Twisted muffins
Twisted Muffins with Walnut and Cinnamon
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 90 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins
Introduction
The twisted muffin is a delicacy that combines tradition with innovation, featuring a soft and fluffy dough similar to that of donuts. These muffins are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a savory breakfast, a brunch with friends, or simply a delicious snack throughout the day. Each piece is filled with a fragrant mixture of walnut and cinnamon, offering an irresistible taste experience.
Recipe History
Muffins, in their various forms, have a long and fascinating history, being considered a modern variation of small breads or donuts. In many cultures, these pastries have been associated with moments of celebration and community. Over time, various fillings and flavors have been added, transforming them into versatile desserts that can be adapted to the tastes of each generation.
Necessary Ingredients
*For the dough:*
- 120 ml warm milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 50 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 pack of Milli butter cream (or soft butter)
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 550 g flour (preferably type 000)
*For the filling:*
- 200 g walnuts (coarsely ground)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- A few tablespoons of milk (just enough to bind the mixture)
Step by Step: Preparing Twisted Muffins
1. Preparing the Dough
Start by adding the wet ingredients into the bread machine: warm milk, eggs, oil, and butter cream. Then add the sugar and vanilla sugar. In another bowl, combine the flour, dry yeast, and salt. Place the flour mixture over the wet ingredients, ensuring that the yeast does not come into direct contact with the salt, as it can inhibit its activity. Set the bread machine to the kneading and rising program.
2. Rising the Dough
Let the machine do its job for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The dough will rise considerably, becoming fluffy. If you don’t have a bread machine, you can knead the dough manually and then let it rise in a bowl covered with a clean towel in a warm place.
3. Preparing the Filling
In a bowl, combine the ground walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon. Gradually add a few tablespoons of milk, mixing until you achieve a homogeneous mixture that is not too wet. This will be the filling for your muffins.
4. Shaping the Muffins
When the dough is ready, remove it onto a floured surface. Break off suitable pieces of dough, about the size of a golf ball. Flatten each piece by hand, adding a tablespoon of walnut filling in the center. Gather the edges of the dough, forming a "pouch".
5. Shaping the Muffins
After forming the pouches, use a rolling pin to gently roll them out, being careful not to damage the filling. Use a sharp knife to make cuts in the dough, so that the muffins have a nice texture after baking.
6. Rolling and Arranging in Molds
Roll each piece of dough to form a snail shape. Place them in muffin molds lined with baking paper or greased with butter. Let them rise for another 30 minutes, covered with a damp towel, to become even fluffier.
7. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. When the muffins have risen, brush each piece with an egg yolk to achieve a golden and shiny crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
8. Cooling and Serving
After taking them out of the oven, let the muffins cool in the molds for a few minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. These muffins are delicious warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
To add an extra touch of flavor, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the cooled muffins or serve them with a spoonful of fruit jam or vanilla cream. A cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement this snack.
Nutritional Information
A twisted muffin contains approximately 200 calories, with a significant amount of protein and healthy fats from walnuts. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a more nutritious choice than other sweets.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of nuts for the filling?
Of course! Almonds or hazelnuts can be just as delicious. Just make sure to grind them enough to achieve a pleasant texture.
2. What can I do if I don’t have a bread machine?
You can knead the dough manually and then let it rise in a warm place.
3. How can I keep the muffins fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
4. Can I freeze the muffins?
Yes! These muffins can be frozen, but make sure to label them and place them in an airtight container. When you want to consume them, let them thaw at room temperature.
5. What is the best drink to serve with them?
Herbal tea, coffee, or even warm milk with cinnamon pairs perfectly with these aromatic muffins.
Possible Variations
To add a personal touch, you can experiment with different fillings such as dark chocolate, dried fruits, or even a combination of sweet cheese with raisins. Each variation will offer an explosion of flavors that will delight the taste buds.
These twisted muffins are a true delight for both young and old. Making them can become a pleasant family activity, and the final result will not disappoint. So, put on your chef's clothes and get ready to treat everyone with these delicious muffins!
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, just enough to bind the mixture.
