Easy Soft Pretzels

Preparation

1. 1. Step 1

   2. Step 2

      If using store-bought dough, unwrap and place it in a bowl and let come to room temperature (30 to 60 minutes).

   3. Step 3

      Heat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

   4. Step 4

      In a large pot, combine 6 cups of water with the baking soda and molasses. Bring to a boil, stirring once or twice, then reduce heat to medium so it simmers.

   5. Step 5

      Meanwhile, cut the dough into 6 equal pieces. If the dough feels sticky, very lightly flour a work surface. Working with one piece of dough at a time, use your hands to twist and roll it into a 20-inch-long rope with tapered ends. (If the dough retracts when handling it, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing to roll it out.) Fold the rope in half on the work surface, forming a “U” shape.

   6. Step 6

      Cross the ropes together at the midpoint of the ropes.

   7. Step 7

      Twist the ropes together twice at the midpoint of the ropes.

   8. Step 8

      Bring the ends of the ropes down over the “U” to form a pretzel shape. Press the ends of the pretzel down to hold them in place.

   9. Step 9

      Spread a clean dishtowel on your work surface. Working in batches, use a skimmer or big slotted spoon to add 1 to 3 pretzels to the pot (give them plenty of room) and let cook for 30 seconds per side (they will rise to the surface and float). Transfer to the dishtowel to drain while you form more pretzels. Lightly pat the dough with a towel to dab off some of the foamy water. If the pretzels became misshapen in the water, you can adjust them at this point. Repeat with remaining pretzels.

   10. Step 10

       Transfer pretzels to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with egg-white mixture and sprinkle lightly with salt.

   11. Step 11

       Bake for 12 to 17 minutes, until deeply golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature, with mustard or beer cheese, if you like.