Pretzel Hotdog Buns

Ingredients:

1-1/4 cup water ~ lukewarm (bet 110-115 deg F or 45 deg C)

1 tbsp granulated sugar

2 tsp salt

2-1/4 tsp instant dry yeast

4 cup (544g) all-purpose flour

2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter ~ melted and cooled

8 cups of water

1/2 cup baking soda

1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water

Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt (Optional)

Directions/Instructions:

1. Place the lukewarm water in the bowl of a stand mixer/bread machine.  Add the sugar and 2 tsp of salt and whisk to combine.  Sprinkle the yeast over the water mixture evenly and let stand 5-10 mins until foamy.
2. Fit the mixer with the dough hook, then add the flour and melted butter to the water mixture, stirring by hand with a rubber scraper until most of the flour is incorporated.  Turn the mixer on low and mix until just combined, then increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for about 5 mins or until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.  Turn out the dough into a bowl greased with canola oil and cover.  Place in a warm spot and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Preheat the oven to 450 deg F / 230 deg C and lightly oil parchment paper for baking sheets and set aside.
4. Turn the dough out onto a counter (Do not sprinkle flour on the surface) and gently deflate.  Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and cover; let it rest for 10 mins.  Roll each of the 8 portions into 5-inch long logs and place them on the prepared baking sheets and cover.  Let it rest for another 30 mins.
5. Place the water in an 8-quart pot and bring to a boil.  Add baking soda (Be careful.  It will fizz up).  Reduce the heat slightly and add the pretzels dough, only a few at a time and boil for 30 seconds per side.  Remove from the water with a slotted spoon or spatula and place back on the baking sheets.  Repeat with the remaining pretzels.  
6. Brush each pretzel lightly with egg wash and cut 3 diagonal slits with a serrated knife in each one.  Be careful not to cut down more than 1/4".  Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
7. Bake in the middle and upper third of the oven for 10-13 mins rotating the pans halfway through the baking time.  When the pretzels are a deep brown color, remove them from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
8. Slice the buns and serve with your favorite hotdogs.  Enjoy!