Seems like everyone is in a baking frenzy and I’m right there with them. I’ve been baking up a storm and my newest recipe is Copy Cat Auntie Anne’s Pretzels! This is actually my first attempt of baking pretzels and to be honest I put it off for days because I was intimidated. I did ton of research before hand to make sure that I had the perfect rising dough and correct methods of folding into the pretzel shape. Even after all the research, I was still hesitant because baking in general intimidates me. To be honest, once I got started it was actually quite easy. I mean you’re basically mixing flour and yeast together and waiting for it to rise. When I pulled my Copy Cat Auntie Anne’s Pretzels out of the oven it smelled so good and looked perfect! My husband loved it and has since requested I make it again.
Copy Cat Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
I don’t shop at Mall’s often, but when we do I always grab a few Auntie Anne’s Pretzels for me and the family. Since we have all been unable to go to the mall, we have really been craving this treat. My husband likes the classic pretzel with a little salt. He can eat it plain just like that, but I like dipping it in some mustard or melted cheese dip. I did some research and decided to make him a Copy Cat Auntie Anne’s Pretzel at home.
Copy Cat Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
My girls and I prefer the Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel even though it’s a complete mess when eating it. If you choose to make the cinnamon sugar pretzel at home, the key is to brush the pretzel with melted butter before shaking it in cinnamon and sugar. I swear my Copy Cat Auntie Anne’s Pretzel taste just like the real thing! I think we are no longe buying these pretzels at the mall!
Copy Cat Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
A few things I want to note. It is optional is boiling your pretzel in water and baking soda, but I highly recommend it. It pre-cooks your pretzel before baking and it helps make the pretzel soft on the inside and more chewy. I also learned that your dough will rise faster if placed somewhere warm and quite a few people suggested inside the oven.
- 1½ cups warm water
- 1 tbsp. sugar
- 1 tbsp. salt
- 2½ tsp instant yeast
- 4 cups flour
- 2 tsp oil
- 1 tbsp. baking soda
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp. coarse salt
- In a large bowl add warm water, salt, sugar and instant yeast. Mix and let the yeast activate for 5 minutes.
- Slowly mix in your flour one cup at a time and add oil. I kneaded this by hand for a few minutes until i had a ball. Spray a large bowl with oil and place dough inside. Cover with plastic or dish towel.
- Let rise for 1½ - 2 hours. The dough will rise faster in a warm environment.
- The dough should more than double in size. Cut into 8 even sections and roll each section into long strips. Twist the ends twice and then places the ends on the bottom corners creating a pretzel shape.
- In a large pot simmer 4 cups water and add you baking soda.
- Simmer each pretzel for 30 seconds on each side and place on lined baking sheet.
- Brush with egg wash.
- For salted pretzels sprinkle coarse salt.
- For cinnamon sugar pretzel wait until after baking to add.
- Bake at 450˚F degrees for 10-15 minutes.
- For cinnamon sugar pretzel brush baked pretzels with melted butter and roll in cinnamon and sugar.
My is a self taught chef, health influencer, writer and food explorer 
