Ultimate Soft Pretzels - Auntie Anne's Style
Recreate the warm, chewy goodness of Auntie Anne's famous soft pretzels right in your own kitchen! This delectable copycat recipe blends simple ingredients and easy steps to produce soft, golden-brown pretzels that are perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering. Coated in melted butter and topped with coarse salt or a sweet cinnamon sugar blend, these pretzels are sure to impress family and friends. Ideal for lunchboxes or as a delightful snack, this recipe is perfect for any occasion!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 1/2 cups (lukewarm)
active dry yeast
1 1/4 teaspoons (1 package)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
1 1/4 teaspoons (none)
bread flour
1 cup (none)
all-purpose flour
3 cups (none)
water
2 cups (warm)
baking soda
2 tablespoons (none)
coarse salt
to taste (none)
butter
2-4 tablespoons (melted)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, sprinkle the active dry yeast over lukewarm water (about 110°F/43°C) and stir gently until dissolved.
2
Add brown sugar and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring until fully dissolved.
3
Mix in the bread flour, followed by all-purpose flour, and knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for at least 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
5
While the dough is rising, prepare a baking soda water bath by combining 2 cups of warm water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a large bowl. Stir frequently to dissolve the baking soda completely.
6
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and pinch off small portions, rolling them into ropes about 1/2 inch thick; shape them into traditional pretzel forms.
7
Dip each shaped pretzel into the baking soda solution for about 10-15 seconds, then place them on a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between each pretzel.
8
Allow the pretzels to rise again for about 15-20 minutes.
9
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the pretzels for approximately 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.
10
Immediately brush the warm pretzels with melted butter. For a savory option, sprinkle with coarse salt. For a sweet treat, dip the pretzels in melted butter, then in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What style of soft pretzels does this recipe replicate?
This recipe is designed to recreate the famous soft pretzels from Auntie Anne's.
What is the total amount of flour used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 1 cup of bread flour and 3 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much yeast is required for the dough?
You will need 1 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast, which is equivalent to 1 package.
What temperature should the water be for the yeast?
The water should be lukewarm, approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius).
How long should I knead the pretzel dough?
Knead the dough on a floured surface for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
How long does the initial rise take?
The dough should rise in a warm place for at least 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
What are the ingredients for the baking soda bath?
The bath consists of 2 cups of warm water mixed with 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
How thick should I roll the pretzel dough ropes?
The dough should be rolled into ropes that are about 1/2 inch thick.
How long should the pretzels stay in the baking soda solution?
Dip each shaped pretzel into the solution for about 10 to 15 seconds.
Is there a second rise required after shaping?
Yes, allow the pretzels to rise again for about 15 to 20 minutes after dipping them in the baking soda bath.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).
How long do the pretzels take to bake?
The pretzels bake for approximately 10 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
What should I do immediately after the pretzels finish baking?
Immediately brush the warm pretzels with melted butter.
How do I make a savory version of these pretzels?
After brushing with butter, sprinkle the pretzels with coarse salt.
How do I make a sweet version of these pretzels?
Dip the buttered pretzels into a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
What type of sugar is used in the dough?
The dough uses 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
How much salt is added to the dough mixture?
The dough requires 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt.
What kind of yeast is recommended?
Active dry yeast is recommended for this recipe.
Should the baking sheet be prepared?
Yes, the pretzels should be placed on a greased baking sheet.
What should I use to cover the dough during the rise?
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
How much butter is needed for the topping?
You will need 2 to 4 tablespoons of melted butter.
Can these pretzels be served at gatherings?
Yes, they are described as perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.
What should I do if the baking soda hasn't dissolved?
Stir the warm water and baking soda mixture frequently to ensure it dissolves completely.
What texture should the dough be after kneading?
The dough should be smooth and elastic.
What is the first step of the recipe?
Sprinkle active dry yeast over lukewarm water and stir until dissolved.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients, including water, yeast, sugars, flours, salt, baking soda, and butter.
Are these pretzels good for lunchboxes?
Yes, they are ideal for lunchboxes or as a delightful snack.
What is the purpose of the brown sugar in the dough?
The brown sugar is added to the yeast mixture to help it dissolve and provide flavor.
Does the recipe use coarse salt?
Yes, coarse salt is used as a topping for the savory version of the pretzels.
What is the final result of the pretzels?
The final result is soft, golden-brown pretzels that are warm and chewy.