Soft Pretzels

1 1/4 c. warm water
1 tsp. sugar
4 tsp. active dry yeast (2 envelopes)
4 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1/2 c. baking soda
4 c. hot water
4 Tbsp. melted butter

Combine warm water, 1 tsp. sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let stand for 10 minutes or until creamy.
Put 3 1/2 c. flour, sugar, and salt in mixer bowl and blend with paddle. Add vegetable oil and yeast mixture and blend until moistened. Use dough hook to knead for 5 minutes. Add remaining cup of flour while kneading. Place dough in bowl spraying with cooking spray. Cover and let rise until doubled in size (about an hour).
Preheat oven to 450. Turn dough onto floured surface and divide into 12 pieces. Roll and shape into pretzels.
Dissolve baking soda in 4 c. hot water. Dip pretzels in mixture and place onto baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Brush with melted butter.