Soft Pretzel Recipe (Copycat Annie’s Pretzels)

Soft, chewy, and perfectly salty, homemade soft pretzels are a treat that can transport you straight to a cozy snack stand. This Copycat Annie’s Pretzels recipe brings that beloved flavor right to your kitchen, making it easy to enjoy these delicious treats from the comfort of your home. With the perfect combination of ingredients, you can create a snack that’s great for parties, game day, or just a fun afternoon with the family.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 8 pretzels
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 190
• Protein: 5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 36 grams
• Fat: 3 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Sugar: 1 gram
• Sodium: 420 mg

Why Make This Soft Pretzel Recipe (Copycat Annie’s Pretzels)

What makes this recipe special is its ability to recreate the warm, comforting experience of buying a soft pretzel at a mall stand. You’ll love the aroma wafting through your kitchen as the pretzels bake, and the taste will likely remind you of those cherished shopping trips. Plus, the satisfaction of making these pretzels from scratch is genuinely rewarding. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or with your favorite dipping sauces, making them perfect for any occasion!

How to Make Soft Pretzel Recipe (Copycat Annie’s Pretzels)

## Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 egg (beaten)
• Coarse sea salt (for topping)

## Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. This step activates the yeast, producing bubbles that help the dough rise.

• Step 2: Mixing

  In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms. The texture should become cohesive and slightly sticky.

• Step 3: Kneading

  Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. This is your chance to engage a little elbow grease, ensuring your pretzels turn out fluffy and soft.

• Step 4: Rising

  Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This allows the dough to develop flavor and texture.

• Step 5: Preheating

  Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). A hot oven creates that perfect golden crust on your pretzels.

• Step 6: Boiling

  In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the baking soda. This step is what gives pretzels their signature flavor and chewy texture.

• Step 7: Shaping

  Divide the dough into 8 pieces and shape each into a pretzel. You can twist them traditionally or form knots—get creative!

• Step 8: Boiling

  Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds, then remove and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This quick boil helps firm up the pretzel.

• Step 9: Topping

  Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. This enhances the flavor and adds a lovely sheen!

• Step 10: Baking

  Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll know they’re ready when they’re beautifully bronzed!

How to Serve Soft Pretzel Recipe (Copycat Annie’s Pretzels)

Serve these warm pretzels fresh out of the oven with your choice of dips! Mustard, cheese sauce, or even a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture can elevate your snacking experience. They also make for fantastic appetizers at parties or game day gatherings.

How to Store Soft Pretzel Recipe (Copycat Annie’s Pretzels)

Store leftover soft pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in individual bags for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Expert Tips for Perfect Soft Pretzel Recipe (Copycat Annie’s Pretzels)

• Always use warm water (not hot) to activate the yeast gently. Too hot water can kill the yeast.
• Ensure you knead the dough well to develop gluten, giving the pretzels their chewy texture.
• Don’t skip the boiling step; it’s essential for authentic pretzel flavor and texture.
• Experiment with toppings! Try garlic powder, poppy seeds, or even a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for a twist.

Delicious Variations

• Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels: Wrap the dough around cheese sticks before boiling for gooey cheese-filled pretzels.
• Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: After baking, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with a mix of sugar and cinnamon for a sweet treat.
• Herb Pretzels: Mix dried herbs like rosemary or oregano into the dough for a savory kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
   Yes! Instant yeast can be used without proofing it first. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

2. What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?
   Bread flour is a great substitute for added chewiness. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may alter the texture.

3. How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
   The dough should double in size and feel airy when you poke it with your finger. It should leave a slight indentation.

4. Can I make the dough in advance?
   Absolutely! Prepare the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.

5. How can I keep pretzels soft?
   Store them correctly to avoid drying out. Reheat them in the oven to regain their soft texture.

Conclusion

This Copycat Annie’s Soft Pretzel recipe is an easy, satisfying way to bring a beloved snack into your home. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create delicious, homemade pretzels that are sure to impress family and friends. Pack them in lunchboxes, serve them for game nights, or just enjoy them straight from the oven as a wonderful homemade treat. Enjoy the delightful experience of warm, fresh pretzels—your taste buds will thank you!

Copycat Annie’s Soft Pretzels

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• Author: hannah-belssy
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 pretzels 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Homemade soft pretzels that are chewy, salty, and perfect for snacking, reminiscent of your favorite mall treat.

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Ingredients

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• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 egg (beaten)
• Coarse sea salt (for topping)

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
6. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the baking soda.
7. Divide the dough into 8 pieces and shape each into a pretzel.
8. Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds and then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

For variations, try cheese-stuffed pretzels or cinnamon sugar pretzels. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 pretzel
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg