# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
03 - 1 tsp granulated sugar
04 - 1 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1 tbsp softened butter
06 - 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
→ Lye Bath
07 - 4 1/4 cups water
08 - 3 tbsp baking soda (if not using food-grade lye)
→ Topping
09 - 2 tbsp coarse sea salt
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in lukewarm water. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add flour, salt, and butter to yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
03 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
05 - Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
06 - Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a 16-inch rope and form into a ring, sealing ends together.
07 - Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan, add baking soda carefully (it will bubble), then reduce to simmer.
08 - Using a slotted spoon, dip each pretzel ring into the simmering baking soda bath for 30 seconds, then transfer to the baking sheet.
09 - Sprinkle each pretzel generously with coarse sea salt.
10 - Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until deep golden brown.
11 - Allow pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
