In a large bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast in 1 cup of warm water. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of salt, whisking until combined. Gradually stir in 2 cups of all-purpose flour until a soft, sticky dough forms.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour until doubled in size.

Fill a large saucepan with 8 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Stir in 1/3 cup of baking soda carefully.

Punch dough down and divide it into 32 pieces, rolling each piece into a 5-inch long log. Boil each log in the baking soda bath for 30 seconds, then drain.

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the boiled pretzel sticks on greased baking sheets, brush with a mixture of 1 beaten egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of cold water, and sprinkle with coarse salt if desired. Bake for 9-11 minutes until golden brown.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly on wire racks.