Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, kosher salt, and yeast. Stir gently to dissolve yeast.
• Add all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, melted butter, and honey.
• Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until ingredients combine, about 1-2 minutes.
• Increase to medium speed and knead for 4-5 minutes until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 2: Let Dough Rise

• Remove dough, clean the bowl, and lightly coat it with vegetable oil.
• Place dough back into the bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 50-55 minutes.

Step 3: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pans

• Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
• Line two half-sheet pans with parchment paper and lightly brush parchment with vegetable oil.

Step 4: Shape Pretzels

• Turn dough onto a lightly oiled work surface and divide evenly into 8 pieces.
• Roll each piece into a rope about 24 inches (61 cm) long.
• Shape each rope into a U-shape, cross the ends, twist once, and press ends into the bottom of the U to form pretzel shape.
• Place pretzels onto prepared pans.

Step 5: Boil Pretzels

• In a large pot or roasting pan, bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a rolling boil.
• Gently place pretzels one by one into boiling water for 30 seconds each.
• Remove carefully using a flat spatula or slotted spoon, and return pretzels to prepared pans.

Step 6: Add Egg Wash and Salt

• Brush pretzels lightly with the egg yolk and water mixture.
• Sprinkle generously with pretzel salt.

Step 7: Bake Pretzels

• Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 12-14 minutes or until deeply golden brown.
• Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.