Easy to make, and really delicious. Just the right amount of salty deliciousness that you want in a soft pretzel, these pretzel dogs are a fun and delicious snack for everyone!
The first time I ever made pretzels was pretty terrible. We had planned an activity for church and the girl that was supposed to make them had a last minute change of plans. It was an "Octoberfest" themed activity with root beer and pretzels. She called me as I was walking home (I didn't have a car at the time) from getting 2 root canals done to let me know that she had changed her mind. She said she needed time for self care and wouldn't be coming to the activity. This was at 3 in the afternoon. The activity was at 6 pm. I was soooo stressed. My mouth was hurting, and I was suddenly tasked with making pretzels for 36 people. I changed my route, stopped at the store, and headed home to start making pretzels.
Thankfully my roommate helped make the dough, everything got made, people seemed to like the pretzels, and my mouth healed. And eventually I made pretzels again, was actually able to try them, and really enjoyed them. So easy to make, and really delicious. Just the right amount of salty deliciousness that you want in a soft pretzel.
My roommate introduced me to pretzel dogs at the mall a couple of years ago and it was a delightful experience. We decided to try making them at home and they were so yummy! They were just as good as the one at the mall, if not better. Using this pretzel recipe, it was pretty simple. Make the dough in the mixer, let it rise, wrap the mini hot dogs, boil, salt and bake! Oh, and eat! Can't forget that!
1 1/2 cups warm water (around 110 degrees)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 1/4 teaspoons dry active yeast
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
14 ounces mini hot dogs (we used Hillshire Farm Lit'l Smokies)
10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp. water
kosher salt
Add water, sugar, salt and yeast to the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Mix on low to dissolve everything in the water. Add the flour and melted butter and mix until the dough just starts to come together. Remove the paddle attachment and switch to the dough hook. Knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and is completely incorporated. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a tea towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size. This should take about an hour.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 450° F. Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Take a about an inch of dough and wrap it around one of the hotdogs. I like to try to cover it completely, but it's totally fine if you only cover part of it. Repeat with the rest of the mini hot dogs.
Place 5 or 6 of the pretzel dogs into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove from the water. letting excess water drain. Place on prepared baking sheet. Once all the pretzels have been boiled, brush the tops with the egg wash. Sprinkle lightly with salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes or dark golden brown. Cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
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