Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Dissolve yeast in water. Stir with a spoon to combine. Add salt and sugar, stirring to combine.

Slowly add flour, one cup at a time. Stir with a wooden spoon until dough is thick. Continue to add flour, one cup at a time, until dough is no longer sticky.

Poke dough with a finger. If it 'bounces back' it is ready to knead.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes and shape into a ball.

With a sharp knife, cut the dough ball into 1/3 cup sections. This measurement doesn't have to be exact.

Roll the dough into a rope about 20 inches long.

Once you have your long rope, take the ends and bring them together until your form a circle. Twist the ends then bring the down towards yourself and press them down into a pretzel shape.

In a small bowl, beat the egg. Dip the shaped pretzel into the egg wash, evenly coating both sides.

Place on baking sheet and sprinkle with salt or sugar depending on your personal preference.

Bake for 10 minutes at 425. Turn the broiler on and bake for 5 more minutes to brown the tops. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Allow pretzels to cool, and serve.