Add yeast and sugar to warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes
Combine Yeast water with flour, butter and kosher salt in a stand mixer.
Mix on low for 2 minutes then turn speed to medium and mix for 5 minutes
Cut dough into 8 pieces and place on a floured surface. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rest for 10 minutes
Prepare 2 sheet pans with parchment paper
Roll each dough piece into 20-inch ropes and form into pretzel shape
Place the pretzels onto prepared pan
Cover each pan with a kitchen towel and let the pretzels rise in a warm place for 30 -40 minutes
Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees
Boil 8 cups of water, add the baking soda
Boil 2-3 pretzels at a time for 30 seconds each side. Drain well with a slotted spoon and place back on prepared sheet pan
Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle with pretzel salt or your favorite seasoning
Bake the pretzels for 12-14 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking.