Easy & Delicious Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe with Creamy Icing
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon treats wafting through your home. These homemade Cinnamon Twists are more than just a sweet pastry; they’re a delightful experience, an easier and quicker alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls, designed to bring pure joy to your taste buds and a cozy warmth to your kitchen. Imagine sinking your teeth into soft, pillowy dough, generously swirled with a delectable cinnamon sugar filling, then lovingly drizzled with a smooth, creamy vanilla icing that perfectly balances every bite. This recipe promises a simple journey to creating bakery-quality cinnamon twists right in your own kitchen, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert.
Homemade Cinnamon Twists: A Craving-Inspired Creation
Many of my favorite baking adventures begin with a simple craving, and this cinnamon twist recipe is no exception. I found myself yearning for a baked good – something light and pastry-like, yet profoundly satisfying, brimming with that irresistible sweet cinnamon flavor. I envisioned an elevated, more delicate version of a classic cinnamon roll, something a little less fuss but equally indulgent. And just like that, the idea for these delightful Cinnamon Twists was born!
Creating twists on beloved classics is a passion of mine. You might already be familiar with my Cinnamon Roll Muffins or my Cinnamon Roll Cookies. While those offer unique takes on the traditional, these cinnamon twists stand out for their delightful simplicity in execution. They capture all the essence of a cinnamon roll – the soft, sweet dough, the sticky cinnamon sugar, the rich, creamy glaze – but in a charming, twisted form that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.
Each cinnamon twist starts with a simple, yeasted dough, which is then generously layered with a luscious cinnamon sugar mixture. The magic happens as the dough is folded, sliced, and gently twisted, creating those beautiful, flaky layers. Baked to golden perfection, these treats emerge from the oven incredibly soft and sweet, just waiting for a generous drizzle of the homemade creamy icing. The result? A perfectly baked pastry that’s soft, sweet, and bursting with flavor in every single bite. Don’t worry too much about making each twist look absolutely identical or perfectly sculpted; part of their charm lies in their rustic, homemade appearance. Focus on the joy of the process, and trust that they will taste like a little slice of heaven!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cinnamon Twist Recipe
Beyond their incredible taste, these cinnamon twists offer a multitude of reasons to become your new go-to sweet treat. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Delicious Flavor Profile: They boast the perfect balance of sweet, warm cinnamon, and a rich, creamy icing. Each twist is a symphony of flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Gorgeous Presentation: The unique twisted shape makes for an eye-catching treat that looks far more complicated to make than it actually is. They are perfect for impressing guests or simply making your breakfast table feel special.
- Excellent for Breakfast and Brunch: Light yet satisfying, these twists are an ideal accompaniment to your morning coffee or tea, making any breakfast feel like a special occasion.
- Great for Entertaining: Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a holiday brunch, these cinnamon twists are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to serve and always disappear quickly!
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need any obscure items for this recipe. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.
- Fills Your Home with a Wonderful Aroma: The process of baking these twists will infuse your entire house with the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon and sweet pastry, creating an incredibly cozy atmosphere.
- Versatile Treat: While perfect on their own, they are also wonderful alongside fresh fruit, a scoop of ice cream, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent dessert.
Key Ingredients for Irresistible Cinnamon Twist Bread
One of the beauties of this Cinnamon Twist recipe is the clever overlap of ingredients between the dough, the flavorful filling, and the luscious icing. This means fewer items to buy and a more streamlined baking process. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and why each ingredient is essential:
- ACTIVE DRY YEAST: This is the magic ingredient that gives our dough its beautiful rise and soft, airy texture. Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for the best results.
- MILK: You’ll use warm milk for the dough to activate the yeast and create a tender crumb. For the icing, cold milk helps achieve the perfect consistency without melting the butter. Whole milk usually provides the richest flavor and best texture for baking.
- EGG: A large egg acts as a binder, adding richness, moisture, and structure to the dough, contributing to its soft and slightly chewy texture.
- GRANULATED SUGAR: Used in both the dough for sweetness and in the filling to combine with cinnamon, providing that classic sugary crunch.
- SALT: A small amount of salt is crucial in baked goods. It enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, particularly the sweetness, and helps to control the yeast activity.
- BREAD FLOUR: While all-purpose flour can work, bread flour is highly recommended. It has a higher protein content, which develops more gluten and results in a chewier, more structured dough that holds its shape beautifully when twisted. This is key for that satisfying texture.
