Preheat oven to 475°F and line a large baking sheet or two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment, combine yeast with warm water and sugar. Let it sit until frothy.
Stir in salt and melted butter.
Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, and knead on the lowest setting until a dough forms and is no longer very sticky.
Knead the dough for 5 minutes or until smooth and pliable.
Form the dough into a ball, grease the bowl, and let the dough rest for 15 minutes, covered with a damp towel.
In a medium-sized pot, boil 2 cups of water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Once dissolved, remove from heat.
After 15 minutes, take the dough out of the bowl and flatten slightly. Cut it into 8 sections and roll each into a long rope.
Shape each rope into a pretzel shape and dip into the baking soda bath for 2 minutes.
Remove the pretzels from the bath and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
Bake for 8-9 minutes or until golden brown.
Brush the pretzels with melted butter immediately after removing them from the oven.
Enjoy your homemade soft pretzels warm!