Auntie Anne's-Style Soft Pretzels
This wholesome version replaces industrial seed oils and refined sugars with nutrient-dense avocado oil and raw honey for a clean, guilt-free treat.
- Cuisine American
- Course Dessert
- Prep 20 min
- Cook 15 min
- Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups organic whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup organic warm water
- 3 tbsp organic avocado oil
- 2 tbsp organic raw honey
- 1 tsp organic sea salt
- 1 tsp organic baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1 tbsp melted grass-fed butter (for brushing)
Clean swaps
How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.
- Canola or Vegetable oil → Avocado oil — Avoids inflammatory industrial seed oils.
- Refined sugar or Malt syrup → Organic raw honey — Provides natural sweetness without the blood sugar spike of refined sugars.
- Bleached white flour → Whole wheat flour — Adds essential fiber and nutrients missing from refined grains.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the organic whole wheat flour, sea salt, and baking soda.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the warm water, avocado oil, honey, and vanilla bean paste.
- Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a surface dusted with flour and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope, fold in half, and twist to create the classic pretzel shape.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Remove from oven, brush immediately with melted butter, and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
FAQ
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the whole wheat flour with a high-quality organic gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
How can I keep them soft?
Store in an airtight container once cooled; for best texture, reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Cooked it?
Mark it made — add a photo if you like.