Sweet Almond Pretzel from Auntie Anne's features a warm, soft pretzel generously coated with sweet almond glaze and crunchy sliced almonds, delivering a delicious blend of nutty sweetness and chewy texture.
Equipments
- Stand mixer (with dough hook)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Small saucepan
- Slotted spatula or spoon
- Cooling rack
- Sharp knife or dough cutter
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 6 cups water (for baking soda bath)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Make sure your warm water is between 100degF and 110degF to activate the yeast properly without killing it, ensuring the dough rises well. Use fresh active dry yeast for the best results, as expired yeast may lead to dense pretzels. When preparing the baking soda bath, dissolve the baking soda fully in 6 cups of water to achieve that classic chewy pretzel crust before baking. Sliced almonds should be fresh and lightly toasted if possible to enhance their crunch and flavor in your coating. Your Sweet Almond Pretzel from Auntie Anne's copycat menu will showcase a perfect balance of nutty sweetness, chewy texture, and the signature almond glaze topping.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let sit until foamy.
- Add granulated sugar, salt, and softened butter. Mix to combine.
- Gradually add flour, mixing with the dough hook until a soft dough forms.
- Knead dough in the stand mixer for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, bring 6 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
- Punch down risen dough and divide into even pieces.
- Roll each piece into a rope and shape into pretzels.
- Using a slotted spatula, dip each pretzel into the baking soda bath for 30 seconds.
- Place dipped pretzels onto prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Mix cinnamon and 1/3 cup granulated sugar in a bowl.
- Brush baked pretzels with melted butter.
- Roll buttered pretzels in cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract to make almond glaze.
- Brush pretzels with almond glaze using a pastry brush.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of glazed pretzels.
- Transfer pretzels to a cooling rack.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
The Sweet Almond Pretzel copycat recipe replicates Auntie Anne's warm, soft pretzel coated with a sweet almond glaze and topped with crunchy sliced almonds. If you don't have sliced almonds, chopped or slivered almonds make a suitable substitute without compromising texture or flavor. Almond extract can be replaced with vanilla extract in your glaze for a milder, more universally appealing taste. When mixing your dough, using a stand mixer with a dough hook ensures a smoother and more consistent texture, but kneading by hand works well too if you're short on equipment. Make sure to monitor your baking soda bath temperature closely, as water that's too hot or too cold can affect pretzel color and texture.
Tips
Make sure your warm water is between 100degF to 110degF to activate the yeast properly, as water that's too hot or cold can kill the yeast or prevent it from rising. When dipping pretzels into the baking soda bath, do not leave them submerged longer than 30 seconds to avoid a sour taste and maintain a chewy texture. Use a pastry brush to apply the almond glaze evenly before sprinkling sliced almonds to ensure they stick well and add the perfect crunch. You'll get the best flavors if you serve your Sweet Almond Pretzels warm, straight from the cooling rack.
Nutritions
Sweet Almond Pretzels from Auntie Anne's contain carbohydrates primarily from all-purpose flour and sugars, providing a quick source of energy. The sliced almonds contribute healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins such as vitamin E, supporting heart health and antioxidant protection. The almond glaze adds sweetness and a slight increase in calorie content due to powdered sugar and milk. Your treat combines chewy texture with nutty flavors while offering moderate nutritional benefits from its key ingredients.
Storage
Store Sweet Almond Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their soft texture and almond glaze freshness. For longer storage, wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before reheating. Your pretzels can be refreshed by warming them briefly in an oven set to 350degF (175degC) for 5-7 minutes.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment with different nut toppings such as chopped pecans or walnuts instead of sliced almonds to add variety to the texture and flavor. Substitute almond extract with vanilla or hazelnut extract for a unique twist in the glaze. For a healthier version, try whole wheat flour or a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour while keeping the rest of the ingredients the same. To create a more decadent treat, drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over the finished pretzels before serving.
Allergies
Your Sweet Almond Pretzel from Auntie Anne's contains sliced almonds and almond extract, both of which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with tree nut allergies. The pretzel also contains wheat flour, making it unsafe for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Always check ingredient lists carefully if you have allergies to nuts, gluten, or dairy, as the recipe includes butter and milk.
Why this recipe?
Sweet Almond Pretzel from Auntie Anne's combines the perfect balance of soft, warm pretzel dough with a sweet almond glaze, creating an irresistible flavor and texture that delights customers. The crunchy almond topping adds a nutty richness that distinguishes it from ordinary pretzels, appealing to those seeking a unique snack experience. Recreating this menu item at home allows you to enjoy bakery-fresh quality with personalized sweetness and almond intensity. Your homemade version offers both cost savings and the satisfaction of mastering a popular treat loved for its harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors.