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These Copycat Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Dogs taste just like the mall favorite! Soft, buttery pretzel dough wrapped around all-beef hot dogs and baked golden brown.

Is it even possible to walk through the mall without stopping at Auntie Anne’s? I don’t think I’ve ever been able to resist that buttery pretzel smell drifting through the food court. My absolute favorite has always been the pretzel dogs. There’s just something about that salty, chewy pretzel dough wrapped around a juicy hot dog that feels like the ultimate comfort snack. My kids beg for them every single time we go shopping, and honestly, I don’t mind because I love them just as much.  They are Dean’s absolute favorite food in the world, I swear he would eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

But here’s the fun part, you don’t have to go to the mall to get them anymore. These Copycat Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Dogs are so easy to make right at home, and they taste every bit as good as the real deal. A simple yeast dough (don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds) gets wrapped around hot dogs, quickly boiled in baking soda water for that signature pretzel flavor, then baked until golden brown. A brush of butter and a sprinkle of coarse salt at the end makes them absolutely irresistible.

This is one of those recipes that feels like such a treat but is surprisingly doable at home. They’re fun to make with kids, mine love helping roll the dough ropes and wrapping them around the hot dogs. And of course, everyone’s favorite part is dipping them in warm cheese sauce. These are great for family movie nights, game-day spreads, or just when you’re craving that nostalgic mall snack without leaving the house.

What Are Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Dogs?

If you’ve never had the original, Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Dogs are all-beef hot dogs wrapped in soft pretzel dough, boiled briefly in a baking soda bath, and baked until golden brown. They’re finished with melted butter and coarse salt for that classic pretzel flavor.

What makes them so good is the texture, chewy on the outside, soft on the inside, with the perfect buttery bite. Pair that with a juicy hot dog and some gooey cheese dip, and it’s no wonder they’re a food court legend.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes just like the mall: Soft, buttery, salty, chewy perfection.

• Family-friendly: Both kids and adults go crazy for these.

• Fun to make together: Let little hands help roll and wrap the dough.

• Better than takeout: Fresh, hot, and made right in your own kitchen.

• Customizable: Use different sausages, cheeses, or toppings.

When to Serve Pretzel Dogs

• Game day snacks – a crowd-pleaser every time.

• Birthday parties – kids absolutely love these.

• Movie night – the ultimate cozy treat with cheese dip.

• Potlucks or gatherings – easy to make a big batch.

• Anytime you miss the mall food court – no trip required.

Ingredients 

• 1 cup warm water – helps activate the yeast.

• 3 cups flour – all-purpose works perfectly here.

• 1 tablespoon sugar – just enough to feed the yeast.

• 1 (¼-ounce) packet instant dry yeast – makes the dough rise.

• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt – for flavoring the dough.

• 8 cups water + ¼ cup baking soda – the boiling bath that gives pretzels their signature chew.

• 1 egg – whisked for egg wash to give that shiny golden crust.

• 12 all-beef hot dogs – use your favorite brand.

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – brushed on after baking for richness.

• Coarse sea salt or kosher salt – the classic pretzel finish.

• Cheese sauce – for dipping, just like at the mall.

How to Make Copycat Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Dogs

1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, flour, sugar, yeast, and kosher salt. Mix with a dough hook or wooden spoon until a ball forms. Knead until slightly sticky but smooth.

2. Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. Shape: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin rope and wrap around each hot dog. Place on a parchment-lined tray.

4. Boil: In a large pot, bring 8 cups water and baking soda to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and gently drop in pretzel dogs a few at a time. Boil for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon back to the tray.

5. Egg wash & bake: Preheat oven to 425°F. Whisk egg with a splash of water and brush over each pretzel dog. Bake for 13–15 minutes, until golden brown.

6. Finish: Brush warm pretzel dogs with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.

7. Serve: Best enjoyed hot with cheese sauce for dipping!

Substitutions

• Hot dogs: Swap for smoked sausages, bratwursts, or even veggie dogs.

• Flour: Bread flour will give chewier results, while whole wheat flour adds nuttiness.

• Butter: Margarine or vegan butter works if needed.

• Egg wash: Skip or use milk for a softer finish.

• Cheese sauce: Try honey mustard, ranch, or spicy queso instead.

Variations

• Mini pretzel dogs: Use cocktail sausages or little smokies for bite-sized snacks.

• Cheese-stuffed: Wrap a slice of cheese inside with the hot dog before rolling.

• Everything bagel style: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning instead of salt.

• Sweet twist: Brush with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after baking.

• Jalapeño cheddar: Add pickled jalapeño slices and shredded cheddar to the dough wrap.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t skip the boil: The baking soda bath is what makes the dough taste like a pretzel.

• Work quickly: Only boil for 30 seconds so the dough doesn’t get soggy.

• Line the tray: Parchment makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.

• Serve fresh: These are best hot out of the oven but can be reheated.

• Make ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and keep in the fridge, then assemble the next day.

FAQs

Can I freeze pretzel dogs?
Yes! Bake them fully, let cool, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Do I have to use all-beef hot dogs?
No, use your favorite hot dogs, chicken sausages, or even veggie dogs.

Can I make these without yeast?
Yeast is what gives pretzels their texture, but you can use pizza dough as a shortcut.

How do I keep the pretzels soft?
Store them in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven for the best texture.

Serving Ideas

• With warm nacho cheese dip.

• Alongside a big salad for a fun dinner.

• On a game-day snack board with wings and sliders.

• With mustard and ketchup for dipping.

• As part of a kids’ party spread with mini pretzel dogs.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze baked pretzel dogs for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or in the air fryer until hot.

• Make Ahead: Dough can be prepped the night before. Assemble, boil, and bake when ready.

Love making your favorite restaurant treats at home? These copycat recipes are just as good (if not better!) than the originals — and so easy to make in your own kitchen:

• Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets – Crispy, golden chicken nuggets that taste just like the drive-thru classic.

• Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burritos – A cheesy, beefy burrito grilled to perfection with melty cheese on the outside.

• Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sandwiches – Juicy chicken sandwiches with that signature flavor everyone loves.

• Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists – Light, airy twists coated in cinnamon sugar for the perfect sweet snack.

• Copycat KFC Chicken Pot Pie – Creamy filling with chicken and veggies baked under a golden crust.

• Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks – Soft, buttery breadsticks coated in seasoning, just like the ones from Pizza Hut. (external link)

These Copycat Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Dogs are the perfect mix of nostalgic and homemade. They taste just like the mall favorite but are even better because you get to enjoy them fresh out of the oven. Buttery, chewy, salty, and wrapped around juicy hot dogs, they’re the ultimate snack or party food. My kids always ask when we can make them again, and honestly, I never mind because they’re just as fun to make as they are to eat.