Salted Caramel Pretzel from Auntie Anne's features a warm, soft pretzel generously coated with sweet, buttery salted caramel and sprinkled with crunchy sea salt, delivering a delightful blend of gooey sweetness and savory crunch.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Stand mixer (optional, for dough)
- Dough hook attachment (if using mixer)
- Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Saucepan (for caramel)
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Pastry brush
- Slotted spatula or spoon
- Small bowl (for dipping or sprinkling sea salt)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for dough)
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water (for baking soda bath)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
- For Salted Caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed, room temperature)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- For Topping:
- Flaky or coarse sea salt
- Crushed pretzels (optional, for extra crunch)
Using warm water between 100degF to 110degF is crucial to activate the active dry yeast effectively, ensuring your dough rises properly. Accurate measurement of baking soda and water is essential for the alkaline bath that creates the pretzel's distinctive chewy crust. When making salted caramel, slowly melting granulated sugar without burning is key to achieving a smooth, rich sauce, while the addition of heavy cream and butter adds creaminess and depth. Sea salt sprinkled on top enhances the balance of sweetness and savory notes, with optional crushed pretzels adding extra crunch for textural contrast. Your Salted Caramel Pretzel copycat from Auntie Anne's will capture their signature blend of gooey caramel and crunchy sea salt, delivering an irresistible treat.
Instructions
- Activate yeast in warm water with sugar.
- Combine flour and salt in mixing bowl.
- Add melted butter and yeast mixture to flour; knead to form dough.
- Cover dough; let rise until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- Divide and shape dough into pretzel forms.
- Dissolve baking soda in boiling water for baking soda bath.
- Dip shaped pretzels into baking soda bath; place on baking sheet.
- Bake until golden brown.
- Make caramel: Melt sugar in saucepan; add butter, heavy cream, vanilla, and sea salt, stirring until smooth.
- Brush baked pretzels with melted butter.
- Generously coat pretzels with salted caramel sauce.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and optional crushed pretzels.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
The Salted Caramel Pretzel from Auntie Anne's copycat menu replicates the signature soft, warm pretzel coated in rich buttery salted caramel and finished with a sprinkle of crunchy sea salt for an indulgent sweet and salty treat. If you can't find coarse sea salt, kosher salt or flaky Maldon salt make excellent alternatives that still provide a satisfying crunch and enhance the caramel's sweetness. For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter and heavy cream in the caramel with coconut oil and coconut milk, but adjust the cooking temperature to prevent curdling. Using crushed pretzels as a topping adds an extra layer of texture, but it's perfectly fine to omit them if you prefer a smoother caramel coating. To easily handle the dough, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, though mixing by hand with a whisk and bowl also works fine for your homemade pretzel batch.
Tips
Your yeast should be activated in water that is warm but not hot--ideally around 110degF (43degC)--to ensure it blooms properly without killing the yeast. When making the baking soda bath, use boiling water to get the characteristic pretzel crust and golden color. Be precise with timing when baking; pretzels usually take 12-15 minutes at 450degF (232degC) to develop the perfect chewy texture and color. The salted caramel sauce must be stirred constantly to prevent burning and to achieve a smooth blend; incorporating room-temperature butter and cream helps maintain a creamy consistency.
Nutritions
Salted Caramel Pretzels from Auntie Anne's provide a unique combination of carbohydrates from the soft pretzel dough and fats from the buttery salted caramel topping. Each serving delivers a high calorie content primarily from sugars and butter, with sodium levels elevated due to the sea salt sprinkled on top. You should be mindful of portion sizes if monitoring sugar or salt intake, as the caramel and pretzel base contribute to elevated glycemic load and sodium levels. Including some crushed pretzels enhances texture but also adds to the overall carbohydrate and calorie count.
Storage
Store your Salted Caramel Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft texture and prevent the caramel from becoming sticky. For longer storage, wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap and freeze them, then thaw at room temperature before reheating in a warm oven to restore freshness. Avoid refrigerating as it can harden the caramel and pretzel, affecting the overall flavor and texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar in the salted caramel to add a deeper, richer flavor. For a twist on texture, try mixing chopped nuts like pecans or almonds into the caramel before coating the pretzels. Instead of a traditional baking soda bath, brush the pretzels with beaten egg yolk for a shinier, slightly crispier crust. If you prefer a plant-based option, swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk to maintain creaminess in the caramel.
Allergies
Your Salted Caramel Pretzel from Auntie Anne's contains ingredients such as wheat flour and dairy products like butter and heavy cream, which may trigger allergies in individuals sensitive to gluten or lactose. The presence of yeast might also cause reactions in those with specific yeast intolerances. Be cautious if you have any known allergies to these components before enjoying this treat.
Why this recipe?
The Salted Caramel Pretzel from Auntie Anne's features a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and buttery flavors that create a unique taste experience. Its warm, freshly baked pretzel base is coated with rich caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt, making every bite indulgently satisfying. You'll appreciate how the contrasting textures of chewy pretzel and smooth caramel enhance the flavor profile. Crafting a copycat version allows you to enjoy this gourmet treat anytime with customizable sweetness and saltiness levels.