These German twists are a popular pastry in Germany and are perfect for breakfast or a snack. They are a soft and flaky treat with a hint of sweetness. The dough is twisted into a beautiful shape and baked to golden perfection. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea, or serve them as a delightful addition to your brunch spread. This recipe is easy to follow and will surely be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- For the topping:
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and grated lemon zest to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long rope, about 12 inches in length.
- Twist each rope into a pretzel shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush each twist with melted butter and sprinkle them with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the twists are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Dust the twists with powdered sugar before serving.
Interesting Facts
German twists are also known as Butterhörnchen or Butter Croissants in Germany.
They are commonly enjoyed with breakfast and are often served with butter and jam.
Traditionally, German twists are made with puff pastry dough, but this recipe uses a yeast dough for a softer texture.
In some regions of Germany, German twists are filled with various sweet fillings like chocolate or marzipan.
They are popular during the holiday season and are often enjoyed with a warm cup of Glühwein (mulled wine).