Layers of Happiness

To make the dough:
2 Combine water, yeast, and sugar in bowl of a stand mixer that is fitted with a dough hook, until fairly mixed, about one minute. Some clusters of yeast will remain. Let yeast/water rest for 5 minutes.
3 In medium bowl combine flour and salt. Add flour and salt mixture to the water and yeast and knead for 2 minutes. If dough is super sticky add small amounts of flour until dough stops sticking to sides. I had to add about 1/4 cup more. Do not add more than 1/2 cup. Add the cheese, parsley, and onions and mix until just combined. The parsley and onions are what give the "garlic" flavor, so don't be confused that there isn't any actual garlic in this recipe. :)
4 Let rest for 15 minutes.
To shape the pretzels:
6 Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
7 Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for 1-2 minutes (see post for a video explaining how to knead) and shape into a ball. With a sharp knife, cut ball of dough in half and then into thirds to make 6 smaller balls of dough. Each ball should be a little over 1/2 cup. This measurement does not have to be exact. Use as much or little dough for each pretzel as you wish – the size of the pretzel is completely up to you.
8 Take each ball of dough and roll into a rope. As even in diameter as you can get it. My ropes were about twenty five inches long. Feel free to make your pretzels as thick or as thin as you wish. I personally like thicker pretzels, but make sure you do not make your ropes too thick because the dough will expand quite a bit in the oven.
9 To shape the pretzel, take the ends of the rope and draw them together so the dough forms a circle. Twist the ends, then bring them towards yourself and press them down into a pretzel shape. See above for link to visual instructions.
10 In a small bowl, beat the egg and water together and pour into a shallow bowl or pie dish. Dunk the shaped pretzel into the egg wash (both sides). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprayed with nonstick baking spray. Sprinkle the tops of the pretzels with salt and parsley.
11 Bake for 10 minutes, remove the pretzels from the oven and carefully brush with melted butter before returning them to the oven to bake for another 5 minutes.
12 Remove from oven and allow to cool and enjoy. Serve warm or at room temperature. Pretzels may be stored in an airtight container or zipped top bag for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.