Auntie Anne's Pretzel Dog (Copycat Recipe)

This delightful recipe recreates the classic Auntie Anne's Pretzel Dog, featuring a savory hot dog wrapped in a soft, buttery pretzel dough. The combination of the warm, chewy pretzel crust and the juicy hot dog creates a satisfying snack or meal that is perfect for any occasion. It's a fun and easy recipe that stays true to traditional cooking methods, ensuring a delicious treat for everyone.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup baking soda
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 8 hot dogs
• Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
6. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 12-14 inches long. Wrap each rope around a hot dog, ensuring it is fully covered.
7. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Carefully drop each wrapped hot dog into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove and place on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Brush each pretzel dog with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter before serving.