Put the flour with the yeast, sugar and milk in a large bowl or in the mixing bowl. Mix and add the salt. Add the butter and water. Knead well until a soft dough is formed.

Oil a large bowl put the dough in it. Cover and let the dough rise for an hour.

Divide risen dough in 10 parts. Make 10 strips, about 20-25 cm long. Create a dent in the center of each strip and fill with cheese. Seal by pinching the edges together with your fingers. Roll the strips so that the edges are slightly thinner. Create a horseshoe shape with each strip, cross the edges twice. Lift the edges and stick on the curve of the horseshoe (see video). Transfer the pretzels on two oven trays lined with non-stick paper.

Preheat the oven to 220°C, fan.

Put the water, soda and brown sugar in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to a just simmering point. Drop the pretzels into the water one by one for 20 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the trays. Brush with egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until they become dark in color. Serve warm.