- UNSALTED BUTTER: You’ll use softened butter for both the irresistible filling and the creamy icing. Softened butter is easier to incorporate evenly, ensuring a smooth filling and a velvety icing. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the dough and icing slightly.
- GROUND CINNAMON: The star of the show! High-quality ground cinnamon is essential for the signature warm, spicy flavor that makes these twists so comforting and delicious.
- POWDERED SUGAR (CONFECTIONERS’ SUGAR): This fine sugar is the base for our smooth, lump-free icing. Its delicate texture ensures a silky finish.
- PURE VANILLA EXTRACT: For the icing, pure vanilla extract adds a depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully and elevates the overall taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Perfect Cinnamon Twists
Creating these delicious cinnamon twists is a rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to bake your way to perfection.
Preparing the Dough for Your Cinnamon Twists
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast with ½ cup of warm milk (ideally around 105-115°F or 40-46°C). Gently stir them together until the yeast dissolves. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. You should see it become foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active and ready. If not, your yeast may be old, and you’ll need to start with new yeast.
- Prepare the Dough Base: In the large bowl of your stand mixer, add the remaining warmed milk, the egg, granulated sugar, melted butter, and salt. Mix these wet ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.
- Combine and Knead the Dough: Add the bread flour and your proofed yeast mixture to the stand mixer bowl. Mix everything on a low speed until a shaggy dough forms and all ingredients are just combined. Switch to the dough hook attachment. Knead the mixture for about 10 minutes on medium-low speed. As it kneads, the dough should gradually come together into a smooth ball and pull away cleanly from the sides of the bowl. If the dough remains too sticky and doesn’t pull away, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches a consistency that is only slightly sticky to the touch. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can lead to a tough dough.
- First Rise (Resting the Dough): Once kneaded, gently form the dough into a ball. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm, draft-free area for 15-20 minutes. This initial rest helps the gluten relax, making the dough easier to roll out later.
Tip for Proofing: A quick trick for a warm proofing environment is to preheat your oven to its lowest setting (around 175°F or 80°C) for a few minutes, then turn it off. Place your covered dough inside the slightly warm, turned-off oven. This gentle warmth significantly speeds up the proofing process.
Adding the Flavorful Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- Prepare Baking Sheets: While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two large baking sheets and set them aside.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your rested dough into a large rectangle, approximately 15×18 inches in size. Aim for an even thickness across the entire surface.
- Apply Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Evenly brush the rolled-out dough with 2½ tablespoons of softened butter, ensuring it covers almost to the edges. In a small bowl, combine the ⅓ cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this delicious cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Twisting and Baking Your Delicious Cinnamon Treats
- Fold and Cut the Dough: Carefully fold the dough in half lengthwise, bringing one long edge to meet the other. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the folded dough into 1-inch wide strips.
- Twist the Strips: Take each strip and gently twist it several times, creating that signature spiral shape. Don’t over-twist, as this can make them tough. Place the twisted strips onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each for expansion.
- Second Rise and Bake: Cover the twisted dough on the baking sheets with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let them rise again for another 15-20 minutes in a warm spot. This second rise ensures a light and airy texture. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the twists are lightly golden brown and baked through.
- Cool Before Icing: Remove the cinnamon twists from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before drizzling with icing. This prevents the icing from melting off.
Whipping Up the Creamy Icing Glaze
- Combine Icing Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of softened butter, 1 tablespoon of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk all the icing ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. If the icing is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk (half a teaspoon at a time) until it reaches a drizzly consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Drizzle and Enjoy: Once your cinnamon twists have cooled, generously drizzle the creamy icing over them. Serve immediately and savor every soft, sweet, and perfectly spiced bite!
Tips for Achieving the Best Homemade Cinnamon Twists
To ensure your cinnamon twists turn out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Check Yeast Freshness: Always proof your yeast first. If it doesn’t foam up, it’s dead, and your dough won’t rise.
- Warm Milk Temperature: Ensure your milk is warm (105-115°F / 40-46°C), not hot. Too hot will kill the yeast; too cold won’t activate it.
- Don’t Over-Flour: Add flour gradually. Too much flour will result in dry, tough twists. The dough should be slightly sticky, but manageable.
- Proper Kneading: Kneading for the full 10 minutes is important for gluten development, which gives the twists their structure and chewiness. If kneading by hand, this might take a bit longer.
- Warm Proofing Environment: A warm, draft-free place is crucial for the dough to rise properly. Using a warm, turned-off oven is a fantastic trick.
