1. In a large mixing bowl, combine instant yeast with warm water (110-130°F) and allow it to dissolve and foam for about 5 minutes.
2. Add salt, brown sugar, and unsalted butter (or vegetable oil) to the yeast mixture and gradually mix in all-purpose flour (4-4 1/4 cups) until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding small amounts of flour as needed.
4. Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air and transfer it to a clean surface.
6. Divide the dough into sections and roll each section into long ropes, approximately 12 inches in length.
7. Cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife.
8. In a large pot, bring 9 cups of water to a boil and carefully stir in 1/2 cup of baking soda to create a baking soda bath.
9. Drop the pretzel bites into the baking soda bath, about 10 at a time, and let them boil for 20-30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Preheat your oven to 400°F while preparing an egg wash by mixing 1 large egg with 1 tablespoon of water.
11. Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash using a pastry brush.
12. Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
13. While the bites are still warm, brush them with melted butter.
14. Roll each butter-coated pretzel bite in a mixture of 3/4 cup sugar and 3 teaspoons of cinnamon to coat them completely.
15. Serve the Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites as they are, or pair them with an optional cream cheese dip for an elevated treat.