Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, add in the yeast, sugar, and 1/4 c warm water. Stir, and allow to sit for 5 minutes so the yeast can activate.

Add in the rest of the water along with the flour and salt.

Mix on low speed to combine, and then increase the speed to medium and knead for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth. The dough will be very thick.

Turn the dough out onto the counter (do not flour). Divide into 6 pieces, and roll each piece on the counter until it forms a long rope at least 12” long.

To shape the pretzels, curve the rope into a U shape. Pick up both ends of the U, and twist the tips around each other once. Pull the tips down to the base of the U, and press in so they stick. Repeat for all pieces.

Prepare your baking soda bath by bringing the water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.

Working in small batches, dip one or two pretzels into the bath, being sure to keep them submerged as they tend to float. The water will start to foam, so be careful while you’re doing this.

Boil for one minute, then remove from the pot and set aside on paper towels to drain. Repeat for all pretzels.

Place the pretzels on your baking sheet.

Brush the pretzels with some melted butter and place in the oven to bake for 15-20 minutes. Pretzels are done once they’re nice and golden brown.

Remove pretzels from the oven and brush with more melted butter.

Sprinkle pretzels with sea salt, if desired, or with some cinnamon-sugar!