Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf Recipe
This Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf is a delightful baked treat featuring a soft, yeasty dough filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar butter mixture. Twisted into a beautiful loaf, it’s topped with a buttery glaze or warm vanilla frosting for an extra indulgent finish. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, this cinnamon twist is quick to prepare and bakes up golden and aromatic.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 servings) 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- Proof the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water with the dry active yeast and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Make the Dough: Add the salt and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Using a mixer with a dough hook attachment, mix on medium speed until the dough forms a smooth, elastic ball. If mixing by hand, knead until smooth and elastic. Transfer dough to a floured surface.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a tea towel and let it rise for about 10 minutes. If sticky, sprinkle a little flour on top to make it easier to handle.
- Roll and Fill: Roll the dough into a 10 by 12-inch rectangle. Brush the melted butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture over the butter, distributing it evenly.
- Form the Twist: Roll the dough lengthwise tightly like making cinnamon rolls. Place the roll seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut down the center lengthwise, stopping about 1/2 inch from the end so the roll stays attached.
- Twist the Dough: With the cut sides facing up, gently twist the two halves around each other. Tuck the ends underneath the loaf to secure the shape.
- Second Rise: Cover the twisted loaf with a tea towel and let it rise again for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 23-25 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden on top.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the loaf to cool for 10-15 minutes before adding the buttery glaze or warm vanilla frosting. The glaze will melt slightly, adding a sweet, glossy finish.
- Prepare Glaze or Frosting (Optional): For buttery glaze, mix powdered sugar, room temperature butter, and heavy cream until smooth. For cream cheese frosting, combine softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy. For warm vanilla frosting, mix powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and milk or cream until desired consistency is reached. Spread or drizzle over the warm loaf.
Notes
- Use warm water (not hot) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- For best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and active.
- If dough is sticky during rolling, dust lightly with flour.
- You can choose between buttery glaze, cream cheese frosting, or warm vanilla frosting depending on your preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container. Best eaten within 2 days, but can be refreshed by warming slightly.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the loaf soft and tender.
Keywords: cinnamon twist loaf, cinnamon bread, quick cinnamon loaf, easy cinnamon bread, cinnamon sugar twist, breakfast bread