Copycat Chick-fil-A Pretzel Bun Recipe

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There’s just something about the soft texture, subtle saltiness, and distinct pretzel flavor that elevates the Chick-fil-A Pretzel Bun to a whole new level. While this fan-favorite bun is only available for a limited time at Chick-fil-A, why not bring a little piece of that magic to your kitchen?

How to make Chick-fil-A Pretzel Bun

The Chick-fil-A Pretzel Bun is a toasted, buttery pretzel-style bread used in Chick-fil-A’s limited-time Pretzel Cheddar Club Sandwich.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make 6 large pretzel buns:

For the Dough:

• 3 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons of instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1 ¼ cups of warm water (110°F – warm to the touch, but not hot)
• 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened

For the Pretzel Coating Solution:

• ⅔ cup of baking soda
• 10 cups of water

For Topping:

• 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon of water (for the egg wash)
• Coarse sea salt (pretzel salt works best, but kosher salt is a good substitute)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top, give it a gentle stir, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the surface becomes frothy. (This step ensures your yeast is activated.)
2. Add the softened butter and salt to the yeast mixture, then gradually mix in the flour one cup at a time.
3. Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface or with a dough hook in your stand mixer for about 5–7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should feel soft but not sticky.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Shape the Buns

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any trapped air.
2. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions for large buns (or smaller portions if you’d prefer smaller-sized buns).
3. Roll each portion into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath, creating a tight, rounded top.

3. Boil the Dough in Baking Soda Solution

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a large stockpot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, slowly add the baking soda (carefully—this will fizz up!).
3. Using a slotted spoon, gently place each dough ball into the simmering baking soda water for 30 seconds (15 seconds on each side). This step helps create that chewy, pretzel-like crust.
4. Remove the buns from the water and place them on your prepared baking sheet.

4. Add Egg Wash and Salt

1. Brush each boiled bun with the egg yolk mixture—this will give them a beautiful, golden-brown sheen.
2. Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt on top for that irresistible pretzel finish.

5. Bake the Pretzel Buns

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the buns are deep brown and glossy.
2. Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Tips for Success

• Be Precise with Water Temperature: The water you use to activate the yeast should be around 110°F. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly.
• Kneading is Key: Properly kneaded dough should be elastic and smooth. If it’s sticky, add small amounts of flour while kneading. Avoid over-flouring so your Chick-fil-A Pretzel Bun stay soft.
• Don’t Skimp on the Baking Soda Bath: This step adds the iconic pretzel flavor and creates that golden-brown crust. Use fresh baking soda for the best results.
• Get Creative with Add-Ons: For extra flair, you can top your pretzel buns with sesame seeds or shredded cheese before baking!
• Storage Tips: These Chick-fil-A Pretzel Buns are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes for the best texture.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Chick-fil-A Pretzel Bun at home is a deliciously rewarding experience, but what happens when you’re missing a key ingredient? Or maybe you have dietary restrictions that require some adjustments? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!

Flour Substitutes

Original Ingredient: All-Purpose Flour

• Substitute with Bread Flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which can give your Chick-fil-A Pretzel Bun a chewier texture. It’s an excellent 1:1 substitution for this recipe.
• Substitute with Whole-Wheat Flour: For a healthier, whole-grain version of your pretzel buns, you can replace up to 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour.
• Gluten-Free Substitute: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to maintain the dough’s elasticity. Gluten-free pretzel buns will be slightly more delicate but still delicious.

Yeast Substitutes

Original Ingredient: Instant Yeast

• Active Dry Yeast: Use active dry yeast as a 1:1 substitute, but note that you’ll need to activate it in warm water with sugar for around 10 minutes before mixing it with the other ingredients.
• No Yeast Option – Baking Powder and Yogurt: If you can’t use yeast, you can make quick pretzel buns using a mix of 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 cup of plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works best). This version won’t have the same chewy texture, but it’s an easy, no-yeast alternative for a soft pretzel bun.

Sweetener Substitutes

Original Ingredient: Granulated Sugar

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Replace sugar with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup for a touch of natural sweetness. Both will give your buns a slightly different flavor profile but work well in the recipe.
• Brown Sugar: Substitute granulated sugar with light brown sugar for a slightly deeper, molasses-like sweetness. Use a 1:1 ratio.
• Sugar-Free Alternative: Use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener if you’re cutting down on sugar. Choose a substitute that’s a 1:1 replacement for baking.

Butter Substitutes

Original Ingredient: Unsalted Butter

• Salted Butter: If you only have salted butter, go ahead and use it, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by ¼ teaspoon.
• Oil: Substitute butter with neutral oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Use approximately 3 tablespoons of oil for every 4 tablespoons of butter needed. The buns may be slightly less rich but still soft.
• Coconut Oil (for Dairy-Free Option): For a dairy-free option, use refined coconut oil. Make sure it’s refined to avoid a coconut flavor. Use the same amount as butter (4 tablespoons).
• Plant-Based Butter or Margarine: If you’re vegan or dairy-free, plant-based butter is an excellent 1:1 substitute.

Salt Substitutes

Original Ingredient: Salt and Coarse Sea Salt

• Kosher Salt: Kosher salt can replace regular salt in equal amounts and makes a great topping in place of coarse sea salt.
• Flavored Salt: Experiment with other options like garlic salt, smoked salt, or even truffle salt for an elevated twist.
• Low-Sodium Salt: If you’re watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium salt. It functions exactly the same in the recipe but contains less sodium.

Baking Soda Substitutes

Original Ingredient: Baking Soda for the Pretzel Bath

• Food-Grade Lye (Traditional Option): In traditional pretzel-making, food-grade lye is often used to create the iconic pretzel crust and flavor. If you have access to lye, dissolve a small amount in water for boiling. Be cautious and wear gloves, as lye is more caustic than baking soda.
• Baking Powder (Emergency Substitute): If you don’t have baking soda, you can use a mix of 2 teaspoons of baking powder dissolved in the boiling water. The flavor won’t be as distinct as with baking soda, but it’ll still work.

Egg Wash Substitutes

Original Ingredient: Egg Yolk Mixed with Water

• Milk Wash: Use milk (dairy or plant-based) in place of the egg wash. It gives the buns a golden hue, though not as shiny as eggs.
• Butter Wash: Brush melted butter over the buns before baking for a softer, golden finish.
• Vegan Substitute: Mix 2 tablespoons of plant-based milk (like soy, almond, or oat) with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or agave. This will mimic the shiny finish of an egg wash.

Coarse Salt Topping Substitutes

Original Ingredient: Coarse Sea Salt

• Pretzel Salt: Pretzel salt is a larger-grain salt specifically made for pretzels—it’s ideal for this recipe.
• Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is an excellent substitute if you don’t have coarse sea salt.
• Flavored Topping: Go creative by sprinkling everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or even a bit of grated parmesan cheese for a unique take on your buns.

Final Thoughts

Chick-fil-A pretzel buns are a centerpiece, but the right dishes and sides can turn a simple sandwich into a fully satisfying meal.

More Recipes:

• Croissant Dough Recipe