Just As Good, Mall Pretzel Recipe

These pretzels are a real crowd pleaser.  My husband and kids love them!  They are a little more work than going to the mall, but definitely worth the effort.  They are best when served fresh, right out of the oven.

Ingredients
1 cup warm water
1 package dry active yeast
1 1/2 cups flour
2 tbs. vegetable oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbs. brown sugar
1 1/4 cup flour

4 cups warm water
2 tbs. baking soda

2 tbs. coarse salt
2 tablespoons melted butter

Directions
  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let stand for 5 minutes.  Add vegetable oil, brown sugar, salt and 1 1/2 cups flour.  Mix well.  Add remaining flour and knead the dough until smooth.  Cover the dough ball and allow the dough to rise for 1 hour.
  After dough has risen, divide the dough into 6 equal strips and form into ropes.  Shape dough into pretzel shapes.

 Roll

Twist Once

 Twist Twice

 Done

Prepare a solution of 4 cups warm water and 2 tablespoons baking soda in a bowl.  With a slotted spoon, dip the pretzels into the baking soda solution before placing them on a greased pan.  Be sure to fully submerge the shaped pretzels into the baking soda solution and to frequently stir the solution between dips.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

While pretzels are still warm, brush with melted butter and top with coarse salt.  You may substitute cinnamon sugar for the coarse salt if you wish.  Enjoy!!


Recipe adapted from:  http://www.food.com/