In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

Add 2 ¼ cups of flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Bring about 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, add baking soda carefully (it will fizz).

Once the dough is risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.

Roll each piece of dough into a long stick (approximately 8-10 inches long) and shape into a pretzel stick.

Boil each pretzel stick in the baking soda water for 30 seconds, using a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush each pretzel stick with melted butter.

In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Generously sprinkle this mixture over the pretzel sticks.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Allow cooling slightly before serving.