Auntie Anne's Garlic Pretzel features a warm, soft pretzel generously coated with aromatic roasted garlic and a blend of savory herbs, offering a perfect combination of buttery flavor and a golden, chewy crust.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Stand mixer (with dough hook) or hand mixer
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Pastry brush
- Saucepan (for boiling water/baking soda bath)
- Slotted spoon
- Cooling rack
- Knife or dough cutter
- Rolling pin
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted), plus more for brushing
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 2 cups water (for baking soda bath)
- 6–8 cloves roasted garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt (for topping)
Ensure your water is warm, around 110degF, to properly activate the active dry yeast for a fluffy pretzel dough. Use unsalted butter melted evenly to control the salt content and enhance the buttery flavor of the pretzel. The baking soda bath requires precise measurement with 1/3 cup baking soda dissolved in 2 cups of water to create the classic chewy crust. Fresh roasted garlic and a blend of herbs like parsley, oregano, and basil are key to replicating Auntie Anne's signature aromatic garlic coating. Your Garlic Pretzel will showcase a golden crust with a soft, chewy interior, bursting with buttery, garlicky goodness that mirrors the original Auntie Anne's favorite.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
- In mixing bowl, whisk together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add salt, melted butter, and flour; mix until combined.
- Knead dough (stand mixer with dough hook or by hand) 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer dough to greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Punch down dough, transfer to lightly floured surface.
- Divide dough into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into 18-inch rope.
- Shape ropes into traditional pretzel shape.
- In saucepan, bring 2 cups water and baking soda to a boil, then reduce to simmer.
- Using slotted spoon, dip each pretzel in baking soda bath for 20–30 seconds.
- Place pretzels on prepared baking sheet.
- In small bowl, combine roasted garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, and garlic powder.
- Brush each pretzel generously with melted butter.
- Sprinkle garlic-herb mixture over pretzels.
- Sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Bake pretzels 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven, brush with additional melted butter if desired.
- Transfer to cooling rack before serving.
Substitution
Auntie Anne's Garlic Pretzel delivers a soft, golden crust laced with roasted garlic and a fragrant mix of herbs like parsley, oregano, and basil. If you don't have fresh parsley or certain herbs on hand, dried versions can be substituted, but reduce the quantity by half to maintain balance in flavor. You can swap all-purpose flour for bread flour to achieve a chewier texture, which complements the buttery crust. When melting butter for brushing, feel free to use olive oil as a substitute to enhance the garlic flavor with a slight fruity note. Your pretzel's perfect texture relies on the baking soda bath; if you lack baking soda, baking powder can be a last-resort substitute but expect a less authentic crust.
Tips
Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm (around 110degF) to activate it properly, which is essential for the dough to rise. When boiling pretzels in the baking soda bath, maintain a gentle simmer and keep the pretzels submerged for the full 20-30 seconds to achieve that characteristic chewy crust. Brush the pretzels generously with melted butter both before and immediately after baking to lock in moisture and enhance flavor. Use a cooling rack after baking to prevent sogginess and maintain the perfect texture of your Auntie Anne's Garlic Pretzels.
Nutritions
Auntie Anne's Garlic Pretzel provides a source of carbohydrates primarily from the 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, fueling your energy needs. The yeast and baking soda bath contribute to the pretzel's texture without adding significant calories. Roasted garlic and herbs like parsley, oregano, and basil supply antioxidants and vitamins, enhancing the nutritional profile. Your serving will also contain fats from the unsalted butter used both in the dough and for brushing, contributing to flavor and richness.
Storage
Store Auntie Anne's Garlic Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft texture and prevent dryness. For longer storage, wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap and freeze them up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before reheating. You can reheat your pretzels in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore their buttery, chewy crust and aromatic garlic flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap roasted garlic with caramelized shallots for a sweeter, milder flavor that still complements the buttery crust. Using fresh thyme or rosemary in place of oregano and basil adds a robust, pine-like aroma to the herb blend. For a crispier crust, try baking the pretzels on a pizza stone preheated in the oven instead of a baking sheet. Incorporating a malt syrup glaze before baking enhances the pretzels' golden color and introduces subtle caramel notes.
Allergies
Auntie Anne's Garlic Pretzel contains wheat flour, which can trigger reactions in individuals with gluten or wheat allergies. The use of butter means there is a dairy component that may affect those allergic to milk or lactose intolerant. Your sensitivity to garlic or herbs like oregano and basil should also be considered, as they can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Why this recipe?
Garlic Pretzels from Auntie Anne's restaurant captivate customers with their perfect balance of crispy outside and soft, chewy inside, infused with rich garlic butter that elevates the flavor. The fresh-baked quality combined with savory garlic seasoning offers a unique snack experience that satisfies both cravings and hunger. You can recreate this beloved menu item at home using simple ingredients, ensuring freshness and customization while saving money. Making your own copycat recipe allows you to enjoy the authentic taste anytime without relying on restaurant visits.