Vegan Soft Pretzels

In a large bowl, whisk together flour (4 cups), brown sugar (0.25 cup), instant yeast (1 package), and salt (1.5 tsp). Add in warm water (1.5 cups).

If using a stand mixer, use a dough hook to combine. If mixing by hand, use a spatula until mostly combined. Add more [flour] if the dough is too sticky to form a ball.

Grease the bowl and return the dough ball to it. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.

Let the dough rise for 30-40 minutes in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size. Start 30m timer

While the dough rises, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Grease a large baking tray and set aside. Prepare a drying station with a towel or paper towels. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then carefully pour it into a heat-proof bowl and stir in baking soda (6 tbsp). Let the water cool to a safe, warm temperature (under 112 degrees F).

Once the dough has risen, grease a work surface and turn out the dough.

Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut off an 8 x 1.5 inch piece of dough. Roll it from the middle outwards to form a 36-inch long rope (about 0.5 inch wide).

To shape the pretzels, form a U-shape with the rope, then pull each end down to the middle, overlapping them twice. Press the ends into the bottom of the pretzel to secure. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough, ensuring pretzels do not touch on the sheet.

Holding the pretzel by the secured ends, dip it into the [baking soda] water mixture for 5-10 seconds. Remove and lightly dry on the towel. Place back on the baking sheet. Repeat with all pretzels.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even cooking. Start 8m timer

While pretzels are baking, mix your desired topping ingredients (e.g., [salt flakes], or sugar (0.25 cup) with cinnamon (1 tsp), or vegan parmesan (6 tbsp) with garlic powder (2.5 tsp)) in a bowl large enough for dipping.

Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the pretzels with vegan butter (0.5 cup) and sprinkle with [salt flakes] or dip into your chosen topping mixture.

Serve warm and enjoy the same day for best results. Makes 12 pretzels.