Soft Pretzels Recipe By Tasty

Steps:

• Combine the water, sugar and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow to sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture begins to foam. Add the flour and butter and, using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined. Change to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the dough from the bowl, clean the bowl and then oil it well with vegetable oil. Return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and sit in a warm place for approximately 50 to 55 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line 2 half-sheet pans with parchment paper and lightly brush with the vegetable oil. Set aside.
• Bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in an 8-quart saucepan or roasting pan.
• In the meantime, turn the dough out onto a slightly oiled work surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough into a 24-inch rope. Make a U-shape with the rope, holding the ends of the rope, cross them over each other and press onto the bottom of the U in order to form the shape of a pretzel. Place onto the parchment-lined half sheet pan.
• Place the pretzels into the boiling water, 1 by 1, for 30 seconds. Remove them from the water using a large flat spatula. Return to the half sheet pan, brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture and sprinkle with the pretzel salt. Bake until dark golden brown in color, approximately 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix milk, browned melted butter, and dark brown sugar until combined. Add yeast, and let rest for 5 minutes until yeast starts to foam.
• Mix in the flour ⅛ at a time. When mixing in the final portion, add salt.
• Remove the dough and use oil to cover the bowl.
• Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and leave in a warm place for 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
• Cut dough into 32 pieces and roll them out into thin ropes, twisting the two ends to form a pretzel shape.
• Add baking soda to a large pot of water, and bring to a rolling boil. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds per side.
• Beat the egg.
• Transfer pretzels to a baking sheet, brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with pretzel salt. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown.
• Serve warm.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the water and sugar. Add the yeast and let rest for 5 minutes, until it starts to foam.
• Add the flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon of oil, and mix thoroughly until the dough comes together.
• Remove the dough, grease the bowl with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then return the dough to the bowl and cover with a dish towel or plastic wrap. Let sit in a warm place for 1 hour, until the dough has doubled in size.
• Preheat the oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Using your fingers or a rolling pin, stretch or roll the dough out into a long, thin strip, about 30 inches (76 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide.
• Spread the softened cream cheese down the middle of the dough strip, leaving a 1-inch (2 cm) border on each end.
• Sprinkle the Parmesan, chives, and black pepper over the first third of the cream cheese on the dough strip.
• Spread the pizza sauce over the middle third of cream cheese. Place the mozzarella and pepperoni over the sauce.
• Sprinkle the bacon and cheddar cheese over the cream cheese on the last third of the dough strip.
• Fold and pinch the dough around the cheese fillings along the entire strip, ensuring the ends are closed. Roll slightly to seal and lengthen.
• Carefully form a pretzel shape by taking the ends of the strip, making a "U" shape, twisting the ends around each other, and connecting the ends to the bottom of the "U" shape.
• Transfer the pretzel to the prepared baking sheet and brush with egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Cool for 10 minutes, then brush with melted butter before serving.
• Enjoy!

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix water, salt, and sugar until combined. Add yeast, and let rest 5 minutes until yeast starts to foam.
• Add flour and 2 tablespoons of oil, and mix thoroughly until a dough forms.
• Remove the dough and use the remaining oil to cover the bowl.
• Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and leave in a warm place for 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
• Cut dough into 8 pieces and roll them out into thin ropes, twisting the two ends to form a pretzel shape.
• Add baking soda to a large pot of water, and bring to a rolling boil. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds per side.
• Transfer pretzels to a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown.
• Enjoy!

Steps:

• For the dipping sauce: Whisk together the mustard, honey and horseradish in a bowl; season with salt and pepper. Cover and let sit at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• For the soft pretzels: Combine the sugar, salt, yeast and 1 1/2 cups warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix with the dough hook until combined. Let sit 5 minutes.
• Add the butter and 4 1/2 cups of the flour and mix on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium and continue kneading until the dough is smooth and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl, 3 to 4 minutes. If the dough appears too wet, add additional flour a tablespoon at a time. Remove the dough from the bowl, place on a flat surface and knead the dough into a ball with your hands.
• Oil a bowl with vegetable oil, add the dough and turn to coat with the oil. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm spot until the dough doubles in size, about 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and spray liberally with cooking spray.
• Bring 3 quarts water to a boil in a large pot over high heat and add the baking soda.
• Remove the dough from the bowl, place on a flat surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope measuring about 22 inches. Shape each into an upside-down U shape, then bring the ends together and twist them to create a pretzel shape.
• For the salt mixture: Combine the salt, black pepper and pink pepper in a small bowl; set aside.
• Boil the pretzels in the water solution 2 at a time for 30 seconds; remove with a large flat slotted spatula or a spider.
• Place 4 pretzels on each baking sheet, brush the tops with the egg wash and season liberally with the salt mixture. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove to a baking rack and let rest 5 minutes before eating. Serve with the dipping sauce on the side

