Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar

• 2 tsp salt

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

• 4 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 2/3 cup baking soda

• 1 egg yolk; beaten with 1 tbsp water

  For the cinnamon sugar

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tbsp cinnamon

• 1/4 cup salted butter; melted

Instructions

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer whisk together the warm water, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.

2. Sprinkle the yeast over the water mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes or until the mixture becomes foamy.

3. Fit the mixer with a dough hook. Add the flour and melted butter to the bowl and mix on medium speed until a soft dough forms.

4. Increase the speed and let the dough knead for about 5 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

5. Grease a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a warm damp towel. Let the dough rise in a draft-free corner for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

6. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

7. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.

8. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope. Twist each rope into a pretzel shape.

9. Drop each pretzel into the boiling water and boil for 30 seconds on each side, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.

10. Brush each pretzel with the egg yolk and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, reserving more than half for after baking.

11. Bake the pretzels for 15 minutes or until they are golden brown.

12. Let the pretzels cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

13. Add the melted butter and cinnamon sugar to two shallow bowls.

14. Dip the pretzels in the melted butter and then into the cinnamon sugar so they are heavily coated.