# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
03 - 1 teaspoon sugar
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
05 - 1 tablespoon softened butter
06 - 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
→ Lye Bath
07 - 4 1/4 cups water
08 - 3 tablespoons baking soda
→ Topping
09 - 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt
# Directions:
01 - Dissolve yeast and sugar in lukewarm water. Allow to rest for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add flour, salt, and butter to the yeast mixture. Stir to form a dough.
03 - Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
05 - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
06 - Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 16 inch rope and form into rings, sealing the ends securely.
07 - Bring 4 1/4 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan. Carefully add baking soda; it will bubble vigorously.
08 - Using a slotted spoon, immerse each pretzel ring into the hot lye bath for 30 seconds, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
09 - Sprinkle pretzels with coarse sea salt evenly.
10 - Bake pretzels in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until deep golden brown.
11 - Allow pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
