If you’re craving a warm, comforting treat that brings both sweetness and a delightful twist to your table, you’ve got to try this Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf Recipe. It’s a beautiful loaf that pairs soft, fluffy dough with a perfectly spiced cinnamon sugar filling, wrapped up in a charming twisted shape. Whether you’re making it for a cozy breakfast, a weekend brunch, or a casual dessert, this recipe combines simple ingredients and easy steps to produce a bakery-worthy loaf that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze for this recipe because each one plays a vital role in creating the loaf’s irresistible taste, texture, and color. From the warm yeast that helps it rise to the cinnamon-sugar mixture that fills it with spicy sweetness, every component is essential.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and creates the perfect dough environment.
- Dry active yeast: Powers the rise and gives the loaf its soft texture.
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds light sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the dough’s structure and chewiness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Salted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps keep the dough tender.
- Brown sugar: Provides deