Sourdough Soft Pretzels

1 . Stage

Make the dough: Mix flour, sourdough starter, water, powdered milk, melted butter, brown sugar, yeast, and salt in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until dough comes together. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Add additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if dough is dry.

2 . Stage

Remove dough from the bowl and shape into a ball. Clean and dry the bowl, then grease lightly. Return dough to the bowl, cover, and let rise at room temperature for 1 hour.

3 . Stage

Turn dough out onto a lightly greased surface. Fold and shape into a rectangle; divide into 12 equal pieces and cover with plastic wrap.

4 . Stage

Roll one piece dough into an 18-inch long rope; keep remaining dough covered while you work. Loop and twist the rope into a pretzel shape, and place onto a baking sheet. Roll and shape remaining pretzels.

5 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

6 . Stage

Prepare a water bath by bringing 3 cups water to a boil in a pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in baking soda until dissolved. Lower one pretzel into the water bath and cook for 30 seconds, flipping halfway through. Remove with a slotted spoon or spatula and place back onto the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining pretzels.

7 . Stage

Beat egg with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl. Brush egg wash over each pretzel, then sprinkle with coarse salt.

8 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until dark golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush pretzels with melted butter. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.