combine water, sugar and salt in stand mixer, sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes, it should get foamy
add flour and butter, mix on low speed until well combined, 5 minutes
place dough in bowl rubbed with vegetable oil, cover and place in warm spot for 55 minutes
pre-heat oven to 450 degrees F, line two sheet pans with parchment paper and oil.
boil 10 cups of water with baking soda
divide dough into eight pieces, roll each piece like you are making a snake in an introduction pottery class, take the ends, cross over and press onto sides of the u shape (make it into a pretzel shape)
drop your dough pretzel into boiling water for 30 seconds
place on sheet pan, brush with egg wash and sprinkle with pretzel salt
bake for 12-14 minutes, until amber-brown in color
let them cool and then dunk in mustard and have a beer!
Notes
pretzel salt is impossible for me to find in the stores- there are loads of options on amazon.