Crunchy, Flaky, and Buttery: How to Make Perfect German Twists

German Twists, also known as “Schnecken” in German, are a delicious and easy pastry to make at home. These sweet, spiral-shaped pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with coffee or tea. In this article, we’ll explore the history of German Twists, the ingredients needed to make them, and some creative variations to try.

History of German Twists

The origin of German Twists is uncertain, but they are believed to have originated in Germany, where they are still a popular pastry today. In Germany, they are known as “Schnecken,” which translates to “snails,” due to their spiral shape. German Twists are often enjoyed for breakfast or brunch, and are commonly found in bakeries and cafes throughout the country.

Ingredients Needed

German Twists are relatively easy to make and require only a few ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the dough:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces

1/2 cup whole milk, warmed

1 package instant yeast

1 egg

For the filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the chilled butter to the bowl and mix with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the warm milk and instant yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
4. Add the milk and yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
7. In a separate bowl, mix together the room temperature butter, sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
9. Roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
10. Spread the filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
11. Starting at one of the long edges, roll the dough up tightly into a log.
12. Cut the log into 1-inch slices and place them cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
13. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the twists are golden brown.

Creative Variations

One of the great things about German Twists is that they can be customized to your liking. Here are some creative variations to try:

• Apple Cinnamon German Twists
• Add 1 cup of finely chopped apples to the filling mixture, along with 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
• Top the twists with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Chocolate Hazelnut German Twists
• Substitute Nutella for the filling mixture.
• Top the twists with chopped hazelnuts.

German Twists are a delicious and easy pastry to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy these sweet, spiral-shaped pastries for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. Give them a try and see for yourself.