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Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 34 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
  • 24 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