In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm water and brown sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let stand for 5 minutes. The yeast should look frothy. Then add the melted butter, flour and salt. Mix on low speed until combined. Increase speed to medium for 3-4 minutes until the dough becomes pliable. Remove the dough, lightly grease the bowl and return the dough to the bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about an hour.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 2 pieces and roll into a long rope. Cut into 1 inch pieces and roll into rounds to create the pretzel bites.
If doubling this recipe, cover the cut pieces with a cloth to avoid drying out while finishing the rest of the dough.
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add baking soda. Boil pretzels in small batches for 30 seconds. Remove with a spider or slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet.
Repeat until all have been boiled. Using a very sharp knife or bakers blade, crisscross a slit in the top of each pretzel bite. Brush tops with the almond milk and sprinkle with the coarse sea salt.