Soft, golden pretzel rings sprinkled with coarse salt, ideal for festive gatherings and special moments.
# What You Need:
→ Dough
01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
03 - 1 teaspoon sugar
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
05 - 1 tablespoon softened butter
06 - 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
→ Lye Bath
07 - 4 cups water
08 - 3 tablespoons baking soda
→ Topping
09 - 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt
# How-To Steps:
01 - Dissolve yeast and sugar in lukewarm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Combine flour, salt, and softened butter with the yeast mixture until a dough forms.
03 - Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
05 - Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
06 - Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, roll each into a 16-inch rope, and form into rings, sealing the ends.
07 - Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan and carefully add baking soda to create the bath.
08 - Dip each pretzel ring into the simmering bath for 30 seconds using a slotted spoon, then transfer to the baking sheet.
09 - Sprinkle coarse sea salt generously over each pretzel ring.
10 - Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until deep golden brown.
11 - Allow pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
