# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast
03 - 1 tsp sugar
04 - 1 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1 tbsp softened butter
06 - 1 1/4 cups (10 fl oz / 300 ml) lukewarm water
→ Lye Bath (optional)
07 - 4 1/4 cups (1 liter) water
08 - 3 tbsp (40 g) baking soda
→ Topping
09 - 2 tbsp coarse sea salt
# How to Make It:
01 - Dissolve the yeast and sugar in lukewarm water and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add flour, salt, and softened butter to the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
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 allow to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
05 - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
06 - Punch down dough, divide into 8 equal pieces, roll each into a 16-inch (40 cm) rope, and shape into rings, sealing ends.
07 - Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan, carefully add baking soda, allowing it to bubble.
08 - Using a slotted spoon, dip each pretzel ring into the simmering bath for 30 seconds, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
09 - Sprinkle each pretzel evenly with coarse sea salt.
10 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until deep golden brown.
11 - Allow pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
