• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Measure the warm water into a measuring cup and sprinkle the yeast into the water. Stir it together with a fork and let it sit for one minute.
• Add the kosher salt, brown sugar, and melted butter to the bowl of an electric mixer with the dough hook attachment. Pour the yeast and water into the bowl and whisk them together.
• Add 3 cups of the flour just one cup at a time to the bowl. With the mixer on low speed, use the dough hook to beat it together between each addition.
• Add the remaining 3/4 cup of flour and then test to see how sticky the dough is. You can add 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup more flour if it sticks to your fingers. Be careful to add just enough. You can. always add more, but can't take it back out. See the photos in the post above for visual reference.
• Place the pretzel dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 3 minutes and then shape it into a ball. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or slightly dampened paper towels and let it rest for 10 minutes while an adult prepares the water bath.

Prepare the Water Bath:

• Add 1/2 cup baking soda to 9 cups of water and whisk them together. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
• While the water is coming to a boil, line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set them near the stovetop. This gives you a place to put the pretzels after their dunk in the water bath.

Shape the Pretzels:

• Use a pizza wheel to cut the pretzel dough into 12 equal portions.
• Roll each dough ball into a 20 - 22-inch snake. Take each end of the snake and pull them up, around, and down with a twist to form the pretzels.
• Pinch the ends of the pretzel to the dough to hold.

Baking Instructions:

• The adult should use a slotted spoon to transfer each pretzel into the water bath for just 20 - 30 seconds. Let the water drain off the pretzel and place it on the prepared baking pan. Immediately sprinkle kosher salt over the pretzel while it is still damp.
• Repeat the water bath for the remaining pretzels, you'll be able to fit about 6 pretzels per baking pan.
• Bake the pretzels for 12 - 15 minutes or until the pretzels are golden brown.