Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels

These easy homemade Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels are the perfect treat for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a game night, enjoying a cozy movie marathon, or simply craving a delicious snack, these pretzels deliver that buttery, chewy goodness you love. With their salty exterior and soft interior, they are an irresistible delight that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make: With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up these pretzels in no time.
• Customizable Flavors: Enjoy them plain or add your favorite toppings like cinnamon sugar or cheese dip for extra flair.
• Perfect for Sharing: Make a large batch to share with family and friends—great for parties or gatherings!
• Satisfying Snack: These pretzels are filling and satisfying, making them an excellent choice for snacks any time of the day.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved in twisting the dough into pretzel shapes—it’s a fun activity for everyone!

Tools and Preparation

To make these delightful Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your baking process and ensure perfectly shaped pretzels.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Slotted spatula
• Rolling pin

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with dough hook: This tool makes kneading the dough effortless and ensures a smooth texture.
• Baking sheets: Essential for evenly baking your pretzels without sticking.
• Slotted spatula: Perfect for lifting pretzels out of boiling water without losing shape.

Ingredients

These easy homemade soft pretzels are buttery, chewy, salty, sweet, and just like Auntie Anne’s!

For the Dough

• 2 (0.25-ounce) packages active dry yeast (about 1 ½ tablespoons total)
• ½ cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 ¾ cups warm water (about 100-110° F)
• 5 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus more for greasing the bowl)

For Boiling

• 9 cups water
• ½ cup baking soda

For Topping

• Coarse salt (to taste)
• ¼ cup melted butter

How to Make Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Combine the yeast, 1 teaspoon of the sugar, and warm water in a small bowl. Let it rest for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook:
1. Whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and kosher salt.
2. Add vegetable oil and yeast mixture.
3. Mix on medium-low speed for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl:
1. Turn to coat all sides with grease.
2. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
3. Near the end of this rising time, preheat your oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 4: Boil Water and Shape Dough

Bring water and baking soda to boil:
1. Stir to dissolve.
2. Punch down risen dough on a floured surface.
3. Divide into 12 equal pieces; roll each into long ropes (22-24 inches).
4. Twist into traditional pretzel shapes.

Step 5: Boil Pretzels

Drop each pretzel into boiling water:
1. Boil for 20-30 seconds.
2. Remove using a slotted spatula; shake off excess water.
3. Place on prepared baking sheet; sprinkle with coarse salt.

Step 6: Bake Pretzels

Bake in preheated oven:
1. Cook until golden brown (about 8-10 minutes).
2. Brush warm pretzels with melted butter before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels fresh from the oven!

How to Serve Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels

These soft pretzels are not only delicious on their own but can also be paired with various dips and sides to enhance your snacking experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your enjoyment of Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels.

With Dips

• Cheese Sauce: A warm, gooey cheese dip complements the salty pretzels perfectly.
• Mustard: Try a spicy or honey mustard for a tangy contrast to the buttery pretzels.
• Creamy Ranch: This cool and creamy dip adds a delightful flavor that pairs well with the soft texture.

As a Snack Board

• Charcuterie Pairing: Include sliced turkey, cheeses, and olives for a savory platter.
• Veggie Sticks: Add fresh veggies like carrots and celery sticks for a crunchy contrast.
• Fruits: Fresh fruits like grapes or apple slices provide sweetness that balances the saltiness of the pretzels.

For a Fun Party Treat

• Pretzel Bites: Cut pretzels into bite-sized pieces and serve with assorted dipping sauces.
• Mini Sandwiches: Use pretzel dough to create sliders filled with your choice of fillings, like turkey or grilled vegetables.

How to Perfect Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels

Making perfect Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels at home is all about mastering the dough and baking process. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your pretzels turn out just right.

• Bold Yeast Activation: Ensure your yeast is fresh and bubbly before mixing it into the dough for optimal rise.
• Bold Dough Consistency: The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky; avoid adding too much flour during kneading.
• Bold Water Temperature: Use warm water (100-110°F) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
• Bold Boiling Time: Keep boiling time between 20-30 seconds to achieve that perfect chewy texture without an off taste.
• Bold Baking Sheet Prep: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
• Bold Butter Brushing: Brush melted butter on the pretzels immediately after baking for extra flavor and shine.

Best Side Dishes for Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels

Pairing side dishes with Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels can make for a delightful meal or snack spread. Here are some tasty side dish ideas that complement these soft treats beautifully.

1. Bold Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup provides comfort and pairs well with the salty pretzels.
2. Bold Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make a satisfying side option.
3. Bold Salad Greens: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette adds freshness to your meal.
4. Bold Hummus Platter: Serve hummus alongside assorted veggies for a healthy dip option that contrasts nicely with pretzel flavors.
5. Bold Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses can enhance the rich flavors of your soft pretzels, especially when paired with fruits.
6. Bold Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip offers a rich, flavorful option that goes well with salty snacks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels at home can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using Cold Water – If the water is too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly. Always use warm water around 100-110°F for best results.
• Skipping the Dough Rising – Not allowing the dough to rise can lead to dense pretzels. Make sure to cover and let it double in size for about an hour.
• Overboiling the Pretzels – Boiling pretzels for too long can result in a metallic taste. Keep boiling time between 20-30 seconds for perfect flavor.
• Not Greasing Properly – Failing to grease the bowl can cause your dough to stick. Use vegetable oil to coat the bowl and prevent this issue.
• Ignoring Salt Topping – Forgetting to sprinkle coarse salt on top means missing out on that signature pretzel flavor. Don’t skip this crucial step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels

• Place cooled pretzels in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake pretzels for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds per pretzel, but they may lose some texture.
• Stovetop – Warm them in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels made of?

Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels are made from simple ingredients including active dry yeast, sugar, flour, and salt, resulting in a buttery and chewy texture.

How do I achieve that signature golden brown color?

For golden brown pretzels, ensure you boil them briefly before baking and brush them with melted butter right after they come out of the oven.

Can I customize my Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels?

Absolutely! You can add toppings like cinnamon sugar or cheese sauce after baking for different flavors. Experiment with various spices or dips!

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe yields 12 soft pretzels, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends during gatherings or movie nights!

Final Thoughts

Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with various toppings or dips to suit your taste preferences. Try making these homemade pretzels today; they make a great snack or appetizer that everyone will love!