Soft Pretzels

Ingredients

• 480 gFlour
• 3 tspSalt
• 1 tbspSugar
• 7 gYeast
• 360 mlWater
• 1 pcsEgg

Instructions

1. 1

   Make the yeast dough

   • Dissolve the yeast in warm water (about 35–40 °C) and let sit 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
   • Add salt and sugar to the water and stir briefly.
   • Gradually add the flour and mix until combined.
   • Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • Form into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place about 45–60 minutes until doubled.
2. 2

   Shape the pretzels

   • Divide the risen dough into 8 equal pieces.
   • Roll each piece into a rope about 45 cm long.
   • To form a traditional pretzel, make a loop in the middle, cross the ends, twist 180° at the crossing, and fold the ends toward the center so they overlap slightly.
3. 3

   Brush and bake

   • Preheat the oven to 220 °C (425 °F).
   • Place pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
   • Brush with egg white (or beaten whole egg) for shine.
   • Sprinkle coarse salt to taste.
   • Bake 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
   • Cool briefly on a rack and serve warm.