Strawberry Twists Recipe: Quick & Easy Homemade Treat!

Ever dreamt of a breakfast pastry that tastes like sunshine and a hug rolled into one? Well, pinch yourself because your dream just became a delicious reality! Get ready to dive into the world of homemade Strawberry Twists – a symphony of fluffy, slightly sweet dough, bursting with vibrant strawberry filling, and crowned with a zesty lemon cream cheese glaze. Forget sad, store-bought pastries; these beauties are an absolute showstopper that will make your mornings (or any time of day, really!) feel like a special occasion. Making them is an adventure, and eating them? Pure bliss!

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Twists

Prepare to fall head over heels for these delightful pastries. Here are four irresistible reasons why our Strawberry Twists will become your new favorite:

1. Bursting with Fresh Flavor: Nothing beats the taste of real strawberries, and this recipe delivers! The homemade filling is bright, sweet, and perfectly balanced with a hint of lemon, making every bite a taste of summer.
2. Impressively Delicious, Surprisingly Easy: While they look like they came from a fancy bakery, our detailed steps make the process enjoyable and totally achievable for home bakers of all skill levels. You’ll be proud to show these off!
3. That Heavenly Glaze: The lemon cream cheese glaze isn’t just an afterthought; it’s the perfect creamy, tangy counterpoint to the sweet strawberry filling and soft dough, elevating the entire experience.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a lazy Sunday brunch, a special holiday gathering, or just a treat to brighten your Tuesday, these Strawberry Twists fit the bill perfectly. They’re guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Ingredients for Your Delicious Strawberry Twists

Strawberry Filling:

• 🍓 2 cups diced strawberries
• 🥄 ½ cup granulated sugar
• 🍋 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 🌽 2 tablespoons corn starch

Twists Dough:

• 🍚 4 to 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 🔬 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 🥛 1 ¾ cups milk
• 🥔 ½ cup instant mashed potato flakes
• 🧈 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• 🥄 ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 🧂 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 🥚 2 large eggs, room temperature

Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 🧀 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 🧈 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 🍋 ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 🥛 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
• 🧂 ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 🍋 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 🍬 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Directions to Master Your Strawberry Twists

For the Strawberry Filling:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the diced strawberries and granulated sugar. Cook over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring until the sugar has fully dissolved.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice and corn starch until smooth. Add this mixture to the strawberries and stir it in well.
3. Increase the heat to medium and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring often, until the filling thickens noticeably.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the strawberry filling to a heat-safe container. Place it in the refrigerator to cool completely. This step is important to prevent the dough from melting later!

For the Twists Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour with the active dry yeast. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
2. In a medium saucepan, gently heat the milk, potato flakes, cubed butter, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, and kosher salt until the mixture reaches approximately 120°F. It should be warm to the touch, but not hot.
3. Pour this warm milk mixture into the flour and yeast blend. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
4. Add the large eggs and beat just until everything is combined.
5. Now, gradually add the remaining flour, about half a cup at a time, mixing until you have a smooth and elastic dough. If using a stand mixer with a dough hook, this takes 3 to 5 minutes. If kneading by hand, work it on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes.
6. Divide the dough into two equal halves. Lightly grease two medium bowls and place one half of the dough in each, turning it over once to coat.
7. Cover the bowls and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it has visibly doubled in size.

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze:

1. While your dough is rising, prepare the delicious glaze! In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until they are light and fluffy.
2. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, milk, fine sea salt, and lemon zest.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until your glaze reaches your desired smooth and creamy consistency. Set this aside.

Assembly and Baking:

1. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the risen dough into a rectangle shape, roughly 12 inches by 8 inches.
3. Spread half of your chilled strawberry filling evenly over one half of the dough rectangle.
4. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and gently press down the edges to seal everything inside.
5. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 12 even strips. Take each strip, hold both ends, and gently twist it into a pretty spiral. Place these twisted strips onto one of your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one.
6. Repeat this entire process with the remaining half of the dough and the rest of the strawberry filling, using the second baking sheet.
7. Cover your twisted pastries and let them rise again for another 30 minutes, or until they have almost doubled in size once more.
8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake the Strawberry Twists for 8 to 12 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown.
10. Let the twists cool slightly on the baking sheets. Once they’re a bit cooler but still warm, generously drizzle them with the lemon cream cheese glaze and serve immediately!

