Sour Cream and Onion Pretzel Nuggets from Auntie Anne's feature soft, golden pretzel bites bursting with savory sour cream and onion seasoning, delivering a flavorful and crispy snack experience.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Stand mixer (with dough hook)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife or dough cutter
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Cooling rack
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 8 cups water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream and onion seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dried chives
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
Make sure the active dry yeast is fresh and properly activated in warm water with sugar to ensure your dough rises correctly. Use high-quality unsalted butter for both the dough and brushing to enhance the pretzels' flavor and texture. The baking soda bath is essential to achieve the classic pretzel crust, so be precise with the amount and water temperature. Incorporate the sour cream and onion seasoning generously for that authentic Auntie Anne's taste, mixing it well with dried chives and parsley to boost the savory notes. Your Sour Cream and Onion Pretzel Nuggets from Auntie Anne's copycat menu will capture the same crispy, flavorful crunch as the original when these key ingredients are used thoughtfully.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar; whisk and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons melted butter to the yeast mixture.
- Mix with a stand mixer using the dough hook (or knead by hand) until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or kitchen towel, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large pot, bring 8 cups water and baking soda to a boil.
- Punch down dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface.
- Divide dough into 4 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a rope about 12-16 inches long.
- Cut each rope into 1-inch nuggets with a knife or dough cutter.
- Working in batches, drop nuggets into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Brush warm pretzel nuggets with 1/4 cup melted butter.
- In a small bowl, mix sour cream and onion seasoning, dried chives, and dried parsley.
- Sprinkle seasoning mixture evenly over pretzel nuggets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool slightly before serving.
Substitution
Sour Cream and Onion Pretzel Nuggets from Auntie Anne's copycat menu offer a delicious homemade version of the popular snack, featuring soft pretzel bites coated with tangy sour cream and onion seasoning. You can substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast to save time, ensuring you reduce the proofing time accordingly. If dried herbs are unavailable, fresh chives and parsley can be finely chopped and used in slightly larger amounts for a fresher flavor. When baking, parchment paper prevents sticking, but a silicone baking mat works just as well for easy cleanup. For brushing, olive oil can replace melted butter if dairy reduction is preferred, though the classic buttery finish adds to the traditional taste.
Tips
Make sure your water for activating yeast is warm but not hot, ideally between 100degF and 110degF, to avoid killing the yeast. When boiling pretzel nuggets in baking soda water, do so in batches without overcrowding to ensure even cooking and proper texture. Use parchment paper on your baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Brush your pretzel nuggets with melted butter while they are warm to help the sour cream and onion seasoning adhere evenly for maximum flavor.
Nutritions
Sour Cream and Onion Pretzel Nuggets provide a moderate source of carbohydrates primarily from enriched all-purpose flour and sugar, offering quick energy. The melted butter adds fats, including some saturated fats, enhancing flavor and texture. Yeast contributes minimal protein, while sour cream and onion seasoning contributes negligible calories but adds flavor compounds and some micronutrients from dried herbs like chives and parsley. Your snack choice here balances taste and energy but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its calorie density and sodium content from baking soda and seasoning.
Storage
Store your Sour Cream and Onion Pretzel Nuggets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their crispiness. For longer storage, freeze the pretzel bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore their fresh-baked texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can vary the seasoning by substituting the sour cream and onion mix with garlic parmesan or smoked paprika blends to create different flavor profiles. Incorporating finely shredded cheddar cheese into the dough before rising enhances richness and adds a savory twist. Instead of boiling in baking soda water, try a beer bath to impart subtle malty notes and a slightly crispier crust. Brushing the nuggets with herb-infused melted butter after baking intensifies aroma and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Allergies
Auntie Anne's Sour Cream and Onion Pretzel Nuggets contain common allergens such as wheat (from all-purpose flour) and dairy (from unsalted butter and sour cream and onion seasoning). If you have allergies to gluten or milk products, you should avoid consuming these pretzel bites to prevent potential allergic reactions. Always check ingredient labels and consult with your healthcare provider if you have food sensitivities or allergies.
Why this recipe?
Sour Cream and Onion Pretzel Nuggets from Auntie Anne's offer a perfect blend of tangy sour cream and savory onion flavors that tantalize the taste buds with every bite. The crunchy, golden pretzel coating complements the rich, creamy seasoning, creating a unique texture and taste experience that keeps customers coming back. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this popular snack at home, customizing the seasoning intensity to suit your preferences and saving on dining costs. Your homemade nuggets can replicate the iconic flavor combination, making it a worthwhile kitchen project for snack enthusiasts.