German Twists
German Twists are soft, buttery pastries with a rich flavor, perfect for breakfast or brunch, appealing to those who enjoy classic European baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients including shortening, sour cream, yeast, eggs, flour, and salt.
- Let the dough rise in the icebox or a cold place for about 2 hours or overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half butter and half shortening. If you don't have cake yeast, regular yeast works just fine, but allow for longer rising times. To enhance flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom. Make sure the sour cream is at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough. If you want a sweeter twist, consider adding a tablespoon of sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve German Twists warm, dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet touch or alongside a dollop of jam. They pair wonderfully with a Raspberry Refresher for a refreshing contrast. For a savory option, serve them with a side of Sauce Amandine to complement their rich flavor. Enjoy them as a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover German Twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they stay soft and fluffy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Twists contains roughly 1132 calories, with 25g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (57% of the Daily Value), protein (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 644mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
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 and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking. This method enhances the flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt can be a great substitute, providing similar creaminess and tang. Alternatively, you can use buttermilk, but this may alter the dough's consistency slightly, so adjust the flour as needed.
Can I add fillings to the dough?
Absolutely! You can fill the dough with a variety of ingredients such as cinnamon sugar, chocolate chips, or even fruit preserves before twisting. Just be mindful not to overfill, as this may cause the twists to break during baking.
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).