Orange Cardamom Sweet Bread Twist for Cozy Mornings Recipe

If you are looking for a comforting, beautifully fragrant treat to brighten your mornings, you have to try the Orange Cardamom Sweet Bread Twist for Cozy Mornings Recipe. This delightful bread combines the zesty brightness of orange with the warm spice of cardamom, swirled into a tender, buttery dough that bakes up golden and irresistible. Perfectly sweet yet balanced, it’s a showstopper that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma and makes every morning feel like a special occasion.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are surprisingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect texture, flavor, and aroma in the bread twist. From the creamy milk that activates the yeast to the fragrant cardamom that adds a magical touch, every component counts.

• ¾ cup warmed milk: Essential for activating the yeast and creating a soft, tender dough.
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise beautifully.
• 1 large egg, room temperature: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances the spices and enhances the dough’s browning.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Heightens all the other flavors perfectly.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a soft yet sturdy bread.
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter: Creates a flaky texture and rich flavor when grated into the dough.
• 4 tablespoons room temperature butter (for filling): Keeps the filling luscious and spreadable.
• ½ cup packed brown sugar: Offers deep caramel notes in the filling.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling): Helps hold the filling together as it bakes.
• 1 teaspoon orange zest: Adds bright citrus notes that elevate the entire bread.
• 1 teaspoon cardamom: Provides a warm, spicy lift that’s unmistakably cozy.
• Pinch of kosher salt (for filling): Balances the sweetness perfectly.
• 2 cups confectioner’s sugar (for glaze): Creates a sweet and silky finish.
• ¼ cup orange juice (for glaze): Adds fresh citrus tang to the sweet glaze.

How to Make Orange Cardamom Sweet Bread Twist for Cozy Mornings Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast and Mix the Dough

Start by warming your milk until it’s pleasantly warm but not hot—about 110°F. Stir in the yeast and let it bloom until it becomes foamy, signaling those active little yeast cells are ready to raise your dough. Then, combine this bubbly mixture with the egg, sugar, and salt in a large bowl to lay the flavor foundation.

Step 2: Add Butter and Flour, Knead the Dough

Next, grate the cold butter right into the bowl—that cold butter creates those delicate layers in the bread. Add in the flour and gently mix everything together, first by hand and then either knead by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. When your dough forms a smooth ball, cover it and let it rest for one hour. This rest time lets the dough relax and rise slightly, developing flavor and texture.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough and Prepare the Filling

After your dough has rested, transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a half-inch thick rectangle. Spread the room temperature butter evenly all over the dough, right to the edges. Then, mix your brown sugar, flour, orange zest, cardamom, and a pinch of salt to make the filling—sprinkle this fragrant mixture evenly on top of the butter for that perfect sweet-spice layer.

Step 4: Shape the Twist

Roll the dough tightly from the longer edge into a log, sealing the seam well so nothing leaks during baking. Place it seam side down and cut the log almost all the way through lengthwise, leaving about an inch uncut at one end. Now for the fun part—gently twist the two halves around each other two to three times, exposing those beautiful layers of filling. Coil this twisted rope into a circle, keeping the cut layers facing upward to show off that gorgeous swirl.

Step 5: Rise and Bake

Set the twisted dough ring into a buttered 8 or 9-inch skillet, cover it, and let it rise for another hour. This second rise helps the bread become light and airy. When it’s puffed up nicely, bake it in your preheated oven until golden brown and fragrant, about 35 minutes.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

While the bread bakes, whisk together confectioner’s sugar with fresh orange juice for a smooth glaze. Once out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the warm bread. That sweet citrus glaze is the perfect finishing touch, tying all the flavors together beautifully.

How to Serve Orange Cardamom Sweet Bread Twist for Cozy Mornings Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra sparkle, dust the finished bread with a light sprinkle of extra orange zest or a few crushed cardamom seeds. These tiny touches boost the aroma and add a pop of color that makes the bread even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of chai or your favorite morning coffee. You can also offer fresh fruit like sliced oranges or berries on the side to keep the breakfast bright and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the twist broken apart by hand for a casual shared breakfast, or slice it like a cake for an elegant brunch spread. You can even transform leftovers into French toast for a delicious second round of indulgence!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to two days, maintaining its soft crumb and delightful flavors.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the bread securely and freeze it for up to one month. Thaw it overnight on the counter, and it will taste almost as fresh as the day you baked it.

Reheating

For best results, warm slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but the oven finish keeps the crust nice and crisp just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. If you do, skip the blooming step and add it directly to the flour. This can speed up your prep a bit without sacrificing flavor.

Is cardamom very strong in this recipe?

The cardamom adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the orange nicely without overpowering. If you are new to cardamom, you can reduce it slightly, but I encourage you to try the full teaspoon for that classic cozy vibe.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk and swap butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. The texture may be slightly different but will still be delicious.

How long does the dough need to rise?

The dough rises twice for a total of about two hours—once after mixing and once after shaping. This slow, patient rise is key to developing the perfect soft texture and flavor.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

This recipe relies on gluten for that beautiful twist and texture. While gluten-free flours exist, they’ll need additional binding agents and adjustments. For now, this is best enjoyed as a wheat-based bread.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Cardamom Sweet Bread Twist for Cozy Mornings Recipe is a true comforting delight that turns an ordinary morning into something warm and special. It’s a recipe I love sharing because it’s as fun to make as it is to eat, filling your home with spirit and sweetness. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite breakfast tradition!

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