Auntie Anne’s–Style Homemade Soft Pretzels (Mall Copycat Recipe)

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f you’ve ever walked through the mall and been stopped in your tracks by the smell of warm, buttery pretzels, this recipe is for you. These homemade soft pretzels are a copycat version of the classic Auntie Anne’s–style pretzels—soft and chewy on the inside, golden on the outside, and finished with a buttery dip just like the ones you remember.

The best part? You can make them right at home, from scratch, using simple pantry ingredients. No mall trip and artificial ingredients required.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Auntie Anne’s–style flavor and texture
• Soft, chewy interior with a golden crust
• Finished in melted butter just like the mall pretzels
• Made from scratch with simple ingredients
• Perfect for snacks, game days, or cozy nights at home

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Ingredients

Pretzel Dough

• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup water
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 410 grams bread flour (about 2½ cups plus 3 tablespoons)
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Baking Soda Solution

• 2 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons baking soda

Topping

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for dipping after baking)
• Coarse pretzel salt

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Instructions

Step 1: Proof the Yeast

Heat the milk and water to 105°F in a sauce pan
Stir in the yeast and allow it to proof for 5 minutes, until foamy.

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Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and melted butter.
Pour in the proofed yeast mixture and knead for a few minutes until the dough comes together into a smooth ball.

The dough should be slightly tacky, similar to classic soft pretzel dough.

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Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Lightly grease the top of the dough with about 1 teaspoon of oil.
Cover and allow it to rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.

While the dough rises, dissolve the baking soda in the warm water and set aside.

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Step 4: Shape the Pretzels

Preheat the oven to 410°F.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly greased surface and cut into 6 equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a 35–40 inch rope, about the thickness of your finger.
Shape into a classic pretzel by forming a U, twisting the ends twice, and pinching them to the base.

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Step 5: Baking Soda Dip

Dip each pretzel briefly into the baking soda solution.
Gently pat against a kitchen towel to remove excess liquid.

Place pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with coarse pretzel salt.

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Step 6: Bake

Bake for 7–8 minutes, or until golden brown.

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Step 7: Finish with Butter

While still warm, dip each pretzel into the melted butter—just like Auntie Anne’s.
Serve immediately.

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Tips for That Classic Mall Pretzel Taste

• Don’t skip the baking soda dip — it’s key for flavor and color
• Dip in butter after baking for that authentic finish
• Best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven

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Serving Ideas

• Serve with mustard or cheese sauce
• Pair with soup or chili
• Slice into bites for parties
• Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar instead of salt for a sweet version

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