Step 1

Place water in large mixing bowl.

Step 2

Add molasses to water and mix well.

Step 3

Add yeast to water, stir a little.

Step 4

Let yeast bloom for 5-10 minutes. (It will start to activate and look like its bubbly)

Step 5

Add 1 cup rye flour, 2 1/2 cups AP flour, and salt to bowl with yeast mixture.

Step 6

Mix well.

Step 7

Turn dough onto floured parchment papered surface. (You don't have to use parchment paper I just find it makes it easier to clean up afterwards.)

Step 8

Begin to knead dough adding up to the rest of 1 cup flour remaining.

Step 9

Push dough with the palms of your hand, then fold back over the top.

Step 10

Kneed for about 12-15 minutes.

Step 11

The texture of dough when finished is slightly shiny, but not sticky at all. It stretches easily without ripping apart and is soft and supple.

Step 12

Once your done kneading roll into a ball and set on parchment paper.

Step 13

Brush all sides of a large mixing bowl with the butter.

Step 14

Then place dough ball in the mixing bowl and cover with a towel.

Step 15

Place bowl in warm area. see note**

Step 16

Let dough rise about 1 1/2 hours until ball has doubled in size.

Step 17

Once dough has doubled in size, remove from bowl and cut into 12 pieces for large pretzels or 20 for smaller pretzels.

Step 18

Roll each piece into long strands, about 16 inches long.

Step 19

Twist into pretzel shape and place onto a parchment lined baking sheet.

Step 20

Allow to rise for another 15-20 minutes.

Step 21

The recipe can be made ahead to this point and freeze them for later use if you'd like. (see note**)

Step 22

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Step 23

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Step 24

A little bit at a time to avoid the water overflowing add the baking soda.

Step 25

-4 at time, add pretzels to water for 30 secs on each side.

Step 26

Remove from water and place on baking sheet.

Step 27

Sprinkle pretzel salt onto pretzels.

Step 28

Complete 30 sec/side boil of all pretzels and place in 450 degree oven for 15-20 minutes for the large size or 10-15 for the small size.

Step 29

Best if served while still warm.

Step 30

Goes well with mustard ;)