- Even Rolling: Roll the dough to an even thickness to ensure uniform baking and consistent layers of cinnamon sugar.
- Softened Butter for Filling: Ensure your butter for the filling is genuinely softened (room temperature). This allows it to spread easily and merge with the cinnamon sugar.
- Gentle Twisting: When twisting the strips, be gentle. You want to create spirals, not tear the dough. The beauty is in the rustic imperfection.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your twists in the oven. They should be lightly golden, not deeply browned, to maintain their softness. Overbaking will make them dry.
- Cool Before Icing: Patience is key here! If you ice hot twists, the icing will melt and run off, making a sticky mess.
- Customize Icing Consistency: Adjust the milk in the icing little by little until you achieve your desired drizzling consistency.
Cinnamon Twist Variations to Explore
While these classic cinnamon twists are absolutely perfect as is, you can easily customize them to suit your preferences or seasonal cravings. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Nutty Delight: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
- Chocolatey Swirls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon sugar before folding the dough for a delicious chocolate-cinnamon combination.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough or the icing for a bright, refreshing twist on the classic flavor.
- Spiced Up: Enhance the cinnamon filling with a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice for a more complex spice profile.
- Cream Cheese Icing: For an extra decadent touch, consider making a cream cheese frosting instead of the simple glaze. Combine 4 oz softened cream cheese, ¼ cup softened butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Seasonal Fillings: Experiment with different fruit spreads, like apple butter or pumpkin butter, combined with cinnamon, for a unique seasonal treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Twists
For quick and effective proofing, I highly recommend this method: preheat your oven to its lowest setting, typically around 175 degrees F (80°C), then turn it off immediately. Place your covered bowl of dough into this warm, turned-off oven. The gentle residual heat provides an ideal environment for the yeast to work, significantly speeding up the proofing process compared to leaving it at room temperature. Just be sure the oven is off to prevent baking the dough!
Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes the kneading process easier, you can certainly prepare these cinnamon twists by hand. Simply use a large, sturdy bowl to mix all your dough ingredients until they come together. Then, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it by hand. Continue kneading for 10-15 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and springy to the touch. This method takes a bit more elbow grease but is just as effective!
The most common culprit for tough cinnamon twists is over-kneading the dough. As mentioned in the instructions, you want to knead the dough until it is smooth and springy, but stop once it reaches that point. Over-kneading develops too much gluten, leading to a dense, tough, and overly chewy texture rather than the desired soft and tender crumb. Also, using too much flour can dry out the dough, contributing to a tough result.
To keep your cinnamon twists fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed on the day they are made, when they are at their softest and freshest. While they will last for a couple of days, I find they rarely stick around that long! If you want to refresh them on subsequent days, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds can bring back some of their softness and warmth.
More Irresistible Cinnamon Recipes to Savor
If you’re a true cinnamon enthusiast, there are plenty more recipes to explore that feature this beloved spice. Expand your baking repertoire with these delightful treats:
- Brioche Cinnamon Snowflake
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cinnamon Swirl Bread
- Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread
Thank you so much for exploring this homemade cinnamon twist recipe! I hope you enjoy baking and savoring these delightful treats as much as I do. Please let me know what you think about this cinnamon twist bread in the comments below!
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Cinnamon Twists
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons dry active yeast
- 1 1/4 cup warm milk about 110 degrees F, divided
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
Filling
- 2 1/2 tablespoons butter softened
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter softened
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- pinch of salt
Instructions
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Dough
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In a small bowl add the yeast and 1/2 cup of the warm milk. Stir to combine and set aside.
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In the bowl of your stand mixer add in the remaining milk, egg, sugar, butter and salt. Mix well. Add in the flour and proofed yeast and mix until combined. Switch to the dough hook and knead for 10 minutes. While kneading your dough should start to form a ball and leave the sides of the bowl. If it is too wet it will not do this and you will need to add more flour. Add in small amounts of flour until it is just slightly sticky to the touch. Continue kneading. Let rest covered for 15-20 minutes in a warm area.
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Grease two baking sheets and set aside.
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Roll out the dough to roughly a 15×18 inch rectangle. Brush the dough with the 2 1/2 tablespoons softened butter. In a small bowl combine the cinnamon and sugar then sprinkle over the dough.
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Fold dough in half and cut into 1 inch strips. Gently twist each strip then place on prepared baking sheet. cover and let rise for 15-20 minutes. Bake at 350℉ for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool before drizzling with icing.
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Icing
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Combine all the icing ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cinnamon twists.