When Little ButterYum and ButterYum Jr. asked if they could make these copycat mall pretzels I agreed.  But just before we were supposed to head into the kitchen, I could feel a killer headache coming on so I let the girls tackle the project all by themselves and they did a great job.  The pretzels turned out a little chubbier than their mall cousins, but I loved that they were heart-shaped.  Seasonally appropriate considering Valentine's Day is just a few days away.

I like the cinnamon sugar version, but the girls liked them with salt. Either way, they're great!

Famous Mall Pretzels

makes 6

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

Yeast Mixture:

• 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water

• 1 1/8 teaspoon active dry yeast

Dough:

• Yeast mixture from above

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1 cup bread flour

• 3 cups all purpose flour

Baking Soda Solution:

• 2 cups lukewarm water

• 2 tablespoons baking soda

Salt Topping:

• 2-4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• pretzel salt or Kosher salt to taste

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 2-4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• pinch of salt

• cinnamon sugar to taste

Directions

1. Make the yeast mixture by sprinkling the yeast over the water; stir to dissolve. Add the brown sugar and salt; stir to dissolve. Add flour; knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 1/2 hour.

2. While the dough is rising, prepare the baking soda solution by combining the warm water and baking soda; stir to combine. Be sure to stir frequently during the next step.

3. After the dough has risen, divide into 6 equal portions. Roll each into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick. Shape into pretzels. Dip into the baking soda solution and place on baking sheet to allow for a 2nd rise. Preheat oven to 450F.

4. After pretzels have doubled in size, bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter and either sprinkle with salt or cinnamon sugar. Enjoy!