Sugar Pretzels

Directions

1. 1
   Beat together butter and sugar. Finely grate the rind of the lemons and stir into mixture. Beat in one egg yolk and the egg. Sift together flour, pepper, and salt; stir into the butter mixture. Dough will be stiff. Knead on a smooth surface, and form into a log shape about 8 inches long with flat ends. Wrap in airtight plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature for one hour.
2. 2
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line cookie sheets with aluminum foil or baking parchment. Cut the dough into 12 even pieces. Cover with plastic wrap.
3. 3
   On a floured surface, gently roll one piece of dough at a time into a 10 to 11 inch long roll, slightly tapered at the ends.
4. 4
   Shape dough into a pretzel shape by crossing the two ends about 2 inches from the ends and bring them to the other side. Dab a bit of water under the ends where they cross the other side of the pretzel. Place pretzels 2 inches apart on cookie sheets.
5. 5
   Mix the remaining egg yolk with 1/2 teaspoon of water. Brush the pretzels with the mixture, and sprinkle with crystal sugar (optional).
6. 6
   Bake for 30 minutes, reversing cookie sheets top to bottom and front to back once during baking. Pretzels will turn golden brown. Let cool on wire racks.