Delicious and Flaky Pecan Twists: The Perfect Pastry Treat

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour and yeast. In a separate bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt before adding it to the flour mixture.
  2. Beat the mixture on low speed for 30 seconds, then on high speed for 3 minutes. Gradually add in the rest of the flour.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it's smooth and elastic, then place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until it's doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
  4. While the dough is rising, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract to make the pecan filling.
  5. Once dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a 12x18 inch rectangle.
  6. Spread the pecan filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Starting from a long side, roll the dough up tightly, like a cinnamon roll, and pinch the edges to seal them.
  7. Cut the roll into 1 inch slices and place them on a greased baking sheet, twisting each slice a few times to expose some of the filling. Cover the twists and let them rise until they're nearly doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake the twists until they're golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the dough ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups - To measure the flour, sugar, and liquids accurately.
  • Measuring Spoons - For precise measurements of yeast, salt, and vanilla extract.
  • Whisk - To combine the dry ingredients and evenly distribute the yeast.
  • Spatula - To scrape the dough from the sides of the bowl and shape it.
  • Rolling Pin - To roll out the dough into a rectangle shape.
  • Baking Sheet - A flat sheet to place the pecan twists on for baking.
  • Wire Rack - To cool the pecan twists after baking.
  • Basting Brush - To brush melted butter or egg wash on the twists before baking.
  • Plastic Wrap - To cover the dough while it rises.
  • Greased Bowl - To hold the dough while it rises.
  • Flour - For dusting the surface when kneading the dough.

Recipe variations

  • Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
  • Try using almond flour or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
  • Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the pecan filling for extra flavor.
  • Include a sprinkle of chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the twists for a touch of indulgence.
  • Swap out pecans for walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor.
  • Add dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries to the pecan filling for a fruity twist.
  • Make a savory version by replacing the pecan filling with a mixture of herbs, cheese, and diced vegetables.
  • For a vegan option, substitute butter with vegan margarine and replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute.
  • Glaze the twists with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze, or a cream cheese frosting for added sweetness.
  • Incorporate a hint of citrus zest (such as orange or lemon) into the dough or filling for a refreshing twist.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe for Pecan Twists! This delightful pastry is perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or a mid-afternoon snack. The recipe combines a light, fluffy dough with a rich and sweet pecan filling for a wonderfully satisfying result. You'll be taking a journey through the process of making the dough from scratch, letting it rise, and creating the pecan filling, all before assembling and baking these beautiful twists. The end result is a beautiful pastry with a sweet and nutty flavor that everyone is sure to love. While this recipe does require some time and effort, the delicious outcome is well worth it. Happy baking!

Common questions

  1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
    Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. However, you may need to adjust the rising time accordingly.
  2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
    It is not recommended to use whole wheat flour as a complete substitute for all-purpose flour in this recipe. Whole wheat flour has different properties and may result in a denser texture.
  3. Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?
    Yes, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together, then increase the speed to medium and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Can I freeze the Pecan Twists?
    Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled Pecan Twists. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
  5. Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
    Absolutely! You can use other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts as a substitute for pecans in this recipe. Choose your favorite nuts or a combination that you enjoy.
  6. Can I make this recipe vegan?
    Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using plant-based alternatives for butter, milk, and egg. Replace butter with vegan butter or margarine, milk with almond milk or soy milk, and egg with a suitable egg replacer or applesauce.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Beloved by many, the pecan twist is a quintessentially Southern treat that elegantly combines the comfort of homemade bread with the sweet, nutty flavor of pecans. The pecan tree itself is native to the Southern United States, and has played a significant role in Southern culture and cuisine for centuries. While the exact origin of pecan twists is unknown, they are believed to have been inspired by the larger tradition of nut-filled pastries, which includes classics like pecan pie and cinnamon rolls. Each biscuit-like twist is a celebration of this humble nut, delivering a delightful crunch that's beautifully offset by the soft, yeasty dough. It's said that pecan twists taste like a warm Southern afternoon, evoking nostalgia for picnics under the shade of tall pecan trees.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.