In mixing bowl, add the water and dry active yeast and stir together.

Then add the salt, sugar, melted butter and flour, a cup at a time, add and mix until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms.

Knead dough for about 5 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic feeling.

Cover dough and let it rise for roughly 30 minutes.

On a lightly floured surface, divide dough into 4 segments and roll into roughly 1 1/2 inch thick ropes, then slice each rope into 1-2 inch pieces.

Allow segments to rise again for another 20-30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 425 F.

Prepare the water to boil the pretzels in by adding baking soda to water and bringing to a boil.

Add the pretzel pieces into the water in groups of about 15 pieces.

Let them cook for about 30-45 seconds then remove with a slotted spoon or frying spatula and place onto a lined and greased cookie sheet.

Prepare the egg wash by mixing together the egg and water in a small bowl.

Brush the tops of the pretzel bites with the egg wash then sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

Once removed from the oven, you can brush tops with melted butter and add more sea salt if desired.