Step 1

In a large bowl mix warm water and sugar.

Step 2

Scatter the yeast over your water and sugar mixture. Let stand to foam for 5 minutes.

Step 3

Melt the butter and make sure it's warm but not hot. Add it to the yeast mixture.

Step 4

In a second bowl mix together white and wholemeal flour. Then add onto the yeast mixture.

Step 5

Make a small well in the flour and pour in the salt, keeping it separate from the yeast

Step 6

Mix all the ingredients together with a fork until a rough dough is formed.

Step 7

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 7-9 minutes until the dough holds its shape. To test that, press it gently with your finger. If the dough springs back, it's ready.

Step 8

Shape the dough into a ball and place into an oiled bowl to rise. Leave to rise for an hour or until doubled in size.

Step 9

In the meantime, line a baking tray with baking paper.

Step 10

When the rise is finished, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knock it back with your fists to flatten it.

Step 11

Divide the dough into 8 equal parts.

Step 12

Use a rolling pin (or hands) to roll each part into a long strip (about 1.5 cm wide and 25cm long). Take the ends end cross one over the other and do the same again, and fold the whole twist over the curve of the strip to create the pretzel shape (watch the video to see this - coming soon).

Step 13

Preheat the oven to 180°C / 356°F fan oven. Preheat to 200°C / 392°F for regular ovens.

Step 14

In a large pan, heat up water until it's simmering and add in the baking soda.

Step 15

Drop each pretzel in the simmering water for 5-6 seconds (one at a time).

Step 16

Then place on the lined baking tray, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and salt flakes (skip this if you are making a sweet version).

Step 17

Make sure you sprinkle each pretzel straight after removing it from the bath as the bath will leave them slightly wet and sticky.

Step 18

Once all the pretzels have been dipped and sprinkled, bake them for 12-15 minutes until crispy and golden brown around the edges.

Step 19

Ta-da! You've made it! Make sure to enjoy the pretzels while they're still warm.

Step 20

Sweet version: brush each pretzel with melted butter, then sprinkle with sugar.

Step 21

Savoury version: once baked, sprinkle with more salt flakes if desired.