Not Quite Auntie Anne's

I love Auntie Anne's pretzels. I have could eat them as a whole meal. Sadly, while they aren't terribly expensive, they're not something we can afford to keep in our regular monthly food budget. And during months like these, when the food budget is already overburdened with stocking up for postpartum meals, even a special treat is out of the question. So, I made my own. The original recipe knock-off I found was created by Todd Wilbur of Top Secret Recipes. While his was pretty tasty, I humbly submit that mine is even better.

Pretzel Dough
2¼ c all-purpose flour
1½ c whole wheat flour
2¼ t yeast
¼ c sugar
1½ t salt
1 c very warm water (approx. 120°F)

1. Stir together dry ingredients
2. Add water and stir together until well mixed
3. Knead until smooth and elastic (5-10 minutes)
4. Cover and let rise one hour or until doubled in size
5. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces
6. Roll each into a rope at least 2 feet long and twist into desired shape

Salt Bath
2 c warm water
2 T salt

1. Dissolve salt into water
2. Dip each pretzel into bath and shake to drain off excess water
3. Place pretzels ½-1" apart on a greased baking pan
4. Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 10 minutes or until golden brown

Toppings
2 T melted butter
     -AND-
2 t coarse salt
     -OR-
¼ c brown sugar
1½ T cinnamon

1. Brush warm pretzels with melted butter
2. Sprinkle with coarse salt or dredge in cinnamon sugar