Sweet Cinnamon Twists are a delightful treat that can transform any ordinary day into a special occasion. As I take a bite of these golden, flaky pastries, I am instantly transported to my childhood, where the warm aroma of cinnamon and sugar filled the kitchen. This recipe has roots in various cultures, often appearing in festive celebrations and family gatherings, making it a beloved choice for many. People adore Sweet Cinnamon Twists not only for their irresistible taste and crunchy texture but also for their convenience; they are surprisingly easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast delight or a sweet snack, these twists are sure to bring joy to your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (1.25 oz) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Preparing the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to go!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the frothy yeast mixture to the milk mixture, followed by the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups of flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough begins to form.
- Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Preparing the Filling
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter and the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add the ground cinnamon to the butter-sugar mixture and stir until well combined. Set this aside for later use.
Shaping the Twists
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to a floured surface.
- Roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Aim for a size of approximately 12×18 inches.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide. You should have around 12-15 strips.
- Take each strip and twist it several times, then place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each twist as they will expand while baking.
Final Rise and Baking
- Cover the twisted dough with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise will make them fluffy and light.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of the twisted dough to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake the twists in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking!
Serving the Sweet Cinnamon Twists
- Once baked, remove the twists from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- If desired, dust the warm twists with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Total Time: 100 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 twists 1x
- 1 package (1.25 oz) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the frothy yeast mixture to the milk mixture, followed by the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups of flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough begins to form.
- Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter and the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add the ground cinnamon to the butter-sugar mixture and stir until well combined. Set this aside for later use.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to a floured surface.
- Roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick, aiming for a size of approximately 12×18 inches.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide (around 12-15 strips).
- Take each strip and twist it several times, then place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each twist.
- Cover the twisted dough with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of the twisted dough.
- Bake the twists in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Once baked, remove the twists from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- If desired, dust the warm twists with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Ensure the water temperature is correct for activating the yeast.
- You can adjust the amount of cinnamon in the filling according to your taste.
- These twists are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Conclusion:
In summary, these Sweet Cinnamon Twists are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful treat that combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a light, flaky texture. Whether you’re serving them as a breakfast pastry, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, they are sure to impress your family and friends. For a fun twist, consider adding a drizzle of icing on top or sprinkling some chopped nuts for added crunch. You can also experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or cardamom, to create your own unique flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, try filling the twists with cream cheese or fruit preserves for an extra layer of deliciousness. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with me! I would love to hear how your Sweet Cinnamon Twists turn out and any variations you come up with. Remember, cooking is all about creativity and having fun in the kitchen, so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. Happy baking! Print
Sweet Cinnamon Twists: A Delicious Recipe for Your Next Baking Adventure
Description
Enjoy these Sweet Cinnamon Twists, featuring soft dough filled with a delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they are sure to delight your family and friends!
Ingredients
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