Auntie Anne's Almond Pretzel (Copycat Recipe)

This delightful copycat recipe captures the essence of Auntie Anne's famous Almond Pretzel, featuring a soft, chewy texture and a rich almond flavor. Coated in a sweet almond glaze and sprinkled with sliced almonds, these pretzels are perfect for snacking or as a sweet treat. Made with traditional ingredients and methods, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings while being easy to prepare at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape into a pretzel.
6. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and add baking soda. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove and place on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
9. While the pretzels are baking, prepare the almond glaze by mixing powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk until smooth.
10. Once the pretzels are done, drizzle the almond glaze over the warm pretzels and let cool slightly before serving.