Step 1

Whisk the yeast into the warm water.

Step 2

Allow the mixture to sit for 1 minute.

Step 3

Whisk in the salt, brown sugar, and melted butter.

Step 4

Slowly add 3 cups of the flour, 1 cup at a time.

Step 5

Mix the mixture with a wooden spoon or dough hook attached to a stand mixer until the dough is thick.

Step 6

Add 3/4 cup of the flour until the dough is no longer sticky. If it is still sticky, add 1/4 – 1/2 cup more, as needed. Poke the dough with your finger – if it bounces back, it is ready to knead.

Step 7

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.

Step 8

Knead the dough for 3 minutes and shape it into a ball.

Step 9

Cover the ball lightly with a towel and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.

Step 10

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 11

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. If using parchment paper, lightly spray it with nonstick spray or grease with butter. Set aside.

Step 12

With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 1/3 cup sections.

Step 13

Roll the dough into a 20-22 inch rope.

Step 14

Take the ends and draw them together so the dough forms a circle. Twist the ends, then bring them towards yourself, pressing them down into a pretzel shape.

Step 15

Bring the baking soda and 9 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.

Step 16

Drop 1-2 pretzels at a time into the boiling water for 20-30 seconds. Any more than that and your pretzels will have a metallic taste. Using a slotted spatula, lift the pretzel out of the water and allow as much of the excess water to drip off.

Step 17

Place the pretzels onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 18

Sprinkle each with coarse sea salt.

Step 19

Bake until golden brown, about 12-15 minutes.

Step 20

Remove the pretzels from the oven and serve warm.