Traditional Cinnamon Swirls Recipe With A Modern Twist, by Chef Benjamin Birk

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil offers a dairy-free option with similar fat content.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey provides natural sweetness with a different flavor profile.

Mix all wet ingredients until uniform and gluten is developed.

Incorporate butter into the dough until fully mixed in.

Refrigerate the dough overnight to relax and develop flavor.

Flatten the dough on the table before rolling it out.

Spread room temperature butter evenly over the dough.

Add cinnamon on top of the butter.

Flip the dough halfway over to help make the pattern later.

Fold the dough to the middle and roll it down a bit for easier handling.

Cut the dough into 20 pieces.

Roll each strip towards yourself to create a twist.

Wrap the twisted dough clockwise around your finger to form a swirl.

Place the swirls on parchment paper and cover with cling film to rise until doubled in size at room temperature.

Check that the swirls are light, fluffy, and airy after rising.

Sprinkle the swirls with cardamom sugar before baking.

Bake in the oven at 200°C for about 13 to 15 minutes until caramelized but gooey in the middle.

Brush the warm swirls with a simple syrup made of equal parts water and sugar, adding cardamom pods and star anise for flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens