03 Apr 2025
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1/2 cup milk (1% fat)
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup yeast
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 egg
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
Kanel snegle, also known as cinnamon snails, are a delightful Danish pastry that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. These sweet and aromatic treats are perfect for any occasion, whether as a breakfast pastry, a snack, or even a dessert. With a soft, buttery dough and a rich cinnamon filling, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Follow this simple recipe to create your own batch of delicious kanel snegle.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Warm the Milk and Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk until it is warm (about 110°F or 43°C). Add the butter to the milk and stir until it is completely melted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly until it is lukewarm.
2. Activate the Yeast:
- Combine Milk and Yeast: Pour the lukewarm milk and butter mixture into a large mixing bowl. Crumble the fresh yeast into the bowl and stir until the yeast is dissolved.
3. Mix the Dough:
- Add Sugar, Salt, and Egg: Mix in the sugar, salt, and the egg into the yeast mixture.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add in the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until a smooth dough forms. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
4. Knead the Dough:
- Knead: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Filling:
- Mix the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix well to create the filling.
6. Assemble the Cinnamon Snails:
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12x18 inches (30x45 cm).
- Add the Filling: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Shape the Snails:
- Roll and Cut: Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch (2.5 cm) slices.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Place the slices, cut side up, on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each piece as they will expand during the second rise.
8. Second Rise:
- Cover and Let Rise: Cover the baking sheet with a damp cloth and let the cinnamon snails rise for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
9. Bake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the cinnamon snails in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
10. Serve:
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cinnamon snails to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. They are best enjoyed warm and can be iced or glazed if desired.
Tips:
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot when mixing with yeast to activate it properly without killing the yeast.
- If possible, use freshly ground cinnamon to enhance the flavor of your cinnamon filling.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place to ensure it doubles in size.
- For an extra touch of sweetness, consider drizzling a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk over the top of the kanel snegle after they have cooled slightly.
- If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container or freeze them to maintain freshness. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
You've now successfully created a batch of wonderful kanel snegle. These pastries are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they are warm, soft, and fragrant. Whether you serve them for breakfast, as a midday snack, or even for dessert, they will surely be a hit. Enjoy these Danish delights with your favorite hot beverage and share them with family and friends to spread the joy!