Homemade Pretzels

For mutual yesterday, we made homemade pretzels.  I made them ahead of time, just to make sure they turned out.  And boy, did they! They were delicious!  And so easy! Which is even better.  Enjoy!

Homemade Soft Pretzels
Recipe by: Life Made Simple

2 c. all-purpose flour

2 tsp. sugar

¾ c. warm water

1 tsp. active dry yeast

¼ tsp. salt

1 egg, lightly beaten- combined with...

1 tbsp. melted butter (barely warm)

1 tbsp. coarse sea salt OR 2 tbsp. sugar combined with 1 tsp. cinnamon, to sprinkle on top

Preheat oven to 425 degrees, line one baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat, set aside.  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add warm water. Sprinkle yeast and allow to dissolve for 2-3 minutes. Add sugar and mix for 15 seconds. With mixing speed on low add salt, then flour a half cup at a time. When all of the flour is gone, switch to the dough hook attachment (or place dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 4 minutes), mix on low for 4 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic.  Divide dough into 4-6 equal size pieces (or more if you want smaller pretzels). Roll each ball into a long rope, about 18-22 inches in length. Take the ends of the "rope" and bring together to form a circle. Twist the ends together once and bring down to the bottom of the circle. Press ends into the dough so that they will stick. Place onto prepared baking sheets.  Using a pastry brush, coat each pretzel with egg/butter wash. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt (or cinnamon sugar). Place sheet of pretzels into oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, turning half way through for even baking. Remove from oven and allow to cool on pan for 5 minutes before serving.