Buttery Bread Pretzels - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 c. plus 2 Tbsp. lukewarm water, divided
1 1/2 tsp. active dry yeast
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/3 c. unsalted butter, melted
3 c. flour
1 egg yolk
coarse salt (for topping)

Preparation

Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup lukewarm water.
Mix 3/4 cup water with the sugar and salt.
Add yeast mixture.
Stir once and add flour.
Stir until dough begins to stick; add melted butter.
Mix well.
Knead on board 2 minutes.
Rest dough (covered) for 15 minutes.
Divide and roll pretzel shape.
Place on greased sheets. Beat egg yolk with 2 tablespoons water.
Brush each pretzel. Sprinkle with salt (optional).
Let rise 30 minutes.
Should double in size.
Bake at 425\u00b0 for 20 to 25 minutes.
Rotate pans to ensure even browning.
Serve warm.
Makes 24 (3-inch) pretzels.