Mini Pretzel Dogs

What I used (36 mini pretzel dogs)

1 1/2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 teaspoons salt + more for sprinkling
1 package active dry yeast
4 ½ cups all purpose flour
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cups hot water
½ cup baking soda
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
3 packs hot dogs, cut in half to equal 48 mini hot dogs

Prepare yeast.
- In small bowl, combine 1 1/2 cup warm water, 1 tbsp sugar, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt in a bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top, and let the mixture stand until the yeast becomes foamy, about 5 minutes.
Melt butter.

You can either prep the remaining ingredients or complete (1)-(3) and then finish the mise-en-place.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Prepare egg wash
- Separate 1 egg, retaining the yolk.
- Beat egg yolk with 1 tbsp water.
Cut hot dogs into thirds (we use the longer Kirkland brand from Costco for this purpose).
Place two baking sheets (one on top of the other) and spray with nonstick spray.

(1) Combine flour, butter, and yeast mixture in a large bowl. Mix together until they form a ball.

(2) Remove from bowl and knead lightly on a floured surface for 2 minutes.

(3) Form into a smooth ball, spray large bowl with non-stick spray, and place dough in bowl. Cover with a moistened kitchen towel and set aside for 1 hour.

(4) Place dough on a lightly oiled surface. Pinch off finger-sized strips of dough.

(5) Roll out dough (like a play-dough snake). Place “snake” a short distance away from one end of the hot dog. Roll dough around the hot dog, overlapping edges, until you reach a short distance away from the other end of the hot dog.