Classic Chewy Soft Pretzels

1. Dough Assembly

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the bread flour, yeast, and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt with a whisk. Secure the bowl onto the mixer and fit it with the dough hook attachment.

2. Liquid Mixture

In a 4-cup liquid measuring cup, blend the vegetable oil, brown sugar, and ¾ cup of water until the sugar is fully dissolved.

3. Mixing

Begin the mixer on a low setting and gradually add the liquid mixture. Mix until all the flour is incorporated, roughly 2 minutes. Increase to medium speed and knead for 8 minutes. Pause the mixer.

4. Hand Kneading

Shift the dough to a clean countertop and knead manually for 30 seconds, shaping it into a smooth ball.

5. Rising

Lightly grease a large bowl with vegetable oil spray. Place the dough inside and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise until it doubles in size, which should take between 1 to 1.5 hours.

6. Oven Preparation

As the dough rises, position an oven rack in the middle and preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Prep a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, place a cooling rack on top, and grease well with vegetable oil spray.

7. Baking Soda Solution

Mix the baking soda with the ½ cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until the solution is clear, about 1-2 minutes. Stir well to ensure the baking soda has fully dissolved and set aside to cool.

8. Shaping

Once the dough has risen, place it on a clean surface. Gently press and stretch the dough into a 6-inch square, removing any large air pockets. Cut the dough into 6 equal strips, each 1-inch wide, and keep them covered.

9. Forming Pretzels

Take one strip of dough, rolling and stretching it into a 22-inch rope. Shape it into a pretzel and place it on the greased cooling rack. Repeat with the remaining strips, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart.

10. Coating

Brush each pretzel thoroughly with the baking soda water mixture for even browning, then sprinkle with pretzel salt.

11. Baking

Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven until they achieve a deep golden brown color, about 10-12 minutes.

12. Cooling

Remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.

13. Buttering

Melt the butter and brush each pretzel with it generously. Serve the pretzels warm and enjoy.