Generously grease a baking sheet with unsalted butter. Set aside.

In a large bowl, add hot water and sprinkle yeast over the top. Let dissolve for 2 minutes.

Add brown sugar and flour and mix well. Try to combine as quickly as possible. Do not knead the dough.

Cover bowl with a kitchen towel and let rise for 30 minutes (at least until doubled in size).

Remove dough from bowl onto a lightly floured surface.

Cut into thick pieces and roll into long ropes. Shape into pretzel shapes.

Preheat over to 450 degrees.

In a small bowl, beat egg.

In a deep sauce pot, add water at least half way and bring to a boil. Add baking soda and stir to combine.

Add pretzels to boiling water, 2 at a time, and boil for one minute. Carefully remove boiled pretzels to greased baking sheet.

Brush the tops of the pretzels with egg wash. sprinkle with course salt if desired.

Bake for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown.

Brush with butter if desired.

For cinnamon/sugar pretzels - mix 1 tbsp sugar and 1/2 tbsp cinnamon together and sprinkle on the top after the egg wash.

For glaze - mix 3/4 cup powdered sugar and 2 tbsp milk together and drizzle or dip after pretzels are finished.