Auntie Anne’s Copycat Sourdough Soft Pretzels

Published: December 9, 2025

Homemade Auntie Anne's style sourdough soft pretzels on a baking sheet

Auntie Anne’s Copycat Sourdough Soft Pretzels are everything you’ve been dreaming of when it comes to a warm, salty snack that warms the heart. The chewy texture paired with that iconic rich, buttery taste creates a truly memorable treat. Whether you’re at home or at a gathering, these enticingly fresh pretzels bring that nostalgic mall snack experience right to your kitchen.

In this step-by-step recipe, you will discover just how easy it is to recreate this favorite indulgence with your family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What truly sets these Auntie Anne’s Copycat Sourdough Soft Pretzels apart is their simplicity and crowd-pleasing nature. With minimal ingredients that you may already have in your pantry, this recipe takes you from dough to delicious soft pretzels in just a few hours.

Not only do they serve as a fantastic snack that everyone will love, but they can also become a fun family activity. Kids relish twisting the dough into shapes, and everyone enjoys sprinkling on that coarse pretzel salt. It’s hard to resist the aroma of these baking pretzels wafting through your home!

Ingredients

To craft these delightful pretzels, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 ¼ cups (300 grams) of warm water (80-90℉) – a gentle warmth awakens the yeast.
½ cup (113 grams) of sourdough starter discard at 100% hydration – adding tangy, complex flavors.
1 tablespoon (12 grams) of granulated sugar – to balance the savory saltiness.
4 ¾ cups (565 grams) of all-purpose flour – providing the perfect structure for that chewy goodness.
4 tablespoons (57 grams) of melted unsalted butter – adding richness and depth of flavor.
1 tablespoon (12 grams) of kosher salt – for that irresistible savory punch.
10 cups of water – the base for your boiling bath.
⅔ cup of baking soda – this creates that classic pretzel crust.
1 large egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon of water for the egg wash – giving your pretzels a beautiful golden finish.
Pretzel salt or coarse kosher salt for sprinkling on top – enhancing the visual appeal and flavor.

These ingredients come together to make your kitchen smell delightful, evoking memories of local fairs and family outings.

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water with the sourdough starter and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy. This step ensures the yeast is activated and ready to work its magic.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Gradually add in the melted butter and the frothy yeast mixture to combine them well.
Knead the Dough: Once all ingredients are combined, knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes stretchy and elastic, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The dough should feel smooth to the touch.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which will take about 1-2 hours depending on your kitchen temperature.
Shape the Pretzels: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small pieces. Roll each piece into long ropes, then twist them into the classic pretzel shape – this is where the fun begins!
Boil with Baking Soda: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda carefully; it will bubble up. Dip each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds for a shiny, chewy crust.
Bake the Pretzels: Place the boiled pretzels onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse kosher salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 7 minutes or until they’re golden brown.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: This step is crucial for achieving that classic chewy pretzel crust and beautiful finish.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your yeast and sourdough starter are active and fresh for the best results.
Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to add garlic powder, cheese, or herbs to the salt mixture for a flavorful twist.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Auntie Anne’s Copycat Sourdough Soft Pretzels are perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them warm on game day alongside some homemade cheese sauce or mustard for dipping. They also make stunning appetizers at parties. Pair them with a cold drink or even a warm bowl of soup for a comforting meal.

Nutritional Information

Each pretzel (about 100g) contains approximately:

Calories: 280
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g

While they are a treat, moderation is key. As with any indulgent snack, enjoy them in balance with a variety of other foods!

Storing Tips & Variations

To store, allow the pretzels to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag for up to a month. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

Consider variations like cinnamon-sugar pretzels for a sweet treat or top them with cheese before baking for a cheesy snack option.

Conclusion

You’ll find that making Auntie Anne’s Copycat Sourdough Soft Pretzels at home is a rewarding experience full of flavor, nostalgia, and comfort. With this easy recipe, you can create soft pretzels that rival any mall’s offerings and bring joy to your family gatherings. Don’t forget to share your experience and have fun in the kitchen!

FAQs

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of sourdough starter?
Yes, you can substitute the sourdough starter with active dry yeast. Just dissolve about 1 tablespoon of yeast in the warm water along with the sugar and proceed with the recipe.

2. How can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it after the first rise. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling.

3. Can I add toppings to the pretzels?
Absolutely! Consider topping them with garlic powder, shredded cheese, or everything bagel seasoning after boiling and before baking for an extra flavor kick.

4. Is it necessary to boil the pretzels?
Yes, boiling in the baking soda bath is essential for achieving that signature pretzel texture and color.

5. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can use whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. A mix of whole wheat and all-purpose may yield the best results if you want to incorporate whole grains.

By following these steps, your familial kitchen will be filled with the heavenly scent of fresh pretzels, and your loved ones will surely ask for seconds! Enjoy making your Auntie Anne’s Copycat Sourdough Soft Pretzels.