Mix water/yeast. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes or until it is foamy.
Mix dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Slowly add water/yeast mixture and oil and mix until a soft dough forms. Turn out onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.
Spray bowl with non stick cooking spray and return dough to bowl. Cover loosely with a towel and let raise until doubled, about an hour.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Make a baking soda bath for the pretzels by combining the baking soda with hot water and stir until soda is mostly dissolved (it won't dissolve completely).
Roll out dough into a long rectangle (about 12"x24"). Using a pizza cutter, cut into small 2 inch pieces. Dip each dough square into the water/soda bath and place on a greased (or parchment paper lined) baking sheet. If you are making salted or garlic pretzels, sprinkle with kosher salt.
Bake for 4 minutes, then rotate pan and bake another 4 minutes until golden brown.