Soft Pretzels

By mrshermes2002

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup low-fat or whole milk (do not use fat-free milk)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 3 cups hot water
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon water
• Coarse salt* (optional)

Details

Adapted from bhg.com

Preparation

Step 1

In a small saucepan heat and stir milk, the 1/4 cup water, and sugar over low heat until warm (110 degrees F to 115 degrees F). Pour into the large bowl of an electric mixer that has a dough hook. Sprinkle with yeast; let stand about 5 minutes or until foamy. Add 2 1/3 cups of the flour, the butter, and the 1 1/4 teaspoons salt. Using the hook attachment, beat on low speed for 2 to 3 minutes or until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat on medium-low speed for 8 to 10 minutes or until a soft dough forms. (The dough should pull away from sides of bowl but still be slightly sticky. If it is too sticky, beat in the additional flour.)

Turn dough out onto a clean, dry work surface. Knead a few times, then shape dough into a ball. Place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease surface of dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place until double in size (about 1 hour).

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet; set aside.
Punch dough down. Turn out onto a clean, dry work surface. Divide dough into eight portions. Roll and stretch each portion into a 30-inch rope. If the dough seems tight and does not want to stretch, cover and let rest about 10 minutes or until it relaxes.

To shape each pretzel, hold one end of a rope in each hand and form a U-shape. Cross the ends over each other twice. Then lift the ends across to the bottom of the U-shape; press to seal.

In a deep dish or pot slightly larger than each pretzel stir together the 3 cups hot water and the baking soda. Using a slotted spoon, lower pretzels, one at a time, into baking soda mixture for 10 seconds. Remove pretzels and place on paper towels to blot the bottoms dry. Arrange 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

In a small bowl combine egg yolk and the 1 tablespoon water. Brush pretzels with egg yolk mixture. If desired, sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cool slightly on a wire rack; serve warm.