Pretzel Sandwich Buns - cooking recipe

Ingredients

DOUGH
1 3/4 cups warm water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 teaspoon salt
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
2 teaspoons instant yeast
TOPPING
coarse sea salt
WATER BATH
2 quarts water
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 cup baking soda

Preparation

Mix and knead the dough ingredients - by hand, mixer, or bread machine - to make a smooth, slightly sticky dough.
Allow the dough to rise in a lightly greased bowl, covered, for about 1 hour, until doubled. Gently deflate the dough, and transfer it to a lightly greased work surface.
Divide the dough into 10 pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball. Place the balls on a lightly greased baking sheet, cover, and let rest for 15 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400\u00b0F.
Prepare the water bath: Bring the water, salt, and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
Drop 5 dough balls at a time into the water bath.
Cook for 30 seconds, flip over, and cook for 30 seconds longer. Using a slotted spoon, return the buns to the baking sheet.
Using scissors or a sharp knife, cut 1/2\"-deep crosses into the center of each bun. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Bake the buns for 20 to 24 minutes, or until they're a deep-dark brown. Remove them from the oven, and transfer to a rack to cool.