Soft Pretzels Recipe

How to make it

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• Heat milk in small saucepan over low heat until temperature reaches 120 F to 130 F.
• Combine 3 cups flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder and garlic salt in large bowl. Add milk and butter. Beat vigorously 2 minutes. Add remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until dough begins to pull away from sides of bowl.
• Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface; flatten slightly. Knead 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic, adding flour if necessary to prevent sticking.
• Shape dough into ball. Place in large lightly oiled bowl; turn dough over once to oil surface. Cover with towel; let rise in warm place for about 30 minutes.
• Divide dough into 18 equal pieces. Roll each piece into 22-inch-long rope on lightly oiled surface. Form the rope into a "U" shape. About 2 inches from each end, cross the dough. Crose a second time. Fold the loose ends up to the rounded part of he "U"; press the ends to seal. Turn the pretzels over so that the ends are on the underside and reshape if necessary. Cover with towel; let rest 20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400 F. Fill a large Dutch oven 3/4 full with water. Bring to boil over high heat. Add baking soda to water. Carefully drop pretzels, 3 at a time, into boiling water for 10 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon. Place on parchment-lined or well-greased baking sheets. Sprinkle with coarse salt, sesame seeds, poppy seeds or cinnamon & sugar mixture.
• Bake 15 minutes or until golden brown. Place on wire rack to cool.