Add four, salt, yeast, brown sugar and diastatic malt (if using) to a stand mixer and mix to combine.

Heat milk in a glass measuring cup, in the microwave with the butter. Do not let this boil. stir to melt the butter.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, slowly. Mix on low speed to combine.

Turn the mixing speed up to medium to knead the dough for 8-10 minutes.

Add a bit more flour to the dough a little at a time, if dough is too sticky. It should not be sticking to the sides.

Spray a bowl with cooking spray and Seth the dough in the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for about an hour. The dough needs to double in size.

Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees. Place oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven.

Cover two baking sheets with silicon mats and spray with cooking spray.

Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 10" x 18" rectangle.

Then, cut into one inch strips and then 1 1/2" pieces, or as you desire.

Whisk baking soda into boiling water until dissolved completely. Then, remove from the heat.

Briefly dunk pretzel bites into hot mixture and scoop out and let drain.

Place on baking sheet and immediately sprinkle with flaky salt or pretzel salt. Repeat.

Bake 6-10 minutes or until desired amount of browned. It is a good idea to switch the baking sheets position in the oven-move the top one to the bottom and the bottom to the top, halfway through the baking.

Remove from the oven and enjoy.