First add a warm water and sugar the bowl of a stand mixer stir to dissolve sugar. Sprinkle yeast across the top of the water and leave it for about 5 min, this is called proofing the yeast. Your yeast should create a layer of foam across the top of the water.

Next add in the melted butter, salt and half of the flour. Attach the dough hook attachment to the mixer and mix on low speed until flour is incorporated gradually add more flour until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and isn’t as sticky. The exact amount of flour you will need will vary depending on how much moisture is in your flour, the environment etc. I usually need about 4 ½ cups. You want your dough to be soft but not too sticky.

Turn the speed up to medium and allow to knead for about 5 minutes.

Or you can turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it by hand until smooth.

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover loosely, and let rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.

Once the dough has risen it is time to make the pretzels.

First preheat your oven to 425 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and separate into 8 equal pieces.

Take one piece and roll it into a long rope shape about 15-20 inches long.

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter cut the dough into one inch pieces.

Repeat with the rest of the dough.

Place about10 cups of water and ½ cup baking soda in a large pot on the stove and bring it to a boil over high heat.

Set your prepared baking sheet on the counter next to the stove.

Working in batches gently place pretzel pieces in the boiling water and cook for about 30 seconds. I did about 10-15 at a time. Your pot size will determine how many you can cook at once, don't overcrowd them. Using a slotted spoon gently lift the pretzel bites out of the water and place on the baking sheet.

Repeat with the remainder of the pretzel bites. Spread them about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. You may need to use 2 baking sheets or work in batches.

Once your pretzel bites are all boiled it is time to bake them.

In a small bowl whisk together the egg and 1 tsp water until well mixed to create an egg wash.

Using a brush coat the pretzels evenly with a thin coat of the egg mixture. Sprinkle on coarse salt as desired.

Place the baking sheet in the oven for about 15 minutes or until pretzel bites are a lovely golden brown.

Serve immediately.