For the Dough:

• In a medium bowl combine the water, yeast, sugar, and salt; let sit for 5-8 minutes, or until foamy.
• In the body of a stand mixer using the hook attachment add the flour, butter, and foam mixture and beat on medium speed for 12 minutes, allowing the hook to knead the dough.
• Cover the dough with a warm, moist towel, and let rise for one hour, or until doubled in size.
• Preheat oven to 450 degrees (F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
• In a large, wide pot combine water and baking soda and bring to a boil.
• While the water is coming to a boil, roll out your pretzels!
• Divide the dough into 8 pieces, trying to make them as equal as possible. Roll each piece out into a long rope (about 16 inches) and then shape into a U. Fold each end of the U over each other to achieve the perfect pretzel shape. Press the ends together, pinching the dough together well.
• One at a time, place pretzels into boiling water and cook for 25 seconds before removing with a slotted spatula and transferring to the prepared baking sheet.
• Brush the tops and sides of each pretzel with the egg wash. Add salt here if you like.
• Place pan in the oven to bake for 13-15 minutes.
• Transfer pretzels to a cooling rack to cool completely.