Simple as 1-2-3: Homemade PRETZELS!!

So I have been wanting to make these for a while and finally decided that it is time to do so!!! =) They were so good and so easy to make!!
Cooking Level: Intermediate
Prep Time:
2 Hrs
Cook Time:
10 Min
Ready In:
2 Hrs 20 Min
Original Recipe Yield 1 dozen
Ingredients

4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 1/4 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
5 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup baking soda
4 cups hot water
1/4 cup kosher salt, for topping

Directions

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center; add the oil and yeast mixture.

Mix and form into a dough. If the mixture is dry, add one or two tablespoons of water. Knead the dough until smooth, about 7 to 8 minutes.

TIP: I used my kitchen aid which came with a kneading tool. Do not put the kitchen aid any higher then level 2!

Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Watch grow!!

3. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). In a large bowl, dissolve baking soda in hot water. Place flour on counter…

4. When risen, turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and twist into a pretzel shape. Once all of the dough is all shaped, dip each pretzel into the baking soda solution and place on a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with kosher salt.