Name: Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (0.25-ounce) packages active dry yeast; 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; 9 cups water; ½ cup baking soda; Coarse salt, to taste; ¼ cup melted butter

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 8 reviews

If you’ve ever found yourself wandering through a mall, nose blissfully following the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked, buttery dough, then you already know the magic of Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels. These homemade twists manage to capture that legendary chewy exterior, warm fluffiness inside, and that iconic, shimmery salty finish, all in your own kitchen. With just a handful of essential ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll soon have a snack that glows with that delicious nostalgia and genuine homemade pride.

Auntie Anne's Soft Pretzels Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of making Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels at home is that you only need pantry staples to make something truly spectacular. Each ingredient here plays an irreplaceable part in perfecting that golden crust, classic chew, and subtle sweetness we all crave.

Active Dry Yeast: This is our secret to pillowy, well-risen pretzel dough with the perfect soft texture.
Sugar: A touch for the dough and a bit for the yeast let everything rise and add a delightful balanced sweetness.
Warm Water: Water at just the right temperature wakes up the yeast and keeps the dough hydrated and workable.
All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy backbone of our dough, this creates structure and that classic pretzel crumb we love.
Kosher Salt: It amplifies flavor in the dough without overpowering, yielding a satisfying savory note.
Vegetable Oil: Oil keeps the dough tender and helps prevent sticking during the rise.
Water (for boiling): A quick plunge in boiling water gets you that distinctive chewy crust.
Baking Soda: This is the game-changer! It alkalizes the outside of the pretzel for that golden sheen and classic bite.
Coarse Salt: No Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzel is complete without those big, beautiful crystals studded on top.
Melted Butter: Brushing on the butter after baking transforms each pretzel into a glossy, irresistible snack.

How to Make Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by mixing your active dry yeast, a teaspoon of sugar, and warm water in a small bowl. Let it rest for about ten minutes. You’re looking for a little foam on top, like the froth on a great cappuccino—this signals that your yeast is ready to work magic.

Step 2: Make the Pretzel Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, whisk together your flour, remaining sugar, and kosher salt. Add the vegetable oil and pour in your foamy yeast mixture, then set the mixer to medium-low. Let it knead the dough for about five minutes until it’s smooth, elastic, and ready for its first rise.

Step 3: First Rise

Turn your dough out into a bowl lightly greased with oil (a simple swipe to keep things from sticking), flipping it once to coat all sides. Cover it up and let it hang out in a warm spot until it doubles in size—about an hour. While the dough is getting fluffy, line two baking sheets with parchment and preheat the oven to 425°F, so you’re ready to shape and bake.

Step 4: Shape the Pretzels

Punch down the dough to release the built-up air—this part is kind of therapeutic! Turn it onto a floured surface, then divide the dough into 12 equal chunks. Roll each piece into a rope about 22 to 24 inches long. Now, twist those ropes into the signature Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels shape: a heart-like loop with crisscrossed arms. It’s easier than it looks, and there’s no wrong way to do it!

Step 5: Boil with Baking Soda

While you’re shaping, bring 9 cups of water with baking soda to a gentle boil in a large pot. Carefully lower 1-2 pretzels at a time into the bubbling water for 20 to 30 seconds: this is what gives them that iconic chew and bronzed finish. Don’t leave them in too long, or you’ll risk a metallic aftertaste! Use a slotted spatula to lift them out, let any excess water drip off, then transfer to your parchment-lined baking sheet. Give them a generous shower of coarse salt.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Slide your pans into that hot 425°F oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch for a rich, golden color—like the perfect fall leaf! Once you pull them out, immediately brush them with melted butter. This final touch releases that classic Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels scent and gives them their signature shine and flavor.

How to Serve Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels

Garnishes

To finish your homemade masterpiece, try a light brush of extra melted butter and a fresh sprinkle of coarse salt just before serving. For a touch of whimsy, you can shake on a cinnamon-sugar mixture, or even drizzle with a little honey for a sweet twist on your traditional Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels.

Side Dishes

These pretzels are absolutely delightful with classic sides like tangy cheese sauce or yellow mustard for dunking. If you want to make it a full snack spread, offer cut veggies, hummus, or a chilled yogurt dip for a refreshing contrast to their warm, buttery comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your fresh Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels on a wooden board, set out assorted dips, and add little flags for fun—a perfect party centerpiece. For a unique brunch, try halving them and using the pieces as the base of a savory breakfast sandwich or even little sliders. The options are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have any pretzels left, simply cool them completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll still have that chewy bite, especially with a quick warm up.

Freezing

To freeze Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels, make sure they are fully cooled, then wrap individually in plastic wrap or place in freezer-safe bags, squeezing out excess air. They’ll keep for up to three months. You can also freeze the dough before the boiling step, defrost overnight in the fridge, then shape and bake whenever you need a pretzel fix.

Reheating

Reheat your pretzels by baking them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. If you like, brush with another dose of melted butter right after they come out for that famous just-baked aroma and softness.

FAQs

How close are these to the real Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels?

This recipe is spot on! You’ll notice the same sweet and salty flavor profile, the signature chewy bite, and the glossy, buttery finish that makes Auntie Anne’s so famous. Making them at home even lets you tweak the texture or salt level to your personal taste.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Absolutely! Substitute instant yeast at a 1:1 ratio. You can skip the proofing step—just add it straight to your dry ingredients and proceed.

What’s the purpose of the baking soda bath?

Dipping the shaped pretzels in boiling baking soda water gives them that classic deep-brown crust and chewy texture. It’s the secret behind the iconic Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels flavor and appearance.

Can I make these Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels vegan?

Yes! Just swap in a plant-based butter for the brushing, and use a neutral oil in place of butter if called for in the dough. These changes won’t sacrifice anything about the flavor or texture.

Can I freeze Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels after baking?

Definitely. Cool them thoroughly, wrap tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to indulge, simply reheat in the oven for a few minutes and brush with fresh butter—or vegan butter—before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers all the nostalgia and warm, buttery delight of those golden mall pretzels, these Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels are truly a must-try. Don’t be surprised if they disappear the moment you set them on the table—these pretzels are love at first bite!