Homemade Soft Buttered Pretzels

5 Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Prepare a baking sheet by adding a parchment paper or spraying with non-stick spray.
1 I like to use my stand mixer for this recipe, but it can be mixed by hand.
2 Combine water, yeast and sugar. Allow mixture activate for 5 minutes, the yeast should become foamy.
3 Next, add salt and flour, one cup at a time while stirring/mixing on medium speed. (The dough will become dry and shaggy looking if you're stirring by hand). Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured counter and knead for a few minutes until the dough becomes smooth, springy and well incorporated.
4 Cover your dough with a clean tea towel and allow to rise on the counter for 30 minutes.
6 Cut the risen dough in half, and in half again, and again until you have 8 even pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a rope about 12" long. Twist into a pretzel  or knot shape and set aside.
7 In a small bowl, combine a 1 cup of water and a tablespoon of baking soda. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir.
8 Carefully and quickly dip each formed pretzel into the bowl of hot water, flipping to cover each side. Carefully shake off extra liquid on a towel before placing on baking sheet.
9 Spirinkle with kosher salt or a topping of your choice. Cinnamon and sugar, garlic powder, sour cream and onion or ranch powder or popcorn seasoning, anything you love!
10 Pretzels will puff up a bit while the oven heats. When it is ready, bake pretzels for 8-9 minutes. They should be a nice golden brown. I like to brush mine with melted butter. At this point you better be ready to grab one because your family will smell these little heavenly wonders and they will disappear very quickly. Happy pretzel making!