Ingredients
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)1/2 cup sugar1/4 cup butter, softened2 teaspoons salt1 large egg, room temperature6-1/2 to 7-1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 large egg yolk, room temperature2 tablespoons cold waterCoarse salt
Preparation
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.
Preheat oven to 400°. 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 until golden brown, 15-20 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
