Auntie Anne's Inspired Soft Pretzel Bites

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups warm water
4 cups flour
1/4 cup baking soda
2 cups warm water
Kosher salt for topping
Melted butter

Dissolve yeast, sugar and salt in 1 1/2 cups warm water.
Stir in flour.
Knead until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a well oiled bowl and turn to coat.
Cover and let rise for one hour.
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Turn dough onto floured surface. Pat down and cut into 12 pieces.
Roll each piece into a rope and cut into small sections.
Dissolve baking soda in 2 cups warm water.
Dip dough pieces into baking soda solution.
Place pieces on a greased cookie sheet.
Sprinkle with kosher salt.
Bake for 7-8 minutes until golden brown.
Dip each nugget in melted butter after baking.