For the dough
3 cups flour
1 tablespoons yeast
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon molasses
1 1/2 cup warm water
pinch of salt
3 tablespoons melted butter
4 cup baking soda
8 cups water
Optional: coarse salt, seasame seeds, poppy seeds, cinnamon/sugar
More options: melted cheese, guacamole, salsa, or cream cheese frosting
Directions
Mix flour, yeast, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon molasses, pinch of salt, and warm water together. If the dough sticks to your fingers, add a bit more flour until the dough is sticky, but doesn’t stick to your finger. Should feel like a squishy ball. Let rise in a warm area until double in size. About 30-45 minutes.
Once the dough has risen, dump it out onto a clean counter or table. Cut the dough into about 12-16 dough balls. Roll each of the dough balls into a snake-like rope. You can either cut the dough rope into bite-size pieces, or you can twist it into a pretzel shape. Let set for about 10/15 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Some recipes recommend 425 or 500 degrees. I always find 425/500 degrees too hot unless we used the smoker.
Heat the 8 cups of water in a large pot until a simmering boil and whisk in the baking soda until dissolved. The baking soda is what gives pretzels their flavor.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (you don’t have to do this step, but it will save you scrubbing when it comes time to do the dishes). Boil the pretzels for about 40 seconds on both sides; this gives the chewy texture our family prefers. Use a slotted spatula or tongues and put the pretzels on the lined baking sheet.
Brush pretzels with butter and then add the coarse salt, seasame seeds, or whatever you prefer to put on them. Bake pretzels for about 15/20 minutes or until golden brown.
We enjoy the pretzels warm with melted cheese. But never be afraid to experiment!
Love always,
Mom