Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or plain flour if you’re in the UK)
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold water (plus a little extra if needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch
If you’re looking for a substitution, feel free to swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, but be mindful that the texture may be a little different — still delicious, just less flaky. For butter, I always recommend using the real deal rather than margarine; it’s the secret behind that rich, tender crumb my mum always insisted on. And if you don’t have vanilla extract on hand, don’t worry — the cinnamon itself carries enough flavour to shine.
Instructions
- Begin by chilling the cubed butter in the freezer for about 15 minutes. Cold butter is key to achieving those signature flaky layers, something my mum drilled into me from the start.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
- Mix the cold water and vanilla extract, then gradually add to the flour and butter mixture. Stir gently until the dough just begins to come together, then knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth. Avoid overworking — this keeps the pastry tender.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the butter firm up again, which is essential for those flaky layers to form during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 12×8 inches. Brush the surface with a thin layer of melted butter.
- Mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this evenly over the buttered dough. If you’re using nuts, scatter them over the cinnamon sugar at this stage.
- Carefully fold the dough in half lengthwise, pressing lightly to seal. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 1-inch strips.
- Take each strip and twist it several times before laying it down on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the ends are tucked under slightly to prevent unraveling.
- Brush each twist with the beaten egg to give a glossy, golden finish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crisp. The smell alone will transport you back to those cosy Devon mornings.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
