Copycat Auntie Anne’s Pretzels (Soft & Buttery)
Auntie Anne’s soft pretzels are a mall food-court icon – chewy, buttery, and impossible to resist fresh. This copycat recipe lets you make those golden, salted pretzels at home, and the secret baking soda bath gives them that signature crust.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Chewy, buttery, and golden
- That signature mall-pretzel taste
- Fun to make and shape
- Best served warm and fresh
Copycat Auntie Anne's Pretzels
A copycat of Auntie Anne's soft pretzels - chewy, buttery, golden pretzels with that signature mall-pretzel taste, brushed with butter and salted.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dissolve the yeast and brown sugar in the warm water and let it foam, 5 minutes. Mix in the flour and salt and knead until smooth. Rise 30 minutes.
- Divide into 8 pieces, roll each into a long rope, and twist into a pretzel shape.
- Bring the water and baking soda to a boil. Dip each pretzel for 30 seconds, then place on lined baking sheets.
- Sprinkle with coarse salt and bake at 425F for 10-12 minutes until deep golden.
- Brush generously with melted butter while warm and serve.
Notes
The baking soda bath is what gives soft pretzels their chewy crust and deep color. Brush generously with butter right out of the oven.
Tips for the Best Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
- Do not skip the baking soda bath – it makes the crust
- Roll the ropes long and thin for the classic shape
- Brush with butter right out of the oven
- Serve warm with cheese sauce or cinnamon sugar
Storage & Reheating
Best fresh. Store airtight up to 2 days and reheat in a warm oven. Unbaked shaped pretzels can be frozen before the soda bath.
Variations to Try
- Toss in cinnamon sugar for a sweet version
- Serve with a warm cheese dipping sauce
- Make pretzel bites by cutting the ropes into pieces
Frequently Asked Questions
Why dip pretzels in baking soda water?
The alkaline bath gives soft pretzels their chewy crust, deep brown color, and signature flavor.
Can I make pretzel bites instead?
Yes. Cut the ropes into small pieces, then boil and bake them for a few minutes less.
What do you serve with soft pretzels?
Warm cheese sauce, mustard, or cinnamon sugar are all classic pairings.
