Add in the flour and mix until combined. No need to knead. Let the dough rise in a warm place until almost doubled which should only take about 20 minutes.
Divide the dough into golf ball sized lumps. Roll each ball into a snake or rope. Twist them into pretzel shapes (or whatever shape you’d like!).
In a small bowl or a liquid measuring cup, dissolve the baking soda in the hot water. Dip the pretzels into the solution and place on a well-greased cookie sheet or baking pan.
Bake for about 6 minutes at 500 degrees until they are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and dip the face of the pretzel in melted butter. Sprinkle with coarse salt for a savory pretzel, or cinnamon sugar for a sweet bite.