Hungarian Cinnamon Bows (Soft Sweet Yeast Dough) – My Festive Favourite
10-14 pieces
These Hungarian cinnamon bows are one of my favourite festive bakes — soft, airy, and gently sweet with a warm cinnamon filling. I make them every holiday season, and the beautiful bow shape always brings a little magic to the table. Simple ingredients, cozy flavour, and a perfect weekend bake.
10-14 pieces
Ingredients (makes ~14 bows)
For the dough
500 g all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
50 g sugar
25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g instant yeast)
300 ml lukewarm milk
50 g soft butter
1 packet vanilla sugar (8–10 g)
Zest of 1 untreated lemon
1 egg yolk
For the filling (my version)
105 g melted butter, cooled
95 g brown sugar
10 g cinnamon (instead of 20 g)
Instructions
1. Activate the yeast
Mix the fresh yeast with half of the sugar in lukewarm milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough
In a large bowl combine flour, the remaining sugar, salt, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest.Rub the soft butter into the flour mixture.Add the activated yeast and the egg yolk, then knead until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and shiny.If it feels too soft or sticky, add a little flour. If too firm, add a splash of warm milk.
Cover and let it rise until doubled (about 30 minutes).
3. Roll out the dough
Place the risen dough on a floured surface and roll it into a 1 cm thick rectangle.
4. Add the filling
Brush the dough with melted butter.Mix the brown sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly on top.
5. Shape the bows
Roll the dough tightly from the long side.Slice into 2–2.5 cm wide pieces.To create the bow shape:
Cut the slice halfway down the middle
Twist both “legs” outward
Press gently to form the bow
(Or keep them as simple cinnamon rolls — both are delicious.)
6. Second rise
Place them on a parchment-lined baking tray.They can be close; touching a little will keep them soft.Let them rest 10 minutes.
7. Bake
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12–15 minutes with fan.Traditional ovens may need a bit more time.
8. Serve
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with vanilla glaze.Best enjoyed war