In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.

Add in the warm water and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.

Attach the dough hook and knead for 5-6 minutes, until a smooth dough forms. (If kneading by hand, knead 7-8 minutes). The dough should be tough but smooth. If it is too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons water.

Place dough in a greased bowl and cover. Place in a warm spot and allow to rise until the dough has doubled in size, about 1 hour. (The dough will take longer to rise if your kitchen is cold)

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Grease two cookie sheets and set them aside.

Once your dough has doubled in size, place it on a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 pieces.

Roll each piece into a long "snake" and form into a pretzel (or any other fun shape).

Whisk together the hot water and baking soda, until the baking soda is dissolved.

Dip each formed pretzel into the baking soda mixture and place on a cookie sheet.

Once all of your pretzels are ready and on the baking sheet, sprinkle with the additional salt and bake for 8 minutes.

Let cool.

Enjoy the soft pretzels plain or dip in melted butter and top with either coarse kosher salt or cinnamon sugar. Store in an air tight container.