• In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups warm water, salt, and sugar until combined. Add the yeast and allow it to rest for 5 minutes or until foamy.
• Add the flour and butter and mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and place in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• When the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 450°.
• Cut the dough into 8 pieces (for large or 16 pieces for smaller) and roll them out into thin ropes (about 20" long), twisting the two ends to form a pretzel shape. Place on a baking sheet and set aside.

Boiling & Baking:

• In a large pot, bring 9 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add the baking soda.
• Using a slotted spoon to place in and remove from the water, boil each pretzel for 30 seconds per side.
• Transfer the pretzels to a greased baking sheet and sprinkle with salt.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the bottoms are brown. Turn the pretzels over (without smashing them) and let them bake for another 5 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the bottoms are not soggy.
• Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack.