Mix in stand mixer bowl:
1 cup warm water (110-115 degrees)
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Sprinkle with:
1 package or 2 1/4 teaspoons of yeast
Let sit 5 minutes until it gets foamy.
Add:
2 Tablespoons melted butter
2 cups flour
Mix on med-low speed until sticky dough comes together and becomes smooth.
Add 1/4 cup of flour at a time until the dough pulls away from the bowl and is not longer sticky and springs back when touched. This takes about 5 minutes.
Place dough in greased bowl and cover with towel. Put in a warm place to rise for 20 minutes.
Punch dough down a few times and cut into 12 equal pieces using a pizza cutter or bread knife.
Roll into long ropes and twist into pretzel shapes.
Boil 8 cups of water in large pot. Add 3/4 cup baking soda and stir to dissolve.
Place pretzels into boiling soda water and boil 1 to 2 at a time for 45 seconds. Flip pretzels half-way through. Remove from water and let drain on baking rack.
Put pretzels on well-greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
There are lots of options for washes and toppings:
1. Egg wash- 1 egg yolk and 1 Tablespoon water (be generous!)
2. Coarse salt
3. Butter - brush with melted butter before and after baking
4. Garlic and Italian seasoning with EVOO
5. Cinnamon sugar (this is best with butter)
Bake at 450 for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
