Sweet Cinnamon Twists (Printable version)

Soft golden pastry swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with vanilla glaze

# Ingredient List:

→ Dough

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
05 - 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Filling

08 - 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
09 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
10 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Glaze

11 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
12 - 1 tablespoon milk
13 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine warm milk and yeast in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
03 - Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
05 - Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
06 - Roll dough into a 12x16-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then evenly sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture.
07 - Fold the dough in half lengthwise. Cut into 12 strips. Twist each strip several times, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
08 - Cover and let rise for 15 minutes while preheating oven to 375°F.
09 - Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden brown. Cool slightly.
10 - Whisk together glaze ingredients. Drizzle over warm twists before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The dough comes together faster than you expect, no fancy equipment needed
  • That cinnamon sugar gets properly swirled into every single bite
  • The glaze turns everything into something that feels like a proper pastry shop treat
02 -
  • Roll the dough evenly so some twists do not have way more filling than others
  • Twist firmly but gently or the dough will tear and the cinnamon will spill out
  • Let them cool for ten minutes before glazing or the icing will melt right off
03 -
  • Brush melted butter over the twists right after baking for extra shine
  • Add chopped pecans to the filling if you want some texture contrast