Auntie Anne's Sweet Almond Pretzel (Copycat Recipe)

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Auntie Anne's Sweet Almond Pretzel with this copycat recipe. These soft, warm pretzels are coated in a sweet almond glaze, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. This recipe stays true to traditional methods, ensuring a classic taste that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°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 baking soda
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup almond extract
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). 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 it into a pretzel.
6. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Boil each pretzel 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 in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
9. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and almond extract to create a glaze. Drizzle over the warm pretzels before serving.