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Auntie Anne's Pretzel Recipe

Homemade Auntie Anne's pretzels with a crispy exterior and chewy interior, perfect for snacking.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 pretzels
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 and 1/4 cups warm water 110 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
For Assembly and Baking
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 8 cups water for the baking soda bath
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons coarse pretzel salt or sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted for brushing

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Stand mixer or mixing by hand with a wooden spoon
  • Kitchen scale
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
  • Shallow baking dish or wide bowl for the baking soda bath
  • Pastry brush for applying egg wash
  • Slotted spoon or spider strainer for removing pretzels from baking soda bath
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Kitchen towel or plastic wrap for covering dough

Method
 

  1. Pour the warm water into your mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast over the top, then let it sit for about five minutes.
  2. Add the flour, sugar, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead for about eight to ten minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise at room temperature for about one hour.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into eight equal pieces.
  6. Shape each piece into a rope about 18 to 20 inches long.
  7. Form each rope into a pretzel shape and pinch the ends together.
  8. Bring eight cups of water to a boil, then stir in the baking soda carefully.
  9. Using a slotted spoon, boil each pretzel for about 30 to 60 seconds.
  10. Place the pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  11. Beat the egg with one tablespoon of water and brush over each pretzel, then sprinkle with salt.
  12. Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
  13. Brush with melted butter while still hot.

Notes

Serve warm with dipping sauces like mustard or cheese, or enjoy them plain.