In the bowl of a stand mixer, or in a large bowl, add the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix to combine. Add water and mix well, until the dough is smooth and clears the sides of the bowl. Slowly add more flour if needed, 2 tbsp at a time.

Place a bit of flour into a gallon ziploc bag and place the dough inside the bag. Close the bag, leaving room for the dough to expand. Let dough rise for 30-60 minutes.

Preheat oven to 500. Spray two baking sheets with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.

On a clean and greased counter, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. In shallow dish, combine warm water and baking soda.

Roll each ball of dough into a long rope- about 18 inches long. Twist the ends around each other twice, then fold over to make a pretzel (see pictures above.) Stir the baking soda/water mixture before each pretzel, and dunk each pretzel into the baking soda mixture. Place the pretzels on a baking sheet and let them rest for 10 minutes.

Bake the pretzels, one baking sheet at a time, for 7-9 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Brush with melted butter immediately upon removing from the oven. Sprinkle with salt or dip in cinnamon sugar and enjoy immediately!