Soft pretzels

Steps

1. In a large bowl, combine water, sugar and salt.
2. Sprinkle yeast on top. Allow to sit about 5 minutes, until foaming.
3. With a silicone spatula mix in the melted butter. Gradually add the flour a small amount at a time.
4. Form dough into a ball. Place in an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
5. Set aside to proof for one hour or until dough doubles in volume.
6. Once dough has proofed, boil 9 cups of water in large pot. Once boiling, gradually add baking soda.
7. Preheat oven to 220°C
8. Meanwhile, roll dough into ropes. Cut into 8 even pieces about 60cm long. Twist into pretzel shapes.
9. Place pretzels, one at a time onto slotted spoon and lower into boiling water.
10. Let boil for 15 seconds, flip pretzel over and boil another 15 seconds.
11. Remove from water and place on parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat process for each pretzel.
12. Combine milk with maple syrup. Lightly brush tops of each pretzel with wash. Sprinkle with sea salt.
13. Use tips of scissors or end of sharp knife and lightly score the sides of each pretzel in one or two places.
14. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes or until golden brown.