salad oil
• 1 egg white, beaten with 1 tsp. each salt and water
• caraway seeds or coarse salt

Preparation

Step 1

Dissolve yeast and sugar in water, let stand about 10 minutes. Add 2 cups of the flour, salt and oil; beat until smooth. Gradually stir in more flour (about 1/2 cup) to make a soft dough. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, adding more flour (up to 1/2 c., if necessary to prevent dough from being too sticky. Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover; let rise in a warm place until doubled, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Punch dough down, divide into 12 equal balls. Roll each out with palms of hands, on floured surface, to form an 18-in. long rope. Twist into pretzel shapes, tucking ends under. Place on greased baking sheets. Let rise, uncovered, until puffy, 20 to 25 minutes. Brush pretzels lightly with egg white mixture; sprinkle with caraway seeds or coarse salt. Bake at 425° until well browned, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool slightly on wire racks, then serve warm.