Cinnamon Swirls

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Cinnamon Swirls are delightful, flaky pastries filled with sweet cinnamon sugar, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, appealing to those who love warm, comforting treats.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 1/3 cups flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons cold water
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions

  1. Cut butter into flour and salt until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Sprinkle cold water over mixture and stir with a fork until dough holds together.
  3. Form dough into a square and flatten to about 1/2-inch thickness.
  4. Flour the countertop and roll out dough to 12 inches.
  5. Brush the rolled-out dough with melted butter.
  6. Combine sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the dough.
  7. Roll up the dough tightly and pinch edges to seal.
  8. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 to 45 minutes.
  9. Unwrap and cut into 1/4-inch slices.
  10. Place slices on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  11. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until lightly browned.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your butter is very cold when cutting into the flour to achieve a flaky texture. If you want to incorporate a twist, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit along with the sugar and cinnamon. If you don't have cold water, ice water can work as a substitute. This recipe can also be adapted for a savory version by using herbs instead of sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon swirls are delightful served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside a slice of Best-Every Pumpkin Pie during the holiday season.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, place the cooled swirls in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the swirls for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This helps restore their flaky texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cinnamon Swirls contains roughly 171 calories, with 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 664mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).

171 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.9g 4% DV
Total Fat 9.7g 12% DV
Carbs 19.2g 7% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 6.9g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 663.7mg 29% DV
Potassium 57.5mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 8.8mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 3.7mg 4% DV
Calcium 52.4mg 4% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After rolling it up, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just slice and bake when you're ready for a fresh treat!

What can I use instead of butter?

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. This will still provide a rich flavor and texture in your cinnamon swirls.

How can I tell when the cinnamon swirls are done baking?

The swirls are done when they are lightly browned on the edges and the tops look set. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven, typically around 12 to 15 minutes.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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