Easy Homemade Pretzels

1. Add warm water and sugar the bowl of a stand mixer and stir until sugar is dissolved.
2. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 minutes. The yeast will begin to foam.
3. Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer.
4. Add in the melted butter, salt and 2 ½ cups of the flour.
5. Blend for 3 minutes on low speed until the flour is thoroughly combined.
6. Gradually add more flour until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and becoming less sticky. (The exact amount of flour needed may vary depending on how much moisture is in your flour or in your home. I used 4½ cups but up to 5 cups may be necessary)
7. Increase the speed of the mixer to medium and knead for 5 minutes. If you don't have a stand mixer, use a large bowl and mixing spoons then when adding flour, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it by hand until smooth.
8. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover loosely with a kitchen towel, and let rise for an hour until doubled in size.

To Make the Pretzels

1. Preheat oven to 425° F.
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
4. Roll each piece into a long rope shape that is approximately about 20-22 inches long.
5. Next, create a U shape with the dough
6. With the dough on a floured surface, pick up each end with each hand and and crisscross them and turn the ends down toward the bottom of the U to create a basic pretzel shape.
7. Take the ends and crisscross them again to create the swirl in the middle.
8. Gently press the ends into place to secure the pretzel shape.
9. Repeat with the rest of the dough
10. Place approx. 10 cups of water and ½ cup baking soda in a large pot and bring it to a boil.
11. Place the lined baking sheets next to the stove.
12. Working in batches, gently place one pretzel into the boiling water and cook for about 30 seconds.
13. Then gently lift the pretzel out of the water with a slotted spatula and place it on the baking sheet.
14. Repeat with the remainder of the pretzels arranging them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
15. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 teaspoon water.
16. Brush the pretzels evenly with the egg mixture with a thin layer.
17. Sprinkle with coarse salt if desired.
18. Bake for 15 minutes or until pretzels are golden brown.