In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup warm water, 1 tsp active dry yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Whisk together and let it sit for 10 minutes.

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter.

Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour.

After an hour, cut the dough into four equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a long rope, then shape it into a pretzel by crossing the ends and flipping them over.

Boil water in a pot and add baking soda.

Carefully place each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds each.

Transfer the pretzels to a baking sheet and brush them with an egg wash.

Sprinkle sea salt on top of the pretzels.

Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F for 10 to 12 minutes.