Heart Shaped Soft Pretzels
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 package yeast
2 1/4 cups flour
3/4 cups warm water
2 Tbsp. butter, melted
8 cups water
1/4 cup baking soda
2 egg yolks with 1 Tbsp. Water
coarse salt
cinnamon sugar (4 Tbsp. sugar, 1 Tbsp. cinnamon)
Directions:
Prepare two cookie sheets fit with parchment paper. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fit with the whisk attachment, whisk together the sugar, salt, 1/2 packet of yeast (I eyeballed half of a 1/4 ounce packet).
Once these ingredients have been mixed, switch to the paddle attachment and add the 3/4 cups of warm water and butter.
Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Increase the speed to medium. Allow this to mix on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes or until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
Remove the dough from the mixer and transfer to a lightly olive oil coated bowl. Place a damp rag on top of the bowl and allow the dough to double in size and sit for 1 hour.
After 1 hour, place the 8 cups of water and baking soda in a large pot. Bring this to a boil. This is what's called a baking soda bath. It helps give pretzels that chewy crust on the outside!
Place the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and divide into 8 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a long 15" - 20" strip.
Take the two ends of the strip and twist them twice. Use the video above to help guide you.
Work with the circular shape with the two ends twisted a bit to help form the heart shape.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Place 2-4 hearts in the boiling water at a time for 30 seconds each then place on to the prepared cookie sheet.
Whisk together the two egg yolks and water in a small dish then brush onto each pretzel. Sprinkle on either the cinnamon sugar mixture or salt to each pretzel then bake for 10-12 minutes or until dark golden brown.
Let cool or enjoy warm.
Have fun and enjoy!