Step 1

Warm the milk in the microwave or on the stove top for about one minute to 110º. If it's too hot it will kill the yeast. You should be able to comfortably keep your finger in it.

Step 2

Stir in the yeast and let it sit for about 3 minutes

Step 3

Add the butter and sugar.

Step 4

Add the flour 1 cup at a time and then add the salt.

Step 5

Knead the dough for about 10 minutes with a stand mixer, or by hand until smooth and elastic. Sprinkle with flour as you knead if the dough is too sticky

Step 6

Place the dough in a greased bowl turning once and cover with plastic wrap.

Step 7

Let it rise for 1 hour in a moist, warm place until doubled in size.

Step 8

Remove from the warmed oven

Step 9

Preheat the oven to 400º.

Step 10

Combine the warm water and baking soda in a bowl and set aside.

Step 11

Punch down dough and turn it out on to a lightly floured surface.

Step 12

Divide into 12 - 16 equal pieces

Step 13

Roll the dough all out into logs as thin as you can.

Step 14

Shape each piece of the dough into pretzel shapes (see the video above), then dip them in the baking soda water.

Step 15

Place on a greased baking sheet and sprinkle with coarse salt.

Step 16

Bake for 7-11 minutes or until browned.

Step 17

While hot, brush each pretzel with melted butter.