Oven Baked Soft Pretzel

Instructions

1. In a stand mixer, combine water, sugar, salt, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes or until foamy.
2. Add 2 cups flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix on low with a dough hook. Gradually add more until the dough is combined.
3. Knead the dough with a dough hook in the mixer until the dough is smooth, about 5 minutes or knead by hand on the counter for 10 minutes.
4. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and set in a warm place to rise for 60 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 450°F and line baking pans with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil.
6. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a 24-inch rope. Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a "U" shape and crossing the two ends over each other, then folding them down to the bottom of the "U". Repeat with the remaining dough.
7. Gently place the pretzels on a large spatula and lower them into the boiling water. Boil for 10-15 seconds, then gently lift them out of the water and let excess drip off. Place the pretzels on the prepared baking pans, leaving at least 2-inches between them.
8. Brush the pretzels with the egg wash, then sprinkle with kosher salt (or toppings as desired).
9. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the pretzels are golden.