Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels

Step 1 -Whisk the yeast into the warm water.

Step 2 -Allow the mixture to sit for 1 minute.

Step 3 -Whisk in the salt, brown sugar, and melted butter.

Step 4 -Slowly add 3 cups of the flour, 1 cup at a time.

Step 5 -Mix the mixture with a wooden spoon or dough hook attached to a stand mixer until the dough is thick.

Step 6 -Add 3/4 cup of the flour until the dough is no longer sticky. If it is still sticky, add 1/4 – 1/2 cup more, as needed. Poke the dough with your finger – if it bounces back, it is ready to knead.

Step 7 -Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.

Step 8 -Knead the dough for 3 minutes and shape it into a ball.

Step 9 -Cover the ball lightly with a towel and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.

Step 10 -Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 11 -Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. If using parchment paper, lightly spray it with nonstick spray or grease with butter. Set aside.

Step 12 -With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 1/3 cup sections.

Step 13 -Roll the dough into a 20-22 inch rope.

Step 14 -Take the ends and draw them together so the dough forms a circle. Twist the ends, then bring them towards yourself, pressing them down into a pretzel shape.

Step 15 -Bring the baking soda and 9 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.

Step 16 -Drop 1-2 pretzels at a time into the boiling water for 20-30 seconds. Any more than that and your pretzels will have a metallic taste. Using a slotted spatula, lift the pretzel out of the water and allow as much of the excess water to drip off.

Step 17 -Place the pretzels onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 18 -Sprinkle each with coarse sea salt.

Step 19 -Bake until golden brown, about 12-15 minutes.

Step 20 -Remove the pretzels from the oven and serve warm.