Name: Dough Cinnamon Twists: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Delicious Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 12-16 twists
Ingredients: 1 package (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Optional: 1/2 cup powdered sugar; Optional: 2-3 tablespoons milk or water (for glaze)

Dough Cinnamon Twists: Prepare to be transported to a realm of warm, sugary bliss with this delightful recipe! Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, twisted pastry, the aroma of cinnamon filling the air, and a sweet glaze melting in your mouth. These aren't just any ordinary pastries; they're a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

Cinnamon twists, in their various forms, have a long and fascinating history, with roots tracing back to ancient bread-making traditions. While the exact origin of the twisted shape is debated, the combination of dough, cinnamon, and sugar has been a beloved treat across cultures for centuries. From simple, rustic versions to more elaborate, glazed creations, the essence remains the same: a comforting and satisfying indulgence.

What makes dough cinnamon twists so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of soft, chewy dough, the spicy warmth of cinnamon, and the sweet, satisfying crunch of the glaze. They're incredibly versatile, perfect for a weekend brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or even a festive holiday treat. Plus, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, making it a great option for both beginner and experienced bakers alike. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these homemade delights – they'll disappear faster than you can say "cinnamon!"

Ingredients:

1 package (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Optional: 2-3 tablespoons milk or water (for glaze)

Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

Okay, let's get started! The first thing we need to do is prepare our delicious cinnamon-sugar coating. This is what's going to give our twists that irresistible flavor and beautiful golden-brown color.

Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that each twist gets a consistent coating of cinnamon goodness. I like to use a whisk to break up any clumps of cinnamon and get a nice, uniform mixture.
Set aside: Once the cinnamon-sugar mixture is well combined, set it aside. We'll need it later for coating the dough.

Preparing the Dough

Now, let's move on to the dough. Working with refrigerated pizza dough is super easy, which makes this recipe perfect for a quick and satisfying treat. We're aiming for a nice, even surface to work with, so the twists bake evenly.

Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the twists to a golden brown without burning them.
Prepare your baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the twists from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. You can also lightly grease the baking sheet if you don't have parchment paper.
Unroll the pizza dough: Carefully unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. I like to use a large cutting board or a clean countertop.
Stretch the dough (if needed): If the dough is a bit thick, gently stretch it out to about a 12x16 inch rectangle. This will give you more surface area to work with and result in thinner, crispier twists. Be careful not to tear the dough. If it's resisting, let it rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten.
Brush with melted butter: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the entire surface of the dough with the melted butter. Make sure to get every nook and cranny! The butter will help the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the dough and create a rich, flavorful crust.
Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough. Use your hands to gently press the mixture into the dough to help it stick. You want a nice, even coating of cinnamon-sugar goodness.

Creating the Twists

This is where the fun begins! We're going to transform our cinnamon-sugar-covered dough into beautiful, twisted treats. Don't worry if they're not perfect; the rustic look is part of their charm.

Cut the dough into strips: Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough lengthwise into about 1-inch wide strips. You should get around 12-16 strips, depending on the size of your dough.
Twist each strip: Pick up one strip of dough and gently twist it several times. You can twist it in one direction or twist it in opposite directions for a more pronounced twist. The goal is to create a spiral shape.
Place on baking sheet: Place the twisted dough strip onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the remaining strips of dough, spacing them evenly on the baking sheet.

Baking the Twists

Now it's time to bake our twists to golden-brown perfection. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the twists are golden brown and the dough is cooked through. The cinnamon-sugar mixture should be bubbly and caramelized.
Cool slightly: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the twists cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from sticking and allow them to crisp up.

Optional Glaze (Powdered Sugar Glaze)

If you want to add an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, you can drizzle the cooled twists with a simple powdered sugar glaze. This is totally optional, but it definitely elevates the presentation and adds a lovely sweetness.

Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or water) until smooth. Add more milk or water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the twists but thin enough to drizzle easily.
Drizzle the glaze: Using a spoon or a fork, drizzle the glaze over the cooled twists. You can drizzle it randomly or create a more decorative pattern.
Let the glaze set: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. This will allow it to harden slightly and prevent it from being too sticky.

Serving and Storing

These cinnamon twists are best enjoyed warm, but they're also delicious at room temperature. They're perfect for breakfast, brunch, a snack, or even dessert. They're also great for sharing with friends and family!

Serving: Serve the cinnamon twists warm or at room temperature. They're delicious on their own or with a cup of coffee or tea.
Storing: Store any leftover cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose some of their crispness over time, but they'll still be delicious. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave to restore some of their crispness.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few extra tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

Use different extracts: Add a few drops of vanilla extract, almond extract, or orange extract to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a unique flavor twist.
Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, over the dough before baking for added texture and flavor.
Use different spices: Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice, in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Make it chocolatey: Add a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a chocolate cinnamon twist.
Cream Cheese Glaze: For a richer glaze, try a cream cheese glaze. Combine 2 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of milk until smooth.
Air Fryer Option: You can also cook these in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the twists in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious dough cinnamon twists! They're a simple and satisfying treat that's sure to please everyone. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Dough Cinnamon Twists are more than just a sweet treat; they're a delightful experience waiting to happen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting aroma of cinnamon and the satisfying chew of perfectly baked dough. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the surprisingly impressive results makes it a winner in my book, and I'm confident it will be in yours too. Why is it a must-try? Well, beyond the obvious deliciousness, these twists are incredibly versatile. They're perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack with a cup of coffee, or even a simple yet elegant dessert after dinner. The recipe is also forgiving, making it ideal for beginner bakers who want to impress without the stress. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while they're baking is pure magic – a guaranteed mood booster! But the fun doesn't stop there! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a truly decadent experience, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different glazes. A simple powdered sugar glaze is always a classic, but you could also try a cream cheese frosting, a maple glaze, or even a chocolate ganache. Looking for variations? Consider adding chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra texture and flavor. You could also incorporate dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, for a touch of sweetness and chewiness. For a more savory twist (pun intended!), try brushing the twists with melted butter and sprinkling them with parmesan cheese and garlic powder before baking. The possibilities are endless! These Dough Cinnamon Twists are also fantastic for sharing. Bring them to your next potluck, bake sale, or family gathering, and watch them disappear in minutes. They're guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, and you'll be showered with compliments on your baking skills. Trust me, you'll be asked for the recipe! I've poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I'm so excited for you to try it. I'm confident that you'll love the results as much as I do. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure. But most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you think? Please, share your photos, comments, and feedback in the comments section below. I'm eager to see your creations and learn from your experiences. Your feedback helps me continue to improve and share even more delicious recipes with you. Don't be shy – let me know what you think! Happy baking, and I hope you enjoy these Dough Cinnamon Twists as much as I do! I can't wait to hear all about your baking adventures. Remember to tag me in your photos on social media so I can see your amazing creations! Let's spread the cinnamon-y goodness far and wide!