Swedish Cinnamon Twists
Transform your kitchen into a cozy Scandinavian bakery with these delightful Swedish Cinnamon Twists! Fluffy, golden knots of lightly spiced dough are infused with warm cardamom and swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, creating a treat that's as fragrant as it is irresistible. The soft, buttery dough is easy to work with and yields perfectly airy results every time, while the optional pearl sugar topping adds a touch of sweetness and crunch. These charming twists come together with simple ingredients like milk, butter, and flour, making them perfect for brunch spreads, coffee breaks, or anytime you crave Scandinavian comfort food. Best served warm, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends—so bake a batch and enjoy a taste of Sweden at home!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 240 ml Whole milk
- 7 g Active dry yeast
- 50 g Granulated sugar
- 75 g Unsalted butter
- 450 g All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Ground cardamom
- 2 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 100 g Light brown sugar
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp Milk (for brushing)
- 2 tbsp Pearl sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Warm the milk in a small saucepan or microwave until it is lukewarm (around 100°F/38°C). Pour the milk into a mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast over it. Add 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Melt the unsalted butter and set it aside to cool slightly.
In the same bowl with the milk and yeast, add the remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, ground cardamom, and egg. Stir well to combine.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is soft, smooth, and slightly sticky.
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by combining the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle roughly 35x25 cm (14x10 inches).
Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a 1 cm (1/2 inch) border around the edges.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Fold the dough in half lengthwise and gently press the edges together to seal.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded dough into 12 evenly sized strips. Twist each strip several times, then tie it into a small knot or spiral shape. Place the twists onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a few inches apart.
Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel and let the twists rise for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush the tops of the twists with milk and, if desired, sprinkle with pearl sugar.
Bake the twists in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Allow the cinnamon twists to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1500 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 80.3 g | 103% | |
| Saturated Fat | 44.5 g | 222% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 396 mg | 132% | |
| Sodium | 253 mg | 11% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 195.4 g | 71% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 189.9 g | ||
| Protein | 15.9 g | 32% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.4 mcg | 22% | |
| Calcium | 567 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 729 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
