Ingredients needed for Auntie Anne’s style pretzels
To make Auntie Anne’s style pretzels, you’ll need some basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. You’ll need all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, sugar, salt, baking soda, water, and vegetable oil. You’ll also need coarse salt for sprinkling on top of the pretzels, and for making the famous cinnamon sugar topping, you’ll need cinnamon, sugar, and butter.
Preparing the dough for your pretzels
To prepare the dough, begin by combining flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add warm water and vegetable oil and stir until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes, then divide it into 8-10 equal portions.
Shaping your pretzels like Auntie Anne’s
To shape your pretzels, roll each portion of dough into a long rope, about 20-24 inches in length. Form the dough into the traditional pretzel shape by forming a U-shape, twisting the ends together, and folding them down to the bottom of the U-shape.
Boiling the pretzels to achieve the signature texture
To achieve the signature texture of Auntie Anne’s pretzels, you’ll need to boil them briefly in a mixture of water and baking soda. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds on each side, then remove them from the water using a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking your pretzels to perfection
To bake your pretzels, brush them with an egg wash and sprinkle them with coarse salt. Bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until they’re golden brown.
Making Auntie Anne’s famous cinnamon sugar topping
To make Auntie Anne’s famous cinnamon sugar topping, melt butter in a small saucepan and mix in cinnamon and sugar until it’s well combined. Brush the warm pretzels with the cinnamon sugar mixture immediately after removing them from the oven.
Crafting the perfect dipping sauce to accompany your pretzels
To accompany your pretzels, you can craft the perfect dipping sauce. Some popular options include mustard, cheese sauce, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
Tips for achieving the perfect golden brown color
To achieve the perfect golden brown color, make sure to brush your pretzels with an egg wash before baking them. This will give them a shiny finish and help them brown evenly.
Troubleshooting common pretzel-making mistakes
Common mistakes when making pretzels include over or under-proofing the dough, not boiling the pretzels long enough, or not baking them long enough. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions closely and use a timer to avoid these mistakes.
Storing and reheating your homemade pretzels
To store your homemade pretzels, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat them, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until they’re warmed through.
Adding a personal twist to your Auntie Anne’s style pretzels
To add a personal twist to your Auntie Anne’s style pretzels, try experimenting with different toppings or dipping sauces. Some popular options include garlic and herb butter, parmesan cheese, or jalapeño cheddar.
Comparing your homemade pretzels to the real thing from Auntie Anne’s
After following these steps, you should have a delicious batch of homemade Auntie Anne’s style pretzels. Compare them to the real thing and see how close you’ve come. With a little practice and experimentation, you can create the perfect pretzel every time.
