Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels!

I mean... come on! Fluffy, buttery, and flavorful pretzels delicious for any occasion! My favorite occasion for homemade pretzels? Super bowl Sunday.

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Description

This pretzels have 3 components.

1. Dough

2. Baking Soda Bath (optional but highly recommended)

3. Garlic parmesan topping

Prep time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Yields: 8-10 pretzels

Ingredients

Dough

1. 1 1/2 cups of warm water

2. 1 1/2 tablespoons of granulated sugar

3. 2 teaspoons of coarse sea salt

4. 2 1/2 teaspoons of active dry or instant yeast

5. 4 cups of all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)

6. 1/4 cup of unsalted butter (2 oz)

Baking Soda Bath

1. 9 cups of water

2. 1/2 cup of baking soda

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

1. 1 cup granulated sugar

2. 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the water and yeast using a stand mixer with an attached dough hook. Allow this mixture to sit for 2 minutes.

2. Mix in the salt, sugar, and butter. Gradually add in the flour. If the dough is sticky, continue adding flour one tablespoon at a time.

3. Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 3-4 minutes. Shape into a ball and place into an oiled bowl. Cover with a towel and let it rise for 1 hour.

4. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and prepare baking pans with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper with non-stick spray or butter.

5. To make the baking soda bath, add the water and baking soda to a large pot. Bring it to boil.

6. Divide the dough into 8-10 balls. To form the pretzel shape, roll each ball into a rope. Form the rope into a "U" shape. Cross the 2 ends over each other and fold down to the bottom of the "U" shape.

7. Place the pretzels on a spatula, one at a time, and gently lower into the boiling water for 10-15 seconds. Do not leave the pretzels in the boiling water for too long or your pretzels will have a metallic flavor. Lift the pretzels out of the water using the spatula and place onto the prepared pans. Keep 2-3 inches between each pretzel.

8. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.

9. While the pretzels are baking, mix your sugar and cinnamon for your topping.

10. After you remove the pretzels from the oven, brush 5 tablespoon's of melted salted butter over them, while they are still warm.

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Notes

1. Baking Soda Bath: This gives the pretzels a chewier texture and its distinctive soft pretzel flavor. If you want to skip this step, simply use the egg wash.