Pretzels are no different than other yeast rising dough. It requires some kneading, which is easy to do with a KitchenAid stand mixer and the hook attachment; you’ll save lots of time. After the dough rises and you roll it and form it, you can par-boil the pretzels in a boiling baking soda solution. By doing this, it helps elevate the PH level in the dough, gelatinizing the crust and making it brown after baking. It’s weird I know, but essential to getting some delicious golden brown soft pretzels.