Copycat Auntie Anne's^® Pretzels

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Step 2 -Prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.

Step 3 -In a large mixing bowl, stir the active dry yeast into 1 1/2 cups of the warm water until it is fully dissolved.

Step 4 -Add the brown sugar and the salt, stirring until well-dissolved.

Step 5 -Add the bread flour and the all-purpose flour and knead by hand until a smooth and elastic dough forms.

Step 6 -Allow the dough mixture to rise in a warm place for at least 30 minutes.

Step 7 -While the dough is rising, prepare the baking soda water bath by combining the remaining warm water and the baking soda in a large bowl until the baking soda dissolves. This baking soda bath is essential in getting the distinctive pretzel exterior.

Step 8 -After the dough has risen, pinch off bits of the dough and roll each pinched piece into a long rope-like shape, which should be about 1/2-inch-thick.

Step 9 -Shape the dough rope into a pretzel.

Step 10 -Dip the dough pretzel into the baking soda bath and then place it onto the prepared baking tray.

Step 11 -Repeat these steps until all of the dough has been used.

Step 12 -Set the baking sheets aside and allow the pretzels to rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 13 -Bake the pretzels in the oven until they are golden-brown, about 10 minutes.

Step 14 -Brush the pretzels with the melted butter and sprinkle them with the coarse salt. Serve warm or at room temperature.