1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the yeast, warmed water, honey, bread flour and salt. Knead on medium-low speed for 5 minutes. Transfer dough to a greased bowl. Spray the top of the dough with nonstick cooking spray, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap.

2. Allow to rise for 60 minutes in a warm place.

3. Once the dough is done rising, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into two pieces.

4. Shape the pretzels. Working with one piece at a time, roll the dough out to 48 inches in length. Grab the two ends of the dough and make the dough into a U-shape. Grabbing the two ends, twist the ends twice, then press the ends down to the bottom of the “U” to form the classic knot shape. You want to make sure the ends are sealed well into the dough so that the pretzel doesn’t come apart in the baking soda bath. Place the pretzel on a piece of parchment paper. Repeat with remaining dough.

5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Have the baking sheet ready for after you simmer the pretzels in the baking soda solution.

6. Bring 6 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Reduce heat to simmer, then add in the baking soda, slowly. It will bubble! Add the pretzel on the parchment paper. Use tongs to pull the parchment paper out from underneath the pretzel. The pretzel should stay together as long as you pressed the ends into the bottom of the “U” well. Allow the pretzel to simmer in the solution for 30 seconds, then use two large spatulas to carefully lift the pretzel out of the water and onto your prepared baking sheet. You can readjust the shape once it gets on the parchment paper lined baking sheet.

7. Repeat with remaining pretzel.

8. Brush the pretzels with a beaten egg. If you are sprinkling salt on your pretzels, sprinkle the salt on now. If you plan to coat the pretzel in cinnamon sugar, you will do this after it bakes.

9. Bake in 425F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until pretzels are golden brown in color.

10. Once the pretzels are done baking, if you plan to coat the pretzel in cinnamon sugar, you will do this now. Allow the pretzel to cool enough to handle. Add cinnamon and sugar to large shallow bowl. Stir to combine. Brush the pretzel with melted butter, then sprinkle cinnamon sugar over pretzel.

11. When ready to serve, make the beer cheese. You can also make this ahead of time. In a medium size saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until combined and a paste forms. Slowly whisk in milk. Cook over medium heat, just until thickened. Add in the beer, Worcestershire, mustard, garlic powder, paprika, and cheddar cheese. Whisk until combined and the cheese is melted. The cheese sauce will thicken as it cools. Remove from heat and pour into serving container.

12. Serve and enjoy!