Introduction

Discover the delightful Orange Cardamom Breakfast Twist, a fragrant and buttery bread perfect for starting your day with a touch of elegance. This twist combines warm spices and bright citrus in a tender, flaky dough that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

A large cinnamon roll in a black cast iron pan sits on a white marbled surface, covered generously with creamy white icing that drips down the sides. The roll has multiple thick layers of golden brown dough twisted tightly in a spiral pattern, with visible cinnamon sugar swirls on each layer. The icing adds a smooth, glossy texture that contrasts with the soft, fluffy bread underneath. A white cloth is wrapped around the pan handle, adding a cozy touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Dough:

¾ cup milk, warmed to about 110°F
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 large egg, room temperature
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon table salt)
3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (226 g / 2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold

Filling:

4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 teaspoon cardamom
Pinch kosher salt

Glaze:

2 cups confectioner’s sugar
¼ cup orange juice (or juice from one orange)

Instructions

Step 1: Add the warmed milk to a measuring cup and heat 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 cutting board or plate. Add the grated butter and 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 incorporated and a dough ball forms. Cover and let the dough rise for one hour.
Step 5: After rising, place the dough on a floured surface and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness into a rectangle.
Step 6: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, reaching all the edges.
Step 7: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, orange zest, cardamom, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Step 8: Starting from the longer side, roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal. Place the log seam side down.
Step 9: Carefully cut the log lengthwise in half, stopping about 1 inch from the end.
Step 10: Starting near the uncut end, gently lift one half over the other to create a twist. Repeat 2-3 more twists.
Step 11: Hold one end and twist the dough to form a circle, exposing the cut layers facing upwards. Place the dough ring in a buttered 8 or 9-inch skillet and cover to rise for one hour.
Step 12: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Uncover the dough and bake for 25 minutes. Cover with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
Step 13: While the bread cools slightly, whisk together the confectioner’s sugar and orange juice to make a runny glaze.
Step 14: Pour the glaze over the warm twist, allowing it to soak into every nook and cranny. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated orange zest for the brightest flavor in the filling.
Substitute cardamom with cinnamon or nutmeg for a different spice profile.
For a dairy-free option, replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk.
Ensure the milk is not too hot when activating the yeast to avoid killing it.

Storage

Store any leftover twist wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave before serving to restore softness. The glaze may harden when refrigerated but softens again when warmed.

How to Serve

A large cinnamon roll with a golden brown top, covered in white icing drizzled unevenly, showing its glossy, soft texture. The roll is thick with many visible layers of dough, slightly pulled apart near the edge by a woman's hand, revealing fluffy, light creamy inside. It sits inside a dark cast-iron skillet placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth nearby. The 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, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out and continuing with the recipe.

What if I don’t have cardamom?

If you don’t have cardamom, cinnamon or nutmeg are great substitutes that complement the orange flavor nicely.