Soft Pretzels (for Bread Machines)

Total Time: 2 hrs 8 mins Preparation Time: 2 hrs Cook Time: 8 mins

Ingredients

• 1 (1/4 ounce) package dry active yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 egg , slightly beaten
• coarse salt
• butter

Recipe

• 1 place ingredients in bread machine pan in the order suggested by the manufacturer.
• 2 select bread setting, manual and then press start.
• 3 after the machine has completed the second rising cycle, it will beep.
• 4 remove the dough onto a very lightly floured surface.
• 5 divide into 4 parts.
• 6 divide each fourth into 3 pieces.
• 7 roll each piece into an 18 inch rope.
• 8 shape rope into a circle, overlapping about 4 inches; from each end, leaving ends free.
• 9 take one end in each hand and twist at the point where dough overlaps.
• 10 carefully lift ends across to the opposite edge of circle.
• 11 tuck ends under edge to make a pretzel shape; moisten and press ends to seal.
• 12 place on greased cookie sheet.
• 13 let rise, uncovered, until puffy, about 20 minutes.
• 14 in a 3-quart saucepan, combine 2 quarts of water and 1/3 cup baking soda; bring to a boil.
• 15 lower 1 or 2 pretzels into the saucepan; simmer for 10 seconds on each side.
• 16 lift from water with a slotted spoon.
• 17 return to greased cookie sheet.
• 18 let dry briefly.
• 19 brush with 1 egg slightly beaten.
• 20 sprinkle with course salt or sesame seeds or leave plain.
• 21 if you leave them plain, after they bake dip into melted butter then in cinnamon and sugar mixture.
• 22 bake at 425°f for 4 minutes; then turn cookie sheet around and bake 4 more minutes.
• 23 these are so good.