Buttery Soft Pretzels

INGREDIENTS

• 4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 4 cups hot water
• 1/4 cup kosher salt, for topping