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.
