Introduction

This Orange Cardamom Breakfast Twist is a delightful, aromatic pastry that combines the zest of orange with the warm spice of cardamom. Perfect for morning gatherings or a cozy weekend treat, its tender dough and sweet glaze are sure to impress.

A large cinnamon roll is placed in a round black skillet on a white marbled surface, wrapped with a white cloth around the handle. The cinnamon roll has multiple layers of dough spiraled tightly with visible golden brown and light tan baked edges. It is generously coated with creamy white icing that drips and pools slightly between the layers, adding a glossy texture. The swirl shape is clear and the icing enhances the soft, fluffy look of the dough. The overall image is bright, with a top-down view focusing on the details of the roll. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¾ cup milk, warmed to about 110°F (about 40 seconds in the microwave)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 large egg, room temperature
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt (if using table salt, add ½ teaspoon)
3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (226 g/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold
4 tablespoons butter, room temperature (for filling)
½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling)
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 teaspoon cardamom
Pinch kosher salt (for filling)
2 cups confectioner’s sugar (for glaze)
¼ cup orange juice (or the juice from one orange)

Instructions

Step 1: In a measuring cup, heat ¾ cup milk in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Stir in the yeast and let it bloom for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the milk and yeast mixture with the egg, sugar, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Using a grater, grate the cold butter onto a plate or cutting board. Add the grated butter and the flour to the bowl with the wet ingredients.
Step 4: Mix the ingredients by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until just combined. Knead until the dough forms a ball. Cover and let rise for one hour.
Step 5: After rising, place the dough on a floured surface and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness in a roughly rectangular shape.
Step 6: Spread the room temperature butter evenly over the dough, reaching the edges. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, orange zest, cardamom, and a pinch of salt, then sprinkle it evenly over the butter.
Step 7: Roll the dough tightly from the longer side into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Place seam side down.
Step 8: Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise in half, stopping about 1 inch from the end. Starting near the uncut end, lift one half over the other to create a twist. Repeat twisting 2-3 more times.
Step 9: Hold one end and gently twist the dough into a circle, keeping the cut, layered side facing up. Place the ring into a buttered 8 or 9-inch skillet, cover, and let rise for another hour.
Step 10: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Uncover the dough and bake for 25 minutes. Cover with foil once golden brown, then bake an additional 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool briefly.
Step 11: Whisk confectioner’s sugar with orange juice until smooth and runny. Pour the glaze over the warm twist, allowing it to soak into every crevice.
Step 12: Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your flavorful breakfast twist.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh cardamom pods crushed for a more intense flavor compared to ground cardamom.
Substitute orange juice in the glaze with lemon juice for a tangier twist.
For an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds over the filling before rolling.
Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.

Storage

Store the Orange Cardamom Breakfast Twist in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days and reheat gently in the oven. The glaze soaks in best when the twist is slightly warm, so reheat before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a bakery item in a black pan, showing a twisted, layered bread with golden brown and light tan tones. The bread is twisted into at least three visible thick layers, with a soft, textured crust. On top of the bread, a generous layer of smooth white frosting or glaze is being poured, softly spreading and slightly dripping down the sides. A white cloth is partially visible in the foreground, with a white marbled surface in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out.

What if I don’t have cardamom?

If you don’t have cardamom, you can substitute with a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor, though the distinctive floral notes of cardamom will be missing.