In the bowl of a countertop mixer with the dough hook attached, combine all of the dough ingredients. Mix on medium speed for 5 minutes. (The dough should be very soft.)

Place the dough in a lightly floured bowl and let it rest in a warm spot (~80-85F degrees) for 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the boiling water and baking soda in a small bowl. Stir until baking soda is mostly dissolved. Set mixture aside until it reaches room temperature.

Once the dough has risen, divide it into 6 pieces of approximately even weight (~3 1/4 ounces each). Shape dough into 6" logs. Cover dough lightly and let rest for 15 minutes.

Roll each piece of dough into a 18" long rope. Tie each rope into a square knot and tuck the ends back into the center of the knot to form a round roll.

Pour the baking soda mixture into a wide dish (like a cake pan or casserole dish). Place the shaped rolls into the mixture and spoon some of the mixture over the tops of the rolls. Soak rolls for 2 minutes.

Remove rolls from water and place on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Sprinkle tops of rolls with kosher salt. Allow rolls to rest uncovered for 30 minutes.

Bake rolls at 450F degrees for 5 minutes. Carefully tent them with a piece of aluminum foil and continue baking for another 5-8 minutes.

Remove the rolls from the oven and brush with melted butter (optional).