Soft Pretzels

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the water, sugar and salt, stir to mix and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until the yeast begins to foam.

Add the flour and 2 tablespoons melted butter and turn the mixer to low. Mix until everything is combined. Turn the speed up to medium and mix for about 5 minutes or until you have a smooth dough.

Brush the bottom and sides of a large bowl with some vegetable oil and put the dough in the oiled bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 450 F. Cover 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and brush some vegetable oil on the parchment paper.

Bring a large pot of water to a simmer and add the baking soda. Bring to a rolling boil.

Once the dough has risen, cut it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and make a U shape, then press the ends of the rope at the bottom of the U shape and pinch the ends. Place your shaped pretzels onto the oiled parchment paper line baking sheets.

Carefully place the pretzels into the boiling water for 30 seconds, adding only two at a time. Then remove from the boiling water and put them back on the oiled parchment paper lined baking sheets. Continue to cook all of them in the same manner. Then brush them all with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle each one with a little kosher salt.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until deeply golden brown.