Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Dissolve yeast in water. Stir with a spoon to combine. Add salt and sugar, stirring to combine.
1 1/2 cups luke warm water, 1 packet active yeast, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp granulated sugar
Slowly add flour, one cup at a time. Stir with a wooden spoon until dough is thick. Continue to add flour, one cup at a time, until dough is no longer sticky.
4-4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
Poke dough with a finger. If it 'bounces back' it is ready to knead.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes and shape into a ball.
With a sharp knife, cut the dough ball into 1/3 cup sections. This measurement doesn't have to be exact.
Roll the dough into a rope about 20 inches long.
Once you have your long rope, take the ends and bring them together until your form a circle. Twist the ends then bring the down towards yourself and press them down into a pretzel shape.
In a small bowl, beat the egg. Dip the shaped pretzel into the egg wash, evenly coating both sides.
1 large egg
Place on baking sheet and sprinkle with salt or sugar depending on your personal preference.
salt, cinnamon & sugar
Bake for 10 minutes at 425. Turn the broiler on and bake for 5 more minutes to brown the tops. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Allow pretzels to cool, and serve.