Golden Aunt Annie's Homemade Soft Pretzels: Easy Low-Cholesterol Recipe

Aunt Annie’s Pretzels Recipe 🥨

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 1-2 Pretzels

Description:

Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade Aunt Annie’s Pretzels with this easy recipe. These soft and chewy pretzels are perfect for a quick snack or to share with friends and family. Plus, they’re healthier than the store-bought version, making them a guilt-free treat!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups warm water 🌊
1 1/8 tablespoons active dry yeast 🍞
2 tablespoons brown sugar 🥄
1 1/8 teaspoons salt 🧂
1 cup bread flour 🌾
3 cups flour 🌾
2 cups warm water (for baking soda bath) 🌊
2 tablespoons baking soda 🥄
Coarse salt (for topping) 🧂
Butter (for brushing) 🧈

Instructions:

Activate Yeast: Sprinkle active dry yeast over lukewarm water in a mixing bowl. Stir gently until the yeast is dissolved.
Mix Ingredients: Add brown sugar and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring until fully dissolved. Gradually incorporate the bread flour and all-purpose flour, kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Allow Rising: Let the dough rise for at least 30 minutes, covering the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Prepare Baking Soda Bath: While the dough is rising, prepare a baking soda water bath. In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of warm water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Stir well to dissolve the baking soda completely.
Shape Pretzels: After the dough has risen, pinch off pieces of dough and roll them into long ropes, about 1/2 inch thick. Shape the ropes into pretzel shapes or any desired shape.
Dip Pretzels: Dip each pretzel into the baking soda water bath, ensuring it is fully submerged. Place the dipped pretzels onto a greased baking sheet.
Allow Second Rise: Let the pretzels rise again on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the pretzels for approximately 10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
Brush with Butter: Once out of the oven, brush the baked pretzels with melted butter for added flavor and a glossy finish.
Add Toppings: For a classic touch, sprinkle coarse salt over the buttered pretzels. Alternatively, indulge in Auntie Anne’s famous cinnamon sugar pretzels by dipping them into melted butter and then into a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Enjoy: Serve these delicious Aunt Annie’s Pretzels warm and fresh from the oven. They’re perfect for snacking, dipping, or sharing with loved ones!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 2141
Total Fat: 28.1g
Saturated Fat: 15.4g
Cholesterol: 61.1mg
Sodium: 10333.7mg
Carbohydrates: 410.1g
Fiber: 14.4g
Sugars: 27.9g
Protein: 53.6g

Recipe Notes:

For a quicker preparation, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough.
Experiment with different toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or cheese for unique flavor variations.
These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two. Simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving to restore their softness.