Bread Story
Sweden has fika. And fika without cinnamon bread is like a barbecue without fire. These beautifully twisted bread sticks are soft, buttery and packed with cinnamon sugar, finished with a crisp golden exterior and a light pearl sugar crunch. They're perfect with coffee but equally dangerous straight from the air fryer while they're still warm.
You’ll Need
Makes 8 twists
For the Dough
500g strong white bread flour
7g fast-action dried yeast
60g caster sugar
2 tsp sea salt
250ml warm whole milk
75g unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
Cinnamon Filling
75g softened unsalted butter
75g soft light brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp pearl sugar (or coarse granulated sugar)
Optional but Dangerous
Icing sugar
Vanilla glaze
Chopped pecans
Extra melted butter
Method
In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, caster sugar and sea salt.
Add the warm milk, melted butter and egg, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and leave to rise for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla until smooth.
Roll the dough into a large rectangle approximately 40cm x 30cm.
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over one half of the dough, then fold the other half over the top.
Cut into eight long strips.
Twist each strip several times before looping or twisting into a rustic knot.
Place onto baking paper and leave to prove for another 30 minutes.
Brush each twist with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with pearl sugar.
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C.
Air fry in batches for 10–12 minutes, until beautifully risen and golden brown.
Leave to cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.