Fleischmann's Pretzel Bread Recipe

Fleischmann’s Pretzel Bread Recipe
Makes: 2 (7-inch) loaves or 8 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Proof Time: 60 minutes
Cook Time: per loaf, 2 minutes
Bake Time: 25 to 27 minutes

Pretzel bread can be shaped as rolls to make the tasty muffuletta sandwich pictured above. Recipe follows below.

Dough:
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter OR margarine
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 envelope Fleischmann’s® RapidRise Yeast
2 teaspoons salt
3 to 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Boiling Solution:
3 quarts water
3/4 cup baking soda (add baking soda "before" water is boiling)

Egg Wash:
1 egg
1 teaspoon water

Directions
Heat milk and butter until warm (100° to 110°F); the butter will not completely melt. Combine with undissolved yeast and brown sugar in a large mixer bowl. Stir in salt and 2 cups flour; beat for 3 minutes. Gradually add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Combine boiling solution and bring to a boil. Punch dough down and divide into 2 equal pieces. Form each piece into a tight, smooth ball. Boil each loaf in the solution for 2 minutes, turning after 1 minute. Remove loaves from pot using a slotted spoon and place on a greased baking sheet.

Brush with egg wash and cut a cross in the top. Bake for 15 minutes then reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake an additional 10 to 12 minutes until the loaves are evenly browned. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack.

Variations:
Rolls: Divide dough into 8 pieces and roll each into a ball. Use same procedure as listed above. Boil, egg wash, score top and bake for the same amount of time.

Chocolate Rolls: Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a disk, place ½-ounce of chocolate in the center of the disk then fold up the edges to seal the chocolate in the roll. Continue with same process for rolls.