Irresistible Cinnamon Swirls: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these irresistible cinnamon swirls! This recipe provides a detailed guide, ensuring perfectly baked, gooey, and flavorful pastries that will impress your family and friends. We'll cover everything from the dough preparation to achieving that perfect cinnamon swirl. Get ready to bake up a batch of happiness!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields approximately 12 swirls. Adjust quantities as needed for larger batches.

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This crucial step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

2. Combine Wet Ingredients:

Add the egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.

3. Incorporate the Flour:

Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms. Don't be afraid to get your hands a little messy! You may need slightly more or less flour depending on the humidity.

4. Knead the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.

5. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation):

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

6. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:

While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.

7. Roll and Fill the Dough:

Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12x18 inches.

8. Spread the Filling:

Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough.

9. Roll and Slice:

Tightly roll the dough from the long side into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal swirls (approximately 1-inch thick).

10. Second Rise (Proofing):

Place the swirls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.

11. Bake to Perfection:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon swirls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

12. Cool and Enjoy:

Let the swirls cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and enjoy warm with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Swirls:

• Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste!
• Don't over-knead the dough: Over-kneading can result in tough swirls.
• Let the dough rise properly: Proper rising is key to achieving light and fluffy swirls.
• Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Give the swirls enough space to rise and bake evenly.
• Experiment with variations: Add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

This recipe for cinnamon swirls is a delightful baking experience. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll be rewarded with a batch of delicious treats perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!