Go Back
+ servings
Pamelas cinnamon swirls copycat recipe
Pamela Dunlap

Pamelas Cinnamon Swirls Recipe

When it comes to flavors, Pamela's Cinnamon Swirls are a delightful mix of sweetness and warmth. They can be enjoyed on their own, but pairing them with certain beverages or dishes can elevate the experience.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 packet 7 grams or 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (if using 19 oz bread mix, yeast packet is included)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ½ cup warm water around 110°F
  • ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup small curd cottage cheese
  • 1 19 oz bag or 3½ cups Pamela's Bread Mix (reserve ¼ cup for rolling)
  • cup warm water
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped orange zest optional, for a citrusy touch
  • ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • cup raisins and/or chopped pecans or a mix of both for added texture
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons water adjust for desired consistency
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger optional, for extra warmth

Equipment

  • Oven

Method
 

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about five minutes, until bubbly. This shows the yeast is alive and ready to work.
  2. In a larger bowl, combine the softened butter and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth. Add the activated yeast mixture and mix well. Gradually add the Pamela’s Bread Mix and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
  3. On a lightly floured surface (using the reserved flour), knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until smooth. Remember, since this is a gluten-free dough, it might not be as elastic as traditional dough, but that’s perfectly okay.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 to 60 minutes. It should double in size.
  5. While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. If you're adding raisins or pecans, mix them in too.
  6. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
  7. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough. Be generous; this is the heart of your swirls.
  8. Starting from one edge, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
  9. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch pieces. Place the swirls in a greased baking dish or lined with parchment paper.
  10. Cover the swirls with a towel again and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  11. While the swirls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  12. Bake the swirls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. The aroma will be hard to resist!
  13. While the swirls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough water to reach your desired consistency. Add ground ginger for an extra kick if you desire.
  14. Once the swirls are baked to perfection, let them cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze on top while they’re still warm. Serve them up hot for the best experience.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Check the expiration date on your yeast. Fresh yeast is crucial for the swelling action.
  • Don’t Rush the Rising: Allowing the dough to rise adequately is key to achieving a fluffy texture.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and cottage cheese helps in achieving a uniform mixture.
  • Adjust Sweetness: If you're not a fan of too much sweetness, reduce the brown sugar in the filling slightly to suit your taste.
  • Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add other spices or nuts to the filling. Cardamom or walnuts can provide lovely results too.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!