Combine all the dough ingredients in a large bowl and beat until well combined. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until soft and smooth.

Flour the dough and place it in a bag or bowl, covered, to rest for 30 minutes.

While the dough rests, make the topping. Combine the boiling water and baking soda in a medium bowl or large measuring cup, stirring until the soda is completely dissolved. Note: this mixture will overflow a one-cup measure, so a larger container is needed for mixing. Allow the soda-water mixture to sit and cool to room temperature while you proceed with the pretzels.

Preheat the oven to 475 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet with either a light coat of oil or line it with parchment paper.

Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Allow the dough to sit uncovered for 5 minutes.

Pour the cooled soda-water into a 9” square pan.

Roll each piece of dough into a long thin rope and twist each into a pretzel shape.

Working with 4 pretzels at a time, place them into the soda-water. Spoon the water over the tops of the pretzels and leave them to sit in the water for 2 minutes.

Remove with a slotted spoon or spatula and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Sprinkle with coarse kosher or pretzel salt.

Allow the pretzels to rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Bake for 8-9 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove the pretzels from the oven and immediately brush with the melted butter. Continue brushing until all the butter is used.

Serve warm with mustard or cheese sauce.