Easter Bunny Soft Pretzels

Instructions

• Combine the warm water, sugar and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes.
• Add the flour and butter and using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined.
• Change to medium speed and knead about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl.
• Remove the dough from the bowl, and place the dough in a glass bowl oiled with vegetable oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for approximately 50 to 55 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.
• Take a chunk of dough about the size of a ping pong ball and roll into an oval shape. Repeat with remaining dough.
• Preheat the oven to 450°F. Fill a large saucepan with water. Bring the water to a boil and add the baking soda.
• Place the pretzels into the boiling water for 30 seconds, a few at a time. Remove them from the water using a large flat spatula.
• Place pretzels on baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silpat mat.
• Using kitchen sheers, cut two ears. Beat one egg yolk. Brush the top of each pretzel bunny with the beaten egg yolk.
• Bake until dark golden brown in color, approximately 8 minutes. Add eyes with edible marker after pretzels have cooled.