Homemade Pretzel Dogs (Auntie Anne's Copycat)

copycat Auntie Anne's pretzel dogs on a white plate

5 from 2 votes

Homemade Pretzel Dogs (Auntie Anne's Copycat)

These homemade pretzel dogs tastes just like the classic Food Court treat from Auntie Anne's. Soft, buttery pretzel buns surround savory beef hot dogs in this spot on copycat recipe. Serve them for lunch, dinner, or as a snack and enjoy a bit of nostalgia in every delicious bite!

Prep Time20

Cook Time35

Rise Time1

Total Time1 55

Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 733kcal

Author: Meaghan @ 4 Sons R Us

Ingredients

For The Dough

1 1/2 cups warm water
1 .25 oz pkt active dry yeast
1 tbsp sugar
4 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup butter melted
2 tsp salt
canola oil
10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda

For The Pretzel Dogs

8 large all beef hot dogs Nathan's brand recommended
2 tbsp butter melted
coarse, flaky sea salt for garnish

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the water, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, undisturbed, or until it's started to foam on top.
1 1/2 cups warm water, 1 .25 oz pkt active dry yeast, 1 tbsp sugar
Stir in the flour, butter, and salt. Mix until evenly combined. Knead the dough, about 5 minutes, until it's soft and pliable. The dough should be sticky, but not enough so that it's impossible to remove from your fingers. Add more flour only if needed.
4 1/2 cups flour, 1/4 cup butter, 2 tsp salt
Lightly oil a large mixing bowl. Add the dough to the bowl, cover, and let rise for an hour in a warm place- or until doubled in size.
canola oil
In a large pot, stir together the water and baking soda and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
10 cups water, 2/3 cup baking soda
In the meantime, punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured counter top. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece of dough out into a long rope, a little under 2' long.
Beginning at one end, wrap the dough tightly around the hot dog, pinching the ends to seal it together. Place the wrapped hot dog on a lightly oiled sheet pan, or a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Repeat until all the hot dogs are wrapped.
8 large all beef hot dogs
Working in batches of 2-3, add the dogs to the boiling water and let them cook for 30 seconds.
Remove them with a slotted spoon and return them to the pan. Repeat until all dogs have been boiled. Brush them with melted butter and sprinkle salt over top.
2 tbsp butter, coarse, flaky sea salt
Bake the pretzel dogs at 450 degrees for 12-14 minutes, or until the dough's a dark golden brown.
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and let the pretzel dogs rest for 5 minutes before serving with your favorite sauce.

Notes

Be sure you're use dry active yeast and that it's fresh. Old yeast can be inert, which will prevent your dough from rising and the recipe won't turn out.
Be sure you're using warm, but NOT HOT, water. If the water is cold the yeast won't wake up and activate. If the water's too hot it will kill the yeast. It likes plain warm water that's between 105-115F best. If you're unsure, use a candy thermometer to check the temperature.
You can use any hot dog brand that you enjoy; however, the Auntie Anne's food brand uses Nathan's all beef hot dogs.
Don't forget to stir the baking soda into the pot of water before you bring it to a boil, because it's what gives a pretzel (dog) it's unique flavor and it's dark golden brown crust.
Only boil the pretzel dogs for 30 seconds. Any longer and the dough will quickly turn mushy and will not stay on the hot dogs.

Nutrition