- Dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in warm water. 
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it's foamy. 
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. 
- Stir until a dough forms. 
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes. 
- Grease a large bowl with cooking spray. 
- Place the dough in the bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. 
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. 
- Divide the dough into 8 pieces. 
- Roll each into a long rope and twist into a pretzel shape. 
- Boil water and baking soda in a large pan. 
- Dip each pretzel in the soda-water mixture for about 30 seconds. 
- Place them on a prepared baking sheet. 
- Brush the pretzels with melted butter. 
- Sprinkle with salt. 
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.