Old Fashion Sour Cream Twists: A Timeless Treat

There are certain recipes that whisper of a bygone era, carrying with them the comforting scent of slow afternoons and a baker’s patient hands. The Old Fashion Sour Cream Twists are precisely that kind of recipe for me. I remember them not from a cookbook, but from the worn, flour-dusted pages of my grandmother’s handwritten recipe box, tucked between notes on canning peaches and her legendary apple pie. Each time I pull out the ingredients for these twists, I can almost hear her humming in the kitchen, the gentle rhythm of her kneading a familiar lullaby. Making them is more than just baking; it’s a connection to a lineage of home cooks, a tangible link to cherished memories.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes, plus 2 hours chilling time
• Cook Time: 12 to 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 12 twists
• Yield: 12 twists
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

The beauty of these Old Fashion Sour Cream Twists lies in their simplicity, relying on pantry staples to create something truly special.

• 1 package yeast
• 1 cup lukewarm sour cream
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup shortening
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 ½ cups flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Equipment Needed

While this recipe doesn’t require any specialized gadgets, a few essential tools will make the process smoother:

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
• Wire cooling rack

Instructions

Crafting these Old Fashion Sour Cream Twists is a journey of patience and gentle handling, yielding a reward that is utterly worth the effort.

1. Begin by softening the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the package of yeast with the lukewarm sour cream. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes until the yeast appears foamy, indicating it’s active.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast and sour cream mixture with the 2 beaten eggs, 1 cup shortening, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir everything together until well incorporated.
3. Gradually stir in the flour. Add the 3 ½ cups flour a little at a time, mixing until a dough begins to form.
4. Knead and chill the dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it until it’s smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and chill the dough for two hours. This chilling period is crucial for developing flavor and making the dough easier to handle.
5. While the dough is chilling, mix together the cinnamon and sugar. In a separate bowl, combine the 1 cup granulated sugar with the 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir until evenly distributed. This will be your sweet, spiced filling.
6. Once the dough has chilled, prepare it for filling. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle. Aim for a size that’s manageable to work with, perhaps about 12×18 inches.
7. Sprinkle with sugar mixture. Evenly sprinkle ⅓ of the prepared cinnamon and sugar mixture over the surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
8. Fold the dough. Carefully fold the dough into thirds, like a letter. You’ll fold one long edge over to cover the middle third, and then fold the other long edge over that. This creates layers for your twists.
9. Roll and sprinkle again. Roll the folded dough back into a rectangle. This time, you may need to re-roll it a bit to get a good shape, about the same size as before. Then, sprinkle with the remaining sugar mixture and fold again in the same manner as before. This layering process is what gives the twists their unique texture.
10. Slice the dough. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the folded dough into ¼ inch slices.
11. Shape the twists. For each slice, roll it in granulated sugar from your cinnamon-sugar mixture. Then, gently twist each slice into a spiral shape. Press the ends down onto your prepared baking sheets. Ensure they are not too close together as they will expand.
12. Let rise. Place the baking sheets in a warm place and let the twists rise for ½ hour. They will puff up slightly.
13. Bake the twists. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the twists for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
14. Cool. Once baked, remove the twists from the baking sheets and place them on a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Dough Temperature is Key: Ensure your sour cream is truly lukewarm, not hot, as hot liquid can kill the yeast. Likewise, the dough should be well-chilled; if it becomes too soft while working with it, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes.
• Gentle Folding: When folding the dough, try not to press down too hard, as this can seal the layers together and prevent them from puffing up as nicely.
• Even Sugar Distribution: For the best flavor in every bite, make sure the cinnamon sugar mixture is spread as evenly as possible over the dough.
• Visual Cues for Doneness: While the time is a guideline, look for a beautiful golden-brown hue on the twists. If your oven tends to bake unevenly, you can rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time.
• Crispiness Factor: For slightly crispier twists, you can bake them for an extra minute or two, but be mindful of burning the sugars.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Old Fashion Sour Cream Twists are delightful served warm or at room temperature. They are wonderful on their own, dusted with a little extra powdered sugar if you desire, or alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra touch, a light glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or lemon juice can be drizzled over them once cooled.

Storage: Store any leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you live in a very humid climate, it might be best to store them in the refrigerator to prevent them from becoming too soft, though this can sometimes dry them out. To refresh them, you can briefly warm them in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes.

Nutritional Information

While exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients used (e.g., fat content of sour cream or type of shortening), here’s an estimated breakdown for these delightful twists:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	400.6 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	198 kcal	–
Total Fat	22.1 g	33%
Saturated Fat	6.8 g	34%
Cholesterol	41 mg	13%
Sodium	222.2 mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	45.6 g	15%
Dietary Fiber	1.3 g	5%
Sugars	17.5 g	69%
Protein	5.5 g	10%

Note: These values are estimates and may vary.

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic recipe is divine, there’s always room for a little culinary creativity!

• Citrus Zest: For a brighter flavor, add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough along with the vanilla.
• Nutty Addition: Finely chopped pecans or walnuts could be mixed into the cinnamon sugar filling for added texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate would transform these into a decadent treat.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the cinnamon sugar mixture for a warmer, more complex spice profile.

FAQs

Q: Why do the twists need to chill for two hours?
A: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll and shape. It also helps to firm up the shortening, which contributes to a better texture after baking.

Q: My yeast didn’t foam when I added it to the sour cream. What happened?
A: This usually means the yeast is no longer active. This can happen if the yeast is old or if the sour cream was too hot, which killed the yeast. It’s best to start over with fresh yeast and lukewarm sour cream.

Q: Can I use milk instead of sour cream?
A: While you could technically substitute milk, you would lose the unique richness and slight tang that sour cream provides, which is a key characteristic of these twists. The texture would also likely be different.

Q: How do I get the twists to be evenly golden brown?
A: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. If your oven has hot spots, rotating the baking sheets halfway through the baking time can help achieve an even bake.

Q: Are these twists very sweet?
A: The sweetness comes primarily from the cinnamon-sugar filling. You can adjust the amount of sugar you sprinkle on the dough to suit your preference, but remember that the sugar also contributes to the browning and texture.

Final Thoughts

The Old Fashion Sour Cream Twists are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to slow down, to connect with tradition, and to savor the simple joy of a homemade treat. They represent a time when baking was an act of love, and the results were always worth the dedication. So, dust off your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on this delightful baking journey. I promise, the aroma that fills your kitchen and the first tender, sweet bite will transport you to a place of pure comfort and culinary bliss. Share them with loved ones, or savor them yourself with a steaming mug of coffee – either way, they are a testament to the enduring magic of old-fashioned baking.