auntie anne’s recipe

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Auntie Anne’s Copycat Soft Pretzels

4.7 from 1438 votes

Warm, buttery, and irresistibly soft pretzels inspired by Auntie Anne’s famous recipe. Perfect for snacking or serving with your favorite dips, these pretzels are brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with coarse salt for that classic mall-style treat.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time1 hr 35 mins (including rise time)

Servings: 8 pretzelsCuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Baking Soda Bath

• 8 cups water
• ½ cup baking soda

For Topping

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1
   In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. 2
   Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms (use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes or knead by hand for 8-10 minutes).
3. 3
   Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. 4
   Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. 5
   Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch rope, then shape into a pretzel (twist into a U, cross the ends, and press onto the bottom).
6. 6
   In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the baking sheet.
7. 7
   Brush pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
8. 8
   Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with additional melted butter after baking if desired.

🔧Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
• Clean kitchen towel
• Large pot
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 52g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra flavor, add 1 tsp garlic powder or cinnamon sugar to the dough. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Auntie Anne’s Copycat Soft Pretzels

1. What is the secret to Auntie Anne’s soft and chewy pretzels?

The key to Auntie Anne’s signature texture lies in the dough preparation and proofing process. The recipe uses a combination of bread flour (for chewiness), yeast, sugar, and butter, along with a precise proofing time to develop the right gluten structure. Brushing the pretzels with melted butter after baking also enhances their softness and flavor.

2. Can I make Auntie Anne’s pretzels without a stand mixer?

Yes! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. Combine the ingredients in a large bowl, then turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.

3. What’s the best way to get the classic Auntie Anne’s “snap” when biting into the pretzel?

The snap comes from boiling the pretzels in a baking soda bath before baking. Dissolve ½ cup of baking soda in 8 cups of water, bring to a boil, then dip each shaped pretzel for 20–30 seconds before placing it on a baking sheet. This alkaline bath helps create the crisp, golden crust and signature texture.

4. How do I store leftover Auntie Anne’s-style pretzels to keep them fresh?

For short-term storage (1–2 days), keep pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes. For longer storage, freeze baked pretzels in a sealed bag for up to 3 months—reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

5. What’s the difference between Auntie Anne’s original and cinnamon sugar pretzel coatings?

The original pretzel is brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with coarse salt after baking. For the cinnamon sugar version, mix ½ cup granulated sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of cinnamon, then coat the warm, buttered pretzel in the mixture. Some recipes also add a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.