Name: Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (0.25-ounce) packages active dry yeast (about 1 ½ tablespoons total); 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· 4.2 from 68 reviews

If you have ever craved that perfect soft, chewy, and buttery snack, then you are in for a real treat with this Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels Recipe. This beloved recipe captures the magic of those iconic pretzels you find at the mall but lets you create them right in your own kitchen. From the tender dough to the cozy golden crust sprinkled generously with coarse salt and finished with a luscious brush of melted butter, every bite feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family movie night, or just a special snack, these soft pretzels are irresistible and satisfying, and you’ll soon see why this Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels Recipe has become a classic staple for so many home bakers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden cutting board with a white marbled texture beneath it holds a piece of dough that is partly cut into six smaller dough pieces. The dough pieces are light beige with a soft, slightly uneven texture and some flour dusting around them. The largest piece is on the left, rounded and uncut, while the six smaller pieces are arranged on the right side, each with a slightly different shape, some more rectangular and others more triangular. In the background, a large shiny cleaver rests near the top edge. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe might seem simple, but the magic is truly in how these few ingredients combine to create the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. Each one plays a special role: from activating the yeast to achieving that golden, glossy finish with the baking soda bath.

Active dry yeast (2 packets or about 1 ½ tablespoons): The essential leavening agent that gives the pretzels their lift and fluffiness.
Sugar (½ cup plus 1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of sweetness and helps the yeast activate beautifully.
Warm water (1 ¾ cups, about 100-110° F): The perfect temperature to bring your yeast to life and hydrate the flour.
All-purpose flour (5 cups plus extra for rolling): Provides structure and that tender chew everyone loves.
Kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances flavor within the dough, balancing the sweet and savory notes.
Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon plus more for greasing): Adds softness and helps prevent sticking during rising.
Water (9 cups): Used in the boiling step to give pretzels their unique texture and glossy crust.
Baking soda (½ cup): Creates that classic golden-brown crust after boiling.
Coarse salt (to taste): The finishing touch that delivers that perfect salty crunch in every bite.
Melted butter (¼ cup): Brushed on warm pretzels for an irresistibly rich flavor and soft finish.

How to Make Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and warm water in a small bowl. This step is crucial because it wakes up the yeast—it should become a little foamy after resting for about 10 minutes. This signals the yeast is ready to help your dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and kosher salt. Add the vegetable oil and the activated yeast mixture, then mix on medium-low for around 5 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth, elastic dough that’s slightly tacky but not sticky. This is the foundation of that perfect pretzel chew.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and give it a few turns to coat with oil. Cover the bowl and let it rest in a warm spot until doubled in size, about an hour. This relaxing rest is what lets the dough get soft and airy, which you’ll notice when shaping those pretzels.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare Pans

Near the end of rising, preheat your oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Having everything ready ahead makes the actual baking process smooth and efficient.

Step 5: Make the Baking Soda Bath

In a large pot, bring the 9 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. This alkaline bath is a secret step that gives pretzels their signature deep golden color and chewy crust. While the bath heats, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.

Step 6: Shape the Pretzels

Roll each piece into a long, thin rope, about 22 to 24 inches long, then skillfully twist each rope into that iconic pretzel shape. It may take a bit of practice, but trust me, it’s a fun step that really makes the experience special.

Step 7: Boil Then Salt

Drop one or two pretzels into the boiling baking soda water for 20 to 30 seconds. This quick dip is essential, so don’t exceed 30 seconds to avoid any metallic taste. Using a slotted spatula, remove them, gently shake off excess water, and place on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt—you want that satisfying crunch in every bite.

Step 8: Bake and Butter

Bake the pretzels at 425°F until golden brown, generally about 8 to 10 minutes. The moment they come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter. This final touch adds richness and helps the salt stick while giving the pretzels a shiny, inviting finish.

How to Serve Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels Recipe

The image shows four golden-brown soft pretzels with a shiny, slightly crispy texture and visible salt flakes on top, piled on a round white plate with a handle. Next to the pretzels, on the same plate, there is a small white ramekin filled with smooth, creamy yellow mustard sauce. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and some small green herb sprigs are scattered around the pretzels for garnish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While coarse salt is the classic choice, don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings. Try sprinkling cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist, or add garlic powder and grated parmesan for a savory flair. A light brush of herb-infused butter before serving also elevates these pretzels to an elegant snack.

Side Dishes

Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels Recipe pairs beautifully with an array of dips. Think tangy mustard, creamy cheese sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. For gatherings, setting out a dip bar with multiple options invites everyone to customize their snack, making your soft pretzels a true crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve your pretzels twisted around skewers for easy snacking, or cut them into bite-sized pieces paired with individual dipping pots. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before baking for a fancy touch that’s surprisingly simple.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Soft pretzels are best enjoyed fresh, but storing them properly helps maintain their texture for a little while longer.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each pretzel tightly in plastic wrap then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months this way. Freezing helps preserve their softness, so you can enjoy them anytime without losing that tender bite.

Reheating

When it’s time to indulge again, reheat pretzels in the oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave for reheating as it tends to make them chewy or tough. A little extra butter brushed on after reheating works wonders to revive their fresh-baked charm.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. You generally use about 25% less, and you can add it directly to the flour mixture without proofing. However, proofing active dry yeast as outlined helps ensure your dough rises perfectly.

What is the purpose of the baking soda bath?

The baking soda bath alkalizes the dough’s surface, creating that signature chewy crust and deep golden color that pretzels are known for. Skipping this step may result in a softer, less authentic pretzel texture.

Why do Auntie Anne’s pretzels taste buttery even though there’s no butter in the dough?

That buttery richness comes from brushing the pretzels with melted butter right after baking. This step is key to achieving that classic flavor and soft finish that feels indulgent and comforting.

Can I make mini pretzels with this recipe?

Absolutely! Just divide the dough into more, smaller pieces and shorten the ropes before shaping. Baking time may decrease slightly, so keep a close eye to avoid overbaking.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels Recipe relies on all-purpose flour for its chewy texture, so gluten-free versions require special gluten-free flour blends and possibly additional binders like xanthan gum. Experimenting might take some tweaks, but it’s doable for those with dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something magical about homemade soft pretzels, especially when you use this Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels Recipe. From the warm, fragrant yeast dough to the nostalgic shape and that buttery, salty crunch, every step is a joy that results in a snack everyone will love. So grab your mixing bowl, invite some friends or family to join in, and create a batch of these delightful pretzels that bring smiles all around. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, and trust me, it’s worth every single minute.