Creative Ways to Present and Serve Your Strawberry Twists

These gorgeous Strawberry Twists are already a feast for the eyes, but with a few extra touches, you can elevate their presentation to truly show-stopping levels:

• Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the glazed twists artfully on a large platter or tiered stand. Garnish with fresh whole strawberries and a few sprigs of fresh mint or lemon balm for a pop of color and freshness.
• Individual Delights: For a more controlled sweetness, serve the glaze on the side in a small pitcher, allowing each person to drizzle their own. This is great for those who prefer less or more glaze!
• Powdered Sugar Kiss: Before glazing, give your slightly cooled twists a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra elegant touch. The white contrast against the golden pastry and red filling is stunning.
• Fruit & Nut Extravaganza: Alongside your twists, offer a small bowl of mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries) and chopped pistachios or almonds. Guests can sprinkle these over their glazed pastry for added texture and flavor.
• Mini Twists: For an appetizer or dessert bite, cut the dough strips a bit shorter (e.g., into 18-24 pieces per dough half), making smaller, daintier twists that are perfect for sharing or a party spread.

Storing Your Strawberry Twists and How Long They Last

While these Strawberry Twists are best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven, you can certainly store any leftovers to savor later!

• Room Temperature: If planning to eat within 1-2 days, store the cooled and glazed twists in an airtight container at room temperature. The glaze will soften a bit, but they’ll still be delicious.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, up to 3-4 days, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese glaze means refrigeration is a good idea if storing for more than a day.
• Reheating: To bring them back to life, gently warm the twists in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until just warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, or the glaze might melt too much. A quick zap in the microwave for 15-30 seconds can also work, but the oven provides a better texture.
• Freezing (Unglazed): You can freeze the unglazed baked twists. Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature, then warm in the oven and glaze just before serving.

FAQs About Strawberry Twists

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
   Yes, you can! Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before dicing and proceeding with the recipe. You might need to cook the filling a minute or two longer to achieve the desired thickness.
2. What if I don’t have instant mashed potato flakes?
   The potato flakes help make the dough incredibly soft and tender. While they can be omitted, your dough might be slightly denser. You could try substituting with an equal amount of additional all-purpose flour, but be prepared for a slightly different texture.
3. My dough isn’t rising; what went wrong?
   Ensure your yeast is active (check expiration date) and the milk mixture temperature was just right (120°F is key – too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it). A warm, draft-free spot is also essential for rising.
4. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! After the first rise, you can punch down the dough, place it in a greased bowl, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight (up to 24 hours). Let it come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before rolling and assembling.
5. Can I make the strawberry filling ahead of time?
   Yes, the filling can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just ensure it’s completely chilled before using.
6. What if my glaze is too thin or too thick?
   If too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time. If too thick, add a tiny bit more milk (or lemon juice) until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Can I use different fruit fillings?
   Definitely! This dough is versatile. Raspberry, blueberry, or even apple fillings would be delicious. Adjust sugar and cornstarch as needed for different fruits’ sweetness and moisture content.
8. How do I get my twists to look uniform?
   Rolling the dough into an even rectangle is the first step. When cutting the strips, use a ruler as a guide if you want perfect precision. Practice makes perfect!
9. Do I have to use lemon in the glaze?
   The lemon adds a lovely bright tang that balances the sweetness. If you’re not a fan of lemon, you can omit the lemon juice and zest and simply use vanilla extract for a classic cream cheese glaze.
10. Why do you recommend baking on parchment paper?
    Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! It also helps ensure even baking and easy removal of the delicate twists from the baking sheet.