In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup water, honey, oil, and a pinch of salt

Dissolve 2 packages of yeast in ¼ cup lukewarm water - make sure the water isn't too hot, and set aside until bubbly about 5 minutes

Put the honey mixture and yeast mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer and combine, then stir 1 egg and 2 egg yolks

Using the dough hook attachment, slowly add 1 cup of the flour at a time, alternating with the buttermilk, and ending with the flour.

Mix the dough for about 3 minutes or 6 minutes if kneading by hand. You want a doughy texture, but not sticky, so you can add extra flour if needed.

Transfer dough to a large oiled bowl, cover in plastic wrap, and place in refrigerator. Let the dough rise for at least 2 hours (the longer the better, and it can even be stored overnight)

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees

Remove from the refrigerator, punch down, and roll out on a lightly floured surface. I find it easier to divide dough in half, and start with half of the dough. Roll each half into a square 12"X8".

Using a sharp knife, cut dough evenly into individual pieces about 1 inch wide

Roll each into 1-inch ropes

To shape into pretzels, form each piece of dough into a U shape, then take the top right side of the rope and cross it over to the bottom circle part of the pretzel on the left side. Now, take the other end of the rope and cross it over the right side. Press both ends of the dough rope into the bottom of the pretzel to seal it.

Bring a large pot with water baking, add baking soda, and bring to a boil. Drop 2 pretzels at a time into the boiling water bath for 10-15 seconds then remove with a slotted spoon. Place pretzel on parchment paper or a silicone mat, allowing the excess water to drip off each pretzel

Place pretzels onto a greased baking sheet

Add water to egg white and whisk together

Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of the pretzels with the egg wash

Sprinkle salt over the top

Bake in the oven at 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes until golden brown

Optional: brush melted butter over the top after removing it from the oven.