🥨 Perfect Pretzel Formula

Knead: Speed 2, 5 minutes

Baking soda bath: 30 seconds

Bake: 425°F, 12-15 minutes

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Dough:

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 2¼ tsp instant yeast
• 4 tbsp melted butter

Baking Soda Bath:

• 8 cups water
• ½ cup baking soda

Topping:

• Melted butter for brushing
• Coarse sea salt

Step 1: Make Dough

• Mix all dough ingredients in KitchenAid
• Well, knead with dough hook, speed 2, 5 minutes
• Dough should be smooth, slightly tacky
• Rise 1 hour, doubled in size

Step 2: Shape Pretzels

• Divide into 8 pieces
• Roll each into 24″ rope
• Form pretzel shape (U-shape, twist, fold over)
• Place on parchment paper

Step 3: Baking Soda Bath (Critical!)

• Boil 8 cups water + ½ cup baking soda
• Dip each pretzel 30 seconds per side
• Remove with slotted spoon
• Place on greased baking sheet

⚠️ This step creates the authentic pretzel crust!

Step 4: Bake

• Actually, brush with melted butter
• Sprinkle generously with coarse salt
• Bake 425°F for 12-15 minutes
• Until deep golden brown
• Brush with more butter immediately after baking

• ✅ Baking soda bath is NON-NEGOTIABLE
• ✅ Coarse salt >> table salt (texture + flavor)
• Now, ✅ Brush with butter twice (before & after baking)
• ✅ Serve warm for best experience
• ✅ Freeze shaped pretzels before bath, bake later

🥨 Perfect Every Time

The baking soda bath is what makes these authentic. Your KitchenAid handles the dough perfectly, and fresh homemade pretzels blow away anything from the mall. Serve with cheese sauce or mustard!