Sweet Cinnamon Twists (Printable View)

Golden pastry with cinnamon-sugar swirl and vanilla glaze

# What You’ll Need:

→ 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

# Cooking Steps:

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 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 surface, then evenly sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture.
07 - Fold dough in half lengthwise. Cut into 12 strips. Twist each strip several times and place on 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 Tips:

01 -
  • These come together faster than cinnamon rolls but taste just as indulgent
  • The twist shape creates perfect crispy edges alongside soft, cinnamon-swirled centers
  • You probably have everything in your kitchen right now
02 -
  • If your dough is not rising, move it to a warmer spot or turn on your oven light and place the bowl inside
  • The dough should feel tacky but not stick to your hands when you knead it
  • Do not skip the second rise or your twists will be dense instead of fluffy
03 -
  • Brush the twists with melted butter right after baking for extra shine and richness
  • Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut clean strips that do not squish the dough
  • If the glaze is too thick, add another teaspoon of milk until it pours easily

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