Homemade Soft Pretzels

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease 2 baking sheets.

Pour the warm water in a small bowl. Add the sugar to the water and stir to dissolve. Add the yeast to the water. Set aside and allow the yeast to bubble and foam for several minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the butter, eggs, and half of the flour in a mixing bowl. With an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, beat on low speed until mixed. If mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon.

Add the yeast mixture and the remaining flour to the mixing bowl. Blend until the dough forms a ball. Knead using dough hook or by hand on a floured surface several minutes.

Pull off pieces of the dough and roll into ropes. Then cross the ends over to make an X and form the dough into a pretzel shape. Place on the prepared baking sheets.

In small bowl, whisk the egg white and a little water. With a pastry brush, brush the tops of the pretzels with the egg white mixture and sprinkle with the pretzel salt. Place in the oven and bake at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.