Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf Recipe

Introduction

This Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf is a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. With its soft, tender dough and a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, it’s both comforting and impressive. The buttery glaze adds a lovely finishing touch that melts right into every twist.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon dry active yeast (I prefer SAF yeast)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted (for filling)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for filling)
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon (for filling)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for buttery glaze)
• 4 tablespoons room temperature butter (for buttery glaze)
• 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream (for buttery glaze)
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (for cream cheese frosting)
• 4 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature (for cream cheese frosting)
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar (for cream cheese frosting)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese frosting)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (for warm vanilla frosting)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature (for warm vanilla frosting)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for warm vanilla frosting)
• 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for warm vanilla frosting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixer bowl, combine warm water with dry active yeast and granulated sugar. Stir and let it proof for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Step 2: Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on medium speed until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
3. Step 3: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and cover it with a tea towel. Let it rise for about 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: If the dough is sticky, sprinkle flour on top. Roll it out into a 10 by 12-inch rectangle.
5. Step 5: Brush the dough with melted butter. Then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture over the buttered surface.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough lengthwise tightly, like you would when making cinnamon rolls. Place the roll onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Step 7: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut down the center of the roll lengthwise, leaving about a 1/2 inch connected at one end.
8. Step 8: With the cut side facing up, twist the two sections of dough around each other and tuck the ends underneath to secure.
9. Step 9: Cover with a tea towel and let the twist rise for 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Step 10: Bake the loaf for 23-25 minutes or until it turns lightly golden.
11. Step 11: Allow the twist to cool for 10-15 minutes before drizzling with the buttery glaze or warm vanilla frosting.
12. Step 12: To make the buttery glaze, mix powdered sugar, room temperature butter, and heavy cream until smooth and pourable, then drizzle over the warm twist.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, swap salted butter in the filling with unsalted and add a pinch of salt separately to control the flavor.
• Try the cream cheese frosting instead of the buttery glaze for a tangy twist on the classic sweet finish.
• Use whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour to add a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
• Make mini twists for individual servings by dividing the dough before rolling and twisting.

Storage

Store the cinnamon twist loaf covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a warm oven for 5-10 minutes to refresh softness and enjoy with additional glaze or frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Since it doesn’t require proofing, you can mix it directly with the flour and other dry ingredients, then add warm water. You might notice a slightly faster rise time.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and feel soft and slightly puffy to the touch. After the first 10-minute rest and the 20-minute rise after shaping, look for visible expansion and a light, airy feel.

Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 105 reviews

This Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf is a delightful, tender bread featuring a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling and a luscious glaze or frosting topping. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack, it combines the aromatic flavors of cinnamon and vanilla with a soft, elastic dough that bakes to a golden perfection in about 25 minutes. The twist shape adds an elegant touch while keeping the preparation simple and quick.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1 1/2 Cups Warm water
• 1 Tablespoon Dry active yeast (preferably SAF yeast)
• 2 Tablespoons Granulated sugar
• 3 1/2 Cups All-purpose flour
• 1 Teaspoon Salt

Filling

• 2 Tablespoons Salted butter, melted
• 1/2 Cup Packed brown sugar
• 2 Teaspoons Cinnamon

Buttery Glaze

• 1 Cup Powdered sugar
• 4 Tablespoons Room temperature butter
• 3–4 Tablespoons Heavy cream

Cream Cheese Frosting (optional)

• 2 Ounces Cream cheese, softened
• 4 Tablespoons Salted butter, room temperature
• 2/3 Cup Powdered sugar
• 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla extract

Warm Vanilla Frosting (optional)

• 2 Cups Powdered sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Salted butter, room temperature
• 2 Teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 2–4 Tablespoons Milk or Heavy cream

Instructions

1. Proof the yeast: In a mixer bowl, combine the warm water, dry active yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir and let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Make the dough: Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on medium speed until the dough comes together and becomes smooth and elastic. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and cover with a tea towel. Let it rise for about 10 minutes.
3. Prepare the filling and roll the dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 10×12 inch rectangle. Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture to cover the surface completely.
4. Form the twist: Roll the dough lengthwise tightly like making cinnamon rolls. Place the rolled dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a slice down the center of the roll leaving about 1/2 inch uncut at one end, with the cut side facing up. Twist the two dough ropes around each other and tuck the ends underneath to seal.
5. Second rise: Cover the twisted dough with a tea towel and allow it to rise again for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Bake: Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 23-25 minutes or until the loaf is lightly golden on top. Remove from oven and let cool slightly for 10-15 minutes before glazing.
7. Prepare and apply glaze or frosting: For the buttery glaze, mix powdered sugar, room temperature butter, and heavy cream until smooth. Pour or brush the glaze over the warm loaf so it melts and soaks in. Alternatively, prepare cream cheese frosting by mixing softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, or warm vanilla frosting with powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and milk/cream for a different sweet finish.

Notes

• Proofing the yeast is essential to ensure your dough rises properly and has a light texture.
• If the dough feels sticky while rolling, sprinkle additional flour to make it easier to handle.
• Twisting the dough gives the loaf an attractive shape and allows the filling to be visible in every bite.
• Allowing the dough to rise a second time after shaping helps create a fluffier, more tender bread.
• The buttery glaze adds a rich sweetness, while the cream cheese or vanilla frostings provide alternative flavor profiles suited to different preferences.
• Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• The loaf is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.

Keywords: Cinnamon twist loaf, quick cinnamon bread, cinnamon sugar bread, easy cinnamon bread recipe, cinnamon swirl bread, breakfast bread, sweet bread loaf