Auntie Anne's-Style Soft Pretzels

This wholesome version swaps industrial seed oils and refined sugars for nutrient-dense avocado oil and raw honey to create a guilt-free treat.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups organic whole wheat flour
  • 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp organic avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp organic raw honey
  • 1 tsp organic sea salt
  • 1/4 cup organic baking soda (for the water bath)
  • 1 tbsp melted grass-fed butter (for brushing)

Clean swaps

How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.

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Shop the clean pantry

Reorder the shelf-stable staples for this recipe.

What you'll need

  • Stand mixer — Hands-free creaming and whipping — the most time-saving machine in a baker's kitchen.
  • Kitchen scale — Baking by weight is more accurate than cups — 1 g = 1 g, always.
  • Silicone baking mat — No parchment waste, uniform browning, nothing sticks.

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water and honey. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the whole wheat flour, sea salt, and avocado oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough onto a surface dusted with flour and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
  5. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, form a U-shape, and twist the ends down to form the classic pretzel shape.
  6. Dissolve the baking soda in 4 cups of hot water in a wide bowl. Dip each pretzel in the baking soda bath for 20-30 seconds, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with sea salt.
  7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown.
  8. Remove from the oven and brush immediately with melted butter.

FAQ

Can I make these pretzels gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of whole wheat flour, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What if I don't have grass-fed butter?

Substitute with melted coconut oil or avocado oil for a vegan option, though grass-fed butter adds flavor.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, use maple syrup or agave nectar, but raw honey is preferred for its natural enzymes and minimal processing.

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