Steps:

• Make the pretzels: Warm the milk in a saucepan until it's about 110 degrees; pour into a medium bowl and sprinkle in the yeast. Let the yeast soften, about 2 minutes; stir in the brown sugar and 1 cup flour with a wooden spoon. Dice 2 tablespoons butter and soften; stir into the mix. Add the remaining 1 1/4 cups flour and the fine salt to make a sticky dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead, adding more flour if needed, until smooth but still slightly tacky, about 5 minutes. Shape into a ball, place in a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees and grease a large baking sheet. Punch the dough to deflate it, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface. (If the dough seems tight, cover and let rest until it relaxes.) Divide the dough into 6 pieces. Roll and stretch each piece with the palms of your hands into a 30-inch rope, holding the ends and slapping the middle of the rope on the counter as you stretch. Form each rope into a pretzel shape.
• Dissolve the baking soda in 3 cups warm water in a shallow baking dish. Gently dip each pretzel in the soda solution, then arrange on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with the coarse salt. Bake until golden, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Prepare the sauce: Combine the mayonnaise, mustard, brown sugar and vinegar in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate.
• Melt the remaining 8 tablespoons butter in a shallow dish. Dip the hot pretzels in the butter, turning to coat; place on a wire rack to let excess butter drip off. Serve the pretzels warm with the sweet mustard sauce.
• Illustration by Jason Lee

Steps:

• Dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, combine sugar, salt, yeast mixture and 2 cups flour; beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough. , Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Punch down dough; divide and shape into 12 balls. Roll each into a 22-in. rope; shape into a pretzel., Preheat oven to 425°. Place water and baking soda in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Place pretzels, 1 at a time, in boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove; drain on paper towels that have been lightly sprayed with cooking spray. , Place on greased baking sheets. Brush with egg; top as desired. Bake until golden brown, 12-14 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks; serve warm.

Steps:

• In a bread machine pan, place 1 cup water and next 3 ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting. Check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons water or flour if needed., When cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough into 8 balls. Roll each into a 20-in. rope; form into pretzel shape. , Preheat oven to 425°. In a large saucepan, bring 2 quarts water and the baking soda to a boil. Drop pretzels into boiling water, 2 at a time; boil for 10-15 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels., Place pretzels on greased baking sheets. Bake until golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Spritz or lightly brush with remaining 2 Tbsp. water. Sprinkle with salt.

Steps:

• Stir yeast into 1 cup warm water in a large bowl; beat in flour, sugar, shortening, and salt to make a dough. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes.
• Place dough into a greased bowl and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal-size pieces. Roll each piece into a rope 18 to 20 inches long.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
• Shape each rope of dough into a pretzel on the prepared baking sheet; let pretzels rest for 5 minutes. Beat egg yolk with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl and brush yolk mixture over each pretzel; sprinkle each with coarse salt.
• Bake in the preheated oven until pretzels are golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large bowl, mix the self-rising flour and greek yogurt until it comes together to form a ball.
• Transfer the dough ball to a lightly floured work surface and use your hands to begin flattening and shaping the rough into a roughly 8-inch (20 cm) disk.
• Using a bench scraper or knife, cut the dough into 8 equal pieces.
• One at a time, roll each piece out into a roughly 14-inch (35 cm) log.
• Transfer the logs to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and shape into individual pretzels.
• Brush the pretzels with egg wash and sprinkle with salt.
• Bake for 20 minutes, until the pretzels are a deep golden brown.
• Enjoy!

Steps:

• Put the flour, yeast, sugar and 1 tsp salt in a large bowl and mix together to combine. In a large jug, mix together 300ml lukewarm water and the butter. Make a well in the flour mixture and pour in the water, mixing together to form a rough dough.
• Tip out onto a floured work surface and knead for 10-15 mins or until smooth and elastic. Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with oiled cling film and set aside until doubled in size, about 1hr.
• Once risen, knock out the air bubbles in the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Using your hands, roll each piece into a long rope about 60cm long.
• To form into pretzels, lay the rope in a U-shape with the curve pointing towards you. Take the two ends and cross them over.
• Take the ends, lift them backwards and press them into the curve of the U-shape. Repeat with the remaining dough. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
• Carefully place the pretzels on a baking tray lined with parchment and lightly greased with oil. Cover lightly with oiled cling film. Set aside for about 20 mins until puffy (not fully risen like bread dough).
• Fill a medium-sized saucepan with water, bring to the boil, add the baked bicarbonate of soda, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. One at a time, carefully lift the pretzels into the pan and cook for 20 secs per side. The pretzels will rise to the surface; flip with a slotted spoon.
• Use the spoon to gently lift the pretzels from the pan and return them to the baking tray. Once they have all been cooked in the water, lightly brush with the egg and sprinkle with flaked sea salt.
• Bake in the oven for 20-25 mins or until a rich, dark brown. Allow to cool on the baking tray for 10 mins, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Best served on the day made but can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Steps:

• Put yeast, sugar and water in bowl and stir. Let sit for 5 minutes and add salt, butter and 1 cup flour. Stir till smooth.
• Add rest of flour and stir till mixed well. When mixture is too stiff to stir with a spoon (or you can use an electric mixer with dough hook like I do), begin kneading. Knead dough till smooth and the dough no longer sticks to your hands.
• Place dough back in bowl and cover to rise to double it's size.
• While dough is rising, grease cookie sheet and preheat oven to 475°F Prepare baking soda boil by combining the 4 cups of water and 5 teaspoons baking soda in a non-aluminum pot and bring to a boil on stove.
• When dough has risen, punch down and knead a minute or so. Divide and roll into 6 inch sticks to about 1/2 inch diameter with your hands, or 12 inch long rolls to make into the pretzel shape.
• Allow pretzels to sit for 2-3 minutes. Place 1-2 at a time into the boiling baking soda water.
• Let pretzels boil for 1 minute and 10 seconds on one side, then flip them over and boil 1 minute and 10 seconds on the other side.
• This boiling step is the secret to firm skin and adds that definite pretzel flavor. Not boiling them long enough leaves them too soft and allows them to rise too much. Boiling too long makes them tough. Err on the side of not too long if unsure.
• Using a large slotted spoon, lift them out the of water, let them drip off and place on the greased cookie sheet. When all are done, sprinkle with course salt (Parmesan is good too!).
• Bake 12-15 minutes until the are a medium to dark golden brown.
• Makes 3 dozen 6 inch sticks or 1 dozen pretzels.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, butter, salt, egg and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and refrigerate for 2-24 hours. , Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Cut each into 16 pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-in. rope. Shape into a pretzel. , Place on greased baking sheets. Beat egg yolk and cold water; brush over pretzels. Sprinkle with coarse salt. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 25 minutes. , Bake at 400° for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Divide the pizza dough into 8 equal pieces. Using your hands, roll a piece into a rope about ¼ inch thick and 15 inches long. Arrange the rope in a U-shape, then twist the ends together once and bring the twisted ends up to rest over the top curve of the rope to make a pretzel shape. Repeat with the rest of the dough pieces.
• Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. When water is boiling, stir in the baking soda. Working a few at a time, gently lower the pretzels into the water for 45 seconds, flipping halfway through. Carefully transfer the pretzels to paper towels and blot-dry. Place the dried pretzels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and remaining tablespoon of water. Using a pastry brush, brush the egg wash over the pretzels, then sprinkle with coarse salt.
• Bake the pretzels for 15-20 minutes. or until deep golden brown and cooked through.
• Serve the pretzels with Heluva Good!® Bacon Horseradish Dip.
• Enjoy!

Steps:

• For the pretzels: Whisk the warm water, yeast and pinch of sugar together in a small bowl and let bloom for about 5 minutes.
• Add both flours, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, kosher salt, eggs and yeast mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook and mix on low speed to combine. Then, with the mixer running, add 4 tablespoons of the melted butter and knead on medium speed until the dough comes together and is smooth, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Lightly oil a large bowl, add the dough and coat the top of the dough with a little more oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot until the dough has doubled in size, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and cut into 12 equal pieces, each about 3 ounces. Using your hands, roll each piece into an 18-inch rope. Form a U shape with each rope and twist the ends together twice; bring the twisted ends up to the top of the U and press each section of the twist onto either side of the U to create the pretzel shape and press down on the ends lightly so they stick. Transfer the pretzels to the prepared baking sheets and let rise for 20 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Slide the parchment paper with the pretzels on them to a work surface near the stove. Line the 2 rimmed baking sheets with fresh parchment paper.
• Fill a large pot with water, add the baking soda and bring to a low boil over medium heat. Lower the heat so the water is very gently simmering and, using a slotted spoon or spider, add 2 or 3 pretzels and boil for 30 seconds, flipping them once. Do not overcrowd the pot. Transfer each pretzel to a prepared baking sheet, 6 pretzels on each, brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle with pretzel salt. Bake until the pretzels are deep golden brown, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
• For the fondue: Combine the cream and cornstarch in a small pot over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Whisk in the honey. Then add the cheese a bit at a time, whisking constantly to incorporate. Continue whisking until the fondue is thickened, about 1 minute. Serve warm with the pretzels.

Steps:

• Mix 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F to 115 degrees F), the yeast and agave in a bowl. Set aside 5 minutes.
• In a food processor fitted with the dough blade, pulse the whole-wheat flour, 2 cups all-purpose flour and the sea salt. Add 1 egg and the yeast mixture and pulse in 10-second intervals until the dough comes together, about 3 pulses. Turn out onto a floured board. Knead 10 to 12 times, adding up to 3/4 cup more flour if the dough is too sticky. Cut the dough into 4 equal portions; cover with a clean towel.
• On a floured board, roll out one piece of dough into a 14-by-11-inch rectangle, 1/4 inch thick, with a shorter side facing you.
• To make plain pretzels, cut the dough rectangle into seven 11-by-2-inch strips. For stuffed pretzels, follow the filling instructions, then cut into strips.
• One at a time, pinch the cut long edges of each strip together and roll into a 12-inch rope with your hands. Transfer the rope to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Grab the ends and bring them toward each other, forming a U shape, then cross the left end over the right end to make a pretzel shape. Cross the left end over the right again to make a twist in the middle. Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing the pretzels 3 inches apart. Set aside for 10 to 15 minutes; preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.
• Beat the remaining egg in a bowl. Brush the pretzels with the egg; sprinkle with salt or other toppings. Bake until browned, 16 to 18 minutes.

Steps:

• Dissolve yeast into warm water.
• Add sugar, then flour& mix well- do not 'knead' as this toughens the dough.
• (Mix just until combined well) Let rise until doubled, at least 20 minutes.
• Cut into long 'ropes'.
• Shape into pretzel shapes, then dip into prepared dipping solution.
• Place on well-greased cookie sheet and sprinkle with pretzel salt.
• Bake at 500-550°F for 4-6 minutes until golden brown.
• Dip face of pretzel into melted butter.
• Variation: add 1 t vanilla to the dough.
• Flavor variations.
• Cinnamon/sugar- omit salt& dip into cinnamon sugar after face has been coated with butter.
• Sour cream& onion- after dipping face of pretzel in butter, sprinkle with sour cream& onion powder Garlic- same as sour cream& onion, but use garlic powder.
• Sesame or poppy seed--BEFORE baking, AFTER dipping into dipping solution, dip pretzel face-down into the seeds, then bake.
• Salt is optional with this one.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, water and butter; beat until smooth (mixture will be slightly sticky). Sprinkle with 1-2 tablespoons water if dough is dry. Cover and let rest in a warm place 30 minutes., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly greased surface; divide into six pieces. Roll each piece into a 24-in. rope. For topping, combine water, sugar and baking soda in a shallow bowl. Shape each rope into a pretzel and dip into the baking solution. Sprinkle pretzels with coarse salt or coarse sugar., Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 400° for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter. Dip in cinnamon-sugar, if desired. Serve warm.,

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
• Grease two large baking sheets(or cover with parchment paper).
• In a large bowl,sprinkle the yeast over the warm water(water should be very warm to touch).;stir with a rubber spatula until well blended and the yeast is dissolved.
• With a wooden spoon, gradually stir in sugar, salt and 3 1/2 cups of flour until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms.
• Turn dough onto a well-floured board.To knead fold the dough towards you;with the heels of your hands push the dough away with short rocking motions.Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat motion.Continue kneading and turning for about 5-7 minutes,adding another 1/2 cup or more of flour as necessary,until the dough is smooth and elastic.The dough should not stick to your hands or the board.
• Cut the dough in half and then cut each half into six equal-sized pieces.With floured hands,roll one piece of dough between the palms of your hands to form a dough rope.Continue rolling and stretching the dough rope until it is 15 inches long.Place the rope on a baking sheet.Cross the left side of the rope over to the middle to create a loop.Then fold the right side of the rope over the left to create a pretzel shape.
• Continue with the remaining dough,placing the pretzels three inches apart on the baking sheet.Enlarge holes in pretzels by inserting thumb and index fingers into holes.This will prevent them from completely closing during baking.In a small bowl mix together egg and water,brush on pretzels.Sprinkle with salt.
• Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Steps:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine, yeast, water and honey; let sit for 10 minutes.
• Add butter, salt and 1 ½ cups flour to yeast mixture; with the dough hook attachment, process on speed 3 until smooth, adding 1 tablespoons reserved flour (1/2 cup) until the dough clings around the hook. Increase speed to 4 and knead for 3 minutes.
• Remove from the bowl and form a ball by pulling under. Place in a large bowl lightly oiled and turn to coat the ball. Cover with a clean towel and place in a draft-free area. Let it rise for 1 ½ hours or until it doubles in size.
• Punch dough to deflate, form a ball by folding under and then divide into 4 equal pieces. Take one at a time and press down stretching it into a rectangular shape before rolling it up tightly from one side to the other; pinch the seam together. Roll it out back and forth with your hands to 12-inches long, tapering the ends. Set aside while working on the others.
• Take the 1st piece that was rolled out and roll it out again to 24-inches long keeping the center slightly thicker. Take the ends and form a "u" shape, then cross them over and over again. Bring them back to the top of the loop, pressing the ends firmly into the pretzel shape. Transfer to 2 baking sheets lined with a silicone mat or lightly greased. Cover and let them proof for 30 minutes or until they double in size.
• About 20 minutes later, preheat oven to 400ºF. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add water and baking soda; stir to dissolve and bring to a boil.
• Adding one at a time, drop a pretzel into the boiling water. Carefully flip it after 20 to 30 seconds and soak the other side for 20 to 30 seconds as well. If you let it soak longer, the pretzels will have a metallic taste to them. Return the soaked pretzel to the baking sheets and continue dipping the remaining ones.
• Gently brush the pretzels with an egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt; slash the dough with a sharp knife.
• Transfer to the preheated overn and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the heat and place on a wire rack to cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Makes 4 large pretzels.
• Store them in an airtight container or a large re-sealable plastic bag.

Steps:

• Mix the water, yeast, brown sugar and salt in a food processor or a large mixing bowl.
• Add the flour and mix until the dough is smooth.
• If you have time, chill the dough for at least an hour so that it is easier to form.
• Now divide the dough into 4, 6 or 12 pieces, depending on how many pretzels you'd like to make.
• Roll each piece into a very thin rope, slightly thicker than a pencil.
• Form each rope of dough into an upside-down U shape on your table.
• Bring the ends pf each rope together and twist them.
• Flatten the ends with your fingers, and bring them to the top of the pretzel pressing them into the dough to secure the shape of the pretzel. (If you have trouble with the twisting, just do your best to make them look like pretzels. The shape won't affect the taste.).
• Place the pretzels on a greased cookie sheet.
• Now let the pretzels rise for about 30 minutes, or until they have roughly doubled in size.
• Boil the 4 cups of water with baking soda, and then dip each pretzel in the solution for 10 seconds.
• Remove the pretzels and place them back on the baking sheet.
• Beat the egg with the 1 teaspoon of water, and then brush it onto the pretzels so that they'll be nice and golden.
• Sprinkle the pretzels with more of the salt, or any other garnish you'd like. (sesame seeds, cheese, cinnamon, etc.).
• Bake for 12-15 minutes on 425 degrees, or until they're brown and golden.