Soft pretzels are a popular snack that you can easily make at home. In just 12 simple steps, you will have delicious, warm pretzels to munch on. Follow these instructions and treat yourself to a tasty treat!

1. Gather your ingredients:

– 1 ½ cups warm water

– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

– 2 teaspoons kosher salt

– 1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)

– 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

– Vegetable oil, for greasing the bowl

– 10 cups water

– ⅔ cup baking soda

– 1 large egg yolk mixed with a tablespoon of water, for brushing the pretzels

– Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

2. In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and kosher salt. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for approximately five minutes, or until it starts to foam.

3. In a larger mixing bowl or stand mixer with dough hook attachment, add the flour and melted butter. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix slowly until combined.

4. Increase the speed of your mixer to medium-high and knead the dough for about four to five minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.

5. Grease a large mixing bowl lightly with vegetable oil. Form the dough into a ball and place it in the greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let rest in a warm spot for one hour or until doubled in size.

6. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) while preparing two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface, punch it down gently, and divide it into twelve equal pieces.

8. Roll each piece of dough into a 20-24 inch long rope, taking care to keep it a consistent thickness along the entire length.

9. To form the pretzel shape, hold each end of the rope and cross them over each other to create a circle at the top. Fold the ends back onto themselves and press them gently against the sides of the circle, forming a classic pretzel shape.

10. In a large pot over high heat, bring ten cups of water and baking soda to a rolling boil. Carefully drop in each pretzel, one by one, into the boiling solution for 30 seconds before removing with a slotted spoon or spatula. Place them onto lined baking sheets.

11. Brush each pretzel with egg yolk and water mixture, then sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.

12. Bake in preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Allow your freshly baked soft pretzels to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before moving them to wire racks or plates to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade soft pretzels with cheese sauce, mustard, or just on their own! Happy snacking!