Twist off approx. Carry each rope over to the cookie sheet. Twist each into a pretzel shape, and arrange them on the cookie sheet. Watch closely the last few minutes. Melted butter may be brushed on the pretzels in those last minutes, or just prior to serving.
Some people prefer unsalted pretzels.
Those extra steps take valuable time, and it's too easy to get a bit too much egg on the pretzels, which then puddles and scorches on the cookie sheet. Fruit and cheese chunks could be supplemental snack items for a group of hungry kids. When the older ones have finished, they can assist the younger ones. It all works out. The monks made their pretzel dough by hand.