Papa Drexler's Bavarian Pretzels

1 . Stage

Gather all ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

2 . Stage

Whisk 1 cup flour, yeast, and sugar together in a bowl. Stir in water and softened butter until well combined. Let stand until bubbles begin to form, about 15 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

3 . Stage

Stir salt into yeast mixture, then gradually stir in 2 1/2 cups flour until dough can be picked up in a ball. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

4 . Stage

Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes, adding more flour if needed. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

5 . Stage

Divide dough into 6 pieces and let rest for a few minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

6 . Stage

Roll one piece into a 15-inch rope, then loop and twist rope into a pretzel shape. Place onto a baking sheet and form remaining pretzels. Cover and let rise for 15 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

7 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.

8 . Stage

Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a pot. Stir in baking soda and remove from the heat. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

9 . Stage

Dip pretzels into the water bath for about 45 seconds, flipping over about halfway through. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

10 . Stage

Transfer soaked pretzels to the prepared baking sheet; brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

11 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios