Soft Pretzels

This recipe is really very easy and the taste of these pretzels is wonderful!

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 32

Ingredients

• 2 (1/4ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 2  cups warm water (110 degrees to 115 degrees)
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1⁄4 cup butter or 1⁄4 cup margarine, softened
• 2  teaspoons salt
• 1  egg
• 6 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1  egg yolk
• 2  tablespoons cold water
•  coarse salt

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
2. Add the sugar, butter, salt, egg and 2 cups flour.
3. Beat until smooth.
4. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough.
5. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top.
6. Cover and refrigerate for 2-24 hours.
7. Punch dough down.
8. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half.
9. Cut each into 16 pieces.
10. Roll each piece into a 20-in. rope.
11. Shape into a pretzel.
12. Place on greased baking sheets.
13. Beat egg yolk and cold water; brush over pretzels.
14. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
15. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 25 minutes.
16. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
17. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
18. **Cook time does not include refrigeration time of 2 - 24 hours.