After the dough has proofed, preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F).
Grease a baking sheet and set it aside.
You will need to work quickly for this next part as we do not want the pretzels to proof too much before baking. Punch the dough down and divide equally into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
Using the palm of your hand start to roll the dough into a long 54-56 cm tube.
To make the pretzel shape, lift the two ends up to make a letter "U" then pick up both ends and twist them together twice. Take the two ends bring them down and pinch them into the bottom portion of your U shape. (Refer to images in the blog)
Bring 3 cups of water to a gentle boil, when the water is boiling add the baking soda.
Dip the pretzels one by one into the water baking soda solution for about 20-30 seconds. Use a spoon to splash the top of the pretzel with the solution. Using a metal spatula remove the pretzel then tap onto a dish towel to remove excess water (do not place the pretzel directly onto the towel or it will stick allow the metal spatula to act as a barrier). Place onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Bake in the preheated oven for 7-11 minutes or until the pretzels are deep golden brown. After 5 minutes rotate the pan in the oven to ensure even coloring and baking
While the pretzels are baking melt the butter.
Once the pretzels are out of the oven and still hot, dip each pretzel into the melted butter.
These are best eaten fresh. Once cooled store in an airtight container.