Prepare the Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Shape the Pretzels: Roll out your pizza dough into a long rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Then, cut the dough into strips (about 12-16 pieces depending on the size of your pretzels). Roll each strip into a long rope (about 12-15 inches). To form a pretzel shape, create a U shape with the dough, then twist the ends of the dough and fold them over to form a pretzel shape. Press the ends of the dough together to seal.

Prepare the Baking Soda Bath:

3. Create the Bath: In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the baking soda and stir until fully dissolved. This bath will give the pretzels their signature golden color and texture.
4. Boil the Pretzels: Carefully drop each pretzel into the baking soda bath, one at a time. Boil them for about 30 seconds on each side, using a slotted spoon to flip them. This step is crucial for the perfect soft pretzel texture.

Bake the Pretzels:

5. Brush with Egg Wash: After boiling, transfer the pretzels to the prepared baking sheet. Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish.
6. Sprinkle with Salt: Immediately sprinkle the pretzels with coarse sea salt. Be generous if you love salty pretzels!
7. Bake: Place the pretzels in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have a nice crispy crust.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the pretzels cool slightly on a wire rack for a few minutes. If desired, brush with melted butter for extra flavor and shine.

Tips for Shaping Pretzels:

• Even Thickness: When rolling out the dough, make sure the ropes are an even thickness to ensure the pretzels cook evenly.
• Twist Securely: Make sure the ends of the pretzel are well sealed to prevent them from unraveling during the baking process.