Auntie Anne’s Copycat Pretzels are a delightful way to bring that soft, chewy goodness right into your kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create warm pretzels that are perfect for snacking or sharing. Let’s get started on the tasty adventure.
When making Auntie Anne’s Copycat Pretzels, consider using bread flour for that perfect chewiness, but if you only have all-purpose flour, it will work too. For a gluten-free option, look for a suitable gluten-free flour blend. Always make sure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising, and feel free to adjust the toppings based on your taste. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative.
Bread & Rolls
Auntie Anne’s Copycat Pretzels Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 3/8 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2/3 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup bread flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup warm water
- 2/3 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 1/3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Grease a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle 3/8 teaspoon active dry yeast onto 1/2 cup warm water (around 115 degrees) in a mixing bowl and stir to dissolve.
- Add 2/3 tablespoon brown sugar and 3/8 teaspoon salt, stirring until dissolved.
- Mix in 1/3 cup bread flour and 1 cup all-purpose flour, then knead the dough in the bowl until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for at least 30 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, mix 2/3 cup warm water with 2/3 tablespoon baking soda, stirring often to combine.
- Divide the dough into pieces and roll each piece into a long, thin rope—aim for as thin as you can manage, around 1/2 inch thick if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a U-shape, twisting it, and bringing the ends down to complete the shape.
- Dip each pretzel into the baking soda water bath, then place on the greased baking sheet.
- Cover the pretzels and let them rise again for a bit—the helps with texture.
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees and bake the pretzels for about 8 minutes, just until they turn golden brown, avoiding overcooking to keep them soft.
- While they bake, melt 1 1/3 tablespoons unsalted butter and whisk in 1 tablespoon honey, adjusting to your sweetness preference.
- When the pretzels are nearly done, brush each one with the butter and honey mixture, then return them to the oven for about a minute.
- Afterward, feel free to sprinkle on cinnamon sugar or any topping you fancy, from parmesan cheese to garlic salt.