Sweet Cinnamon Twists (Printer-friendly)

Soft 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

# 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 to 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. Mix until evenly blended.
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 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly.
10 - Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over warm twists before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They come together faster than traditional cinnamon rolls but deliver all that same warm comfort
  • The twist shape creates more crispy edges and caramelized bits that everyone fights over
  • The vanilla glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness without being overwhelming
02 -
  • The milk must be warm but not hot, around 110°F, or it will kill the yeast instead of waking it up
  • Let the twists cool just slightly before glazing or the icing will melt right off instead of setting beautifully
  • Dont skip the second rise, even though it is tempting—those 15 minutes make a huge difference in texture
03 -
  • Brush the baked twists with melted butter right out of the oven for extra shine and richness
  • If the dough feels too sticky while kneading, add just one tablespoon of flour at a time until manageable

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