Twisted muffins

The joy of cooking lies in the details that transform a simple recipe into a memorable experience. Today, I will guide you in preparing delicious twisted muffins, a dessert that combines the fluffy texture of the dough with the rich filling of nuts and cinnamon. These muffins are perfect to serve at a gathering with friends or at a festive meal, bringing a touch of warmth and joy in every bite.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

A brief history

Twisted muffins, although they have several variations, are a symbol of home cooking, often prepared to celebrate special moments. This type of dish has its origins in family culinary traditions, where each housewife contributed her personal touch to the recipe, adapting the ingredients according to the preferences of loved ones. The dough used is similar to that of donuts, which gives the muffins a light and airy texture.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 120 ml lukewarm milk (ideally not hot, to activate the yeast)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon oil (preferably sunflower oil, but you can also use olive oil)
- 50 g sugar
- 2 sachets of vanilla sugar (for a more aromatic taste)
- 1 box of Milli butter cream (about 200 g)
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast (make sure it is fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 550 g flour (may need more or less depending on the humidity of the ingredients)

For the filling:
- 200 g nuts (finely or coarsely ground, according to preference)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (you can adjust the amount to taste)
- a few tablespoons of milk (just enough to bind the mixture)

Step by step

1. Preparing the dough: Start by adding all the ingredients for the dough into the bread machine bowl. Make sure the milk is lukewarm (not hot) to activate the yeast. Choose the kneading and rising program, which lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you don’t have a bread machine, you can knead the dough by hand. In this case, mix the dry ingredients, then add the wet ones and knead for 10-15 minutes until you get an elastic dough.

2. Rising the dough: Once the dough is well kneaded, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, until it doubles in volume.

3. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the ground nuts with sugar and cinnamon. Gradually add a few tablespoons of milk until the mixture becomes homogeneous and easy to spread.

4. Forming the muffins: After the dough has risen, place it on a floured surface. Break it into suitable pieces (about 80-100 g each) and flatten them by hand. Place a tablespoon of the nut filling in the center of each piece, then gather the edges of the dough to form a pouch.

5. Shaping the muffins: Using a rolling pin, roll out the formed pouches, then use a sharp knife to score them in several places. Then twist them to form a snail shape, being careful not to ruin the form.

6. Final rising: Place the muffins in muffin molds or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for about 30 minutes.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Before placing them in the oven, brush each muffin with an egg yolk for a golden and shiny crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until they turn golden and pass the toothpick test (inserted in the center, it should come out clean).

Serving and variations

Twisted muffins are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee, and for an extra flavor, you can add a few slices of fresh fruit. Additionally, these muffins can be filled with fruit jam, chocolate, or other types of nuts, giving you many customization options.

Practical tips

- Ingredient moisture: If you notice that the dough is too sticky, add a little flour until you achieve a pleasant consistency. On the other hand, if it is too dry, add a little milk.
- Yeast: Always check the expiration date of the yeast. Fresh yeast will ensure better rising of the dough.
- Freezing: Twisted muffins keep very well in the freezer. You can bake them, then freeze them and take them out when you need a quick dessert.

Nutritional benefits

These muffins are rich in carbohydrates, making them an excellent source of energy. The nuts add protein and healthy fats, while cinnamon not only provides a delicious taste but is also a powerful antioxidant, having benefits for metabolism and heart health.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace the nuts with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use almonds, hazelnuts, or even chopped chocolate, depending on your preferences.

2. Can I make the dough a few hours in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and leave it in the fridge, covered, for a few hours. Then, let it come to room temperature before shaping it.

3. How can I tell if the muffins are baked?
Try the toothpick test: if, after inserting it into the center of a muffin, it comes out clean, the muffins are done.

Let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking and enjoy every step in preparing these twisted muffins! I assure you that all your loved ones will love to savor them, and you will be proud of the final result. Happy cooking!

 Ingredients: * Dough: * 120 ml warm milk * 2 eggs * 1 tablespoon oil * 50 g sugar * 2 packets vanilla sugar * 1 box Milli butter cream * 2 teaspoons dry yeast * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 550 g flour * Filling: * 200 g walnuts * 100 g sugar * 1 teaspoon cinnamon * a few tablespoons of milk, enough to bind the mixture