In a stand mixer bowl, stir together the warm water, sugar, and salt until the sugar has dissolved.
Pour in the yeast and allow it to sit for 10 minutes until it starts to foam.
Add in the flour and olive oil and mix thoroughly until a dough forms. This may take about 3-5 minutes.
Grease a medium bowl with some olive oil or non-stick spray. Transfer the dough to the bowl and shape it into a ball. Loosely cover the bowl with plastic and allow it to sit for 1 hour. Do not refrigerate, the dough needs to stay at room temperature.
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With a sharp knife or a dough cutter, divide the dough into 8 even pieces. Between your hands roll the dough pieces into long snake-like strands, about 2 feet in length. Loop each strand under and around to create a pretzel shape.
Add 1/3 cup baking soda to a large pot of water (a deep pan works too) and bring to a boil. Place each pretzel in the water for 30 seconds on each side. (I usually boil 4 at a time.)
Move the boiled pretzels to the prepared baking sheet and brush lightly with a beaten egg. Sprinkle with as much or as little coarse salt as desired.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before enjoying with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
If you don't have a stand mixer, combine the dough ingredients as instructed in a large mixing bowl. Once the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a floured work surface and knead for 25 to 40 minutes. Then proceed with the recipe as directed.