Soft Pretzels - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 (1/4 oz. each) pkg. active dry yeast
2 c. warm water (110~ to 115~)
1/2 c. sugar
2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
6 1/2 to 7 1/2 c. flour
1 egg yolk
2 Tbsp. water
coarse salt (optional)

Preparation

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
Add sugar, salt, butter and egg.
Stir in 3 cups of flour.
Mix until smooth. Add enough additional flour to make a stiff dough.
Cover bowl tightly with foil.
Refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.