Auntie Anne's Cinnamon Pretzels Recipe Copycat

Treat yourself to a batch of freshly baked, warm, and gooey Auntie Anne's cinnamon pretzels at home! With this simple, step-by-step recipe, you can enjoy the mouthwatering goodness of the iconic pretzel shop experience right in your kitchen. Transform your favorite classic pretzel dough into a cinnamon-sugar coated, delectable masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and fill your home with a comforting, nostalgic aroma.

This recipe is perfect for indulging in a sweet treat, sharing with loved ones, or adding a delightful twist to your afternoon snack routine. So, let's dive right in and discover how to recreate Auntie Anne's beloved cinnamon pretzels in your own home.

Gather Your Ingredients

Auntie Anne's cinnamon pretzels require a few basic ingredients to whip up the perfect sweet and salty combination. Before you get started, ensure you have the following components on hand:

• Pretzel dough - Store-bought or homemade (below is a simple homemade recipe)
• Cinnamon - Ground cinnamon for warm, comforting flavor
• Sugar - Both granulated and powdered sugar for the ultimate cinnamon-sugar coating
• Butter - Unsalted butter, melted, for brushing on warm pretzels

Simple Homemade Pretzel Dough Recipe

If you prefer making homemade pretzel dough, combine 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 43°C), 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, 4 tablespoons granulated sugar, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted), 2 large eggs, and 4 cups all-purpose flour. Knead until smooth, let it rest, and proceed with the recipe.

If using store-bought dough, skip ahead to the next section.

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While your pretzel dough is resting, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating that will transform your plain pretzels into a cinnamon-spiked delight. In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Stir well to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Form Your Pretzels

Once your pretzel dough has rested, divide it into 8 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a long, thin rope (about 24 inches). To shape your pretzel, take the ends of the rope and bring them towards the center, leaving a few inches of dough on each side. Twist the ends around each other once, then cross the twisted ends over each other and press them onto the dough to form the iconic pretzel shape.

Repeat this process with the remaining dough, creating 8 beautifully shaped cinnamon pretzels.

Boil and Bake Your Pretzels

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet. Boil a pot of water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Drop the pretzels into the boiling water, a few at a time, ensuring they don't stick together. Boil for 30 seconds on each side, then place them on the greased baking sheet to drain.

After all pretzels have been boiled, brush them with a beaten egg for a golden crust. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar coating over the pretzels, gently pressing it into the egg-washed surface. Bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Enjoy Your Auntie Anne's Cinnamon Pretzels

Once your pretzels are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with powdered sugar. This step adds an extra layer of deliciousness and showcases the iconic Auntie Anne's touch.

Serve your homemade Auntie Anne's cinnamon pretzels warm, and enjoy the breathtaking taste of this beloved treat, all from the comfort of your own home. Anytime a craving strikes, you'll be ready to whip up another batch of these satisfy-your-sweet-tooth delights!