Pretzel Rolls

The Boy is a huge fan of soft pretzels, so it wasn’t difficult to talk him into making pretzel rolls with me. These rolls are delicious on their own, and they make fabulous burger buns! You can freeze the leftovers (if there are any leftover) by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap, them placing them in a gallon freezer bag or an airtight container.

• 1 cup warm water (105-110º)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 quarts water
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 – 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

1. Combine water, brown sugar, and yeast in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the dough hook. Let stand until foamy for 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Add 4 tablespoons of melted butter and milk to the yeast mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.
3. Add the flour and salt until well combined. Knead in the mixer until dough pulls away from the sides and forms into a firm ball.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp tea towel and let it rise for an hour until it doubles in size.
5. Preheat oven to 400º. Grease a large baking sheet – don’t use parchment paper.
6. Boil 4 quarts of water, slowly add the baking soda. Divide dough into eight pieces.
7. Boil each dough ball for 30 seconds on each side, remove from the water, place on the baking sheet, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
8. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through. Brush the rolls with the melted butter.