Warm the milk in the microwave for 45 seconds or until warm.(but not hot) stir in your yeast and set aside 4 min.

Pour your milk mixture into a large bowl and mix in your brown sugar using spoon (I just used a wooden spoon) once mixed in, stir in 1 cup of the flour until just combined

Add your softened butter along with the remaining 1 1/4 cup flour and salt. Mix by hand until it all comes together

Turn out onto lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 6 min.

Bring together in a big ball and place into a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap.Set aside to rise for 1 hour in a warm place

After an hour: punch the dough then divide into 6-8 pieces for large pretzels.

Preheat oven to 450°F

Mix the 1.5 cups water and baking soda in a shallow bowl or dish.

Roll out each piece using palms into long tubes (about 12 inches) then form into shape.

Dip each pretzel in the baking soda water than place on lightly greased baking sheet.

Sprinkle with coarse salt and your sesame seeds (or poppyseeds or anything else you want to top the pretzels with)

Bake in oven for 11 minutes.

Once out of the oven, brush with the melted butter. Enjoy!