In a medium bowl, combine warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Once yeast mixture is foamy, add it to flour mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

After dough rises, punch it down gently and divide into small pieces, rolling each into a rope shape and twisting into pretzel form.

Bring about 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, then stir in baking soda. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then remove and place on the baking sheet.

Beat the egg and brush it generously over the boiled pretzels. Sprinkle coarse salt on top.

Bake pretzels in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.