Step 1

In the bowl of your stand mixer (or in a mixing bowl if you're making by hand) mix the warm water, brown sugar, melted butter, and yeast. Be sure the melted butter isn't hot, as it will kill the yeast. Let rest for 3-5 minutes until it starts to bubble.

Step 2

Add the flour and the salt. Knead for about 5 minutes on medium speed until the dough forms a ball and comes off the walls of the bowl. You may need to add 1-3 tablespoons of extra flour if the dough appears too wet. It should be tacky and a bit sticky, but not wet.

Step 3

Dust your work surface with a small amount of flour. Split the dough into 10-12 equal pieces using a bench scraper (if you want to weigh them, they should be between 75 and 80 grams). Cover the balls lightly with plastic wrap to prevent the dough from drying out and forming a skin.

Step 4

Let the dough balls rest on a lightly floured work surface for about 10 minutes. This will help the dough become easier to work with.

Step 5

After they rest, roll and stretch each ball into 70-75 cm (35-30 inch) long strands. Create an upside down "U" shape by bringing the ends closer together. Cross the ends once and flip them towards the curve of the "U". Press the ends into the "belly" of the pretzel. Flip the entire pretzel and place on a tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 6

Form all the pretzels and lay them on the tray, spacing them well so they don't touch.

Step 7

Let them rest for about 20 minutes to let them rise just a little bit.

Step 8

Add the baking tray to the freezer and freeze them on the tray for 20 minutes. This step is optional, but helps the pretzels keep their shape through the baking soda bath.

Step 9

While your pretzels rest and chill in the freezer, mix the 10 cups of water with the baking soda and bring to a simmer.

Step 10

Remove the pretzels from the freezer and bathe them one by one for 20-30 seconds.

Step 11

Remove them from the baking soda bath with a slotted skimmer or large slotted spoon and return them to the baking tray and sprinkle with coarse salt.

Step 12

Bake your pretzels at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.