This Homemade Pretzel Dogs recipe is the best one you are going to find! It is the perfect Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Dogs Copycat Recipe and easy to make too!
Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Dogs Copycat Recipe
For years I have been making this pretzel dog recipe, I have made it so many times that I know the full recipe from memory. It has been on the blog since 2014 however the photos were nonexistent except for one that did it no justice.
I totally forgot that we had this homemade pretzel dog recipe on the site until recently. When I realized it I knew we had to update it with beautiful photos and tips for making the perfect homemade pretzel hot dogs.
I know they now sell the copy cat Auntie Anne’s pretzel dogs in the freezer section of the grocery store, they didn’t when I first came up with this pretzel dog recipe. We tried them because I wanted to see how they were, we were not fans and they are nothing compared to a fresh made pretzel dog you get at the mall.
To be 100% honest, I think this Auntie Anne’s pretzel dog copy cat recipe is far better then the ones you get at the mall too. They taste the same but better and they are super easy to make.
Easy Copy Cat Recipes
- Auntie Anne’s Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites
- Auntie Anne’s Copy Cat soft Pretzels
- PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps
- Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
- Cheesecake Factory Fried Macaroni and Cheese
- Olive Garden Ziti al Forno
- Shamrock shake recipe
Tips for making homemade Pretzel Dogs
Use a stand mixer! I use my KitchenAid Mixer when making these Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Bites Copycat, really I use my mixer for just about everything I do in the kitchen, if there is a use for it then I am using it! But it really does make it easier when making the pretzel dough.
This is the mixer I have and not only is it awesome for when i need to mix things, or anything I am doing they come in a large variety of colors so you can easily match your kitchen.
Use Measuring cups. I find that when warming the milk is a lot easier to do when I use my pyrex measuring cups and then pour it into the mixing bowl. I have a smaller microwave so large bowls don’t fit and since I use my KitchenAid to mix it all that bowl is metal and well it really is a bad idea to stick metal in the microwave.
Melted Butter is a MUST! I learned that a BIG part of making Auntie Anne pretzels at home is getting the butter and doing it the same way they do. When the pretzels are hot out of the oven the get a nice bath in melted butter!
Use Quality Hot Dogs. Auntie Anne’s uses Nathan’s Famous hot dogs for their pretzel dogs. I suggest using them as well or another quality brand of hot dogs.
Pretzel Dog Dipping Sauce
Pretzel dogs are amazing on their own, I don’t always use a dipping sauce with them and some of the kids like them as is. But if you want a tasty dipping sauce there are lots of dipping sauces that go well with homemade pretzel dogs.
- White Queso
- Dijon Mustard
- Yellow Mustard
- Cheese sauce
- Spicy Brown mustard
How to Freeze Pretzel Dogs
If you are freezing these homemade pretzel dogs, skip adding the salt.
Bake the pretzel dogs just until they are light brown.
Remove from the oven and cool completely.
Place them on a cooled baking sheet, and then place the baking sheet in the freezer.
Freeze for 1 hour and remove from the baking sheet.
Place pretzel dogs in a freezer bag and seal tightly.
How to Cook Frozen Pretzel Dogs
Remove the frozen pretzel dogs from the freezer and place on a baking sheet. Brush the frozen pretzel with a little bit of water and sprinkle on the salt.
Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and then dip in melted butter.
Pretzel Hot Dog Ingredients
- milk
- active dry yeast
- brown sugar
- butter, melted
- flour
- fine salt
- baking soda
- warm water
- Coarse salt
- 12 hot dogs
How to Make Pretzel Hot Dog
Warm up the milk in the microwave for just about one and a half minutes. I use my pyrex measuring cups to heat it in. It should be about 110º. If it’s too hot it will kill the yeast. You should be able to comfortably keep your finger in it.
Stir in the yeast and one tablespoon of the brown sugar and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Add the butter and remaining sugar. Add the flour about 1 cup at a time and the add the fine salt. Kneed for about 10 minutes with a stand mixer or by hand.
Put it in a greased bowl and cover with greased cling wrap. Let rise for 1 hour in a moist, warm place until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 450º. Punch down dough.
Combine the warm water and baking soda in a wide bowl.
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
Use your hands to roll and stretch the pieces of dough into ropes, about 12 inches long.
Wrap one piece of dough around each hot dog. Press the ends of the dough together to hold in place. Then places in the baking soda water. leave in the baking soda water for about 20 seconds.
Place on a greased baking sheet and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Bake for about 6-10 minutes or until browned. Dip each in the melted butter while hot.
Easy Snack Recipes
Homemade Pretzel Dogs (Auntie Anne's Pretzel Dogs Copy Cat Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast 2 packets
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 4 1/2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons fine salt
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 3 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup Coarse salt
- 8 tablespoons butter melted
- 12 hot dogs
Instructions
- Warm up the milk in the microwave for just about one and a half minutes. I use my pyrex measuring cups to heat it in. It should be about 110º. If it’s too hot it will kill the yeast. You should be able to comfortably keep your finger in it.
- Stir in the yeast and one tablespoon of the brown sugar and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Add the butter and remaining sugar. Add the flour about 1 cup at a time and the add the fine salt. Kneed for about 10 minutes with a stand mixer or by hand.
- Put it in a greased bowl and cover with greased cling wrap. Let rise for 1 hour in a moist, warm place until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 450º. Punch down dough.
- Combine the warm water and baking soda in a wide bowl.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Use your hands to roll and stretch the pieces of dough into ropes, about 12 inches long.
- Wrap one piece of dough around each hot dog. Press the ends of the dough together to hold in place. Then dip in the baking soda water.
- Place on a greased baking sheet and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake for about 6-10 minutes or until browned. Dip each in the melted butter while hot.
Comments & Reviews
Sharon says
These were delish. I rolled some out on a pastry mat with flour and they were easier to work with and turned out much better. Thank you for sharing this. I will make them again.