Irresistible Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe

There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon twists wafting through the kitchen. These Irresistible Homemade Cinnamon Twists are the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. With a soft, fluffy dough, a sweet cinnamon filling, and a drizzle of vanilla glaze, these twists are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
• Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
• Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Make the Cinnamon Filling:

• In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined and set aside.

3. Shape the Cinnamon Twists:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
• Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
• Fold the dough in half lengthwise, pressing down lightly to seal.
• Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips, about 1 inch wide.
• Twist each strip a few times and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake the Twists:

• Bake the cinnamon twists in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the twists from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.

5. Make the Glaze:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon twists before serving.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Twists:

• Proper Dough Rise: Make sure your dough rises in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, you can let the dough rise in an oven with just the light on.
• Even Spreading: For an even cinnamon filling, soften the butter well and ensure it's spreadable. This will help create uniform layers of cinnamon goodness.
• Customize the Glaze: For a thicker glaze, use less milk, and for a thinner, more drizzly glaze, add a bit more milk.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make these cinnamon twists ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the twists the night before. Cover and refrigerate them, then bake the next morning after letting them come to room temperature and rise slightly.

Q: Can I freeze the cinnamon twists?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked twists on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: What can I serve with cinnamon twists?
A: These cinnamon twists are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert!

Conclusion:

These Irresistible Homemade Cinnamon Twists are a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of soft dough, rich cinnamon filling, and sweet vanilla glaze makes them truly special. Whether you're serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these twists are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of homemade cinnamon twists!