Combine the 1 1/2 cups warm water, sugar and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top. Set aside for 5 minutes, or until the mixture foams.
Add the flour and butter and, using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined. Increase to medium and knead for 4-5 minutes or until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl.
Remove the dough from the bowl, pour in 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl around the bowl. Return the dough to the bowl, spin in the oil and cover with plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm place for an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Heat the oven to 450ยช F. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper and lightly brush with oil. Set aside.
Bring the 10 cups water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in a 12-inch saute pan or a roasting pan (anything wide and shallow!).
Meanwhile, turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled work surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough into a rope about 1-inch thick. Cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces (they'll shrink up a bit as cut, no worries!)
In batches of 6-8, place the pretzel nuggets in the boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove them from the water using a large flat spatula. Place them on the sheet pans, brush the top of each with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving or let cool and reheat in the oven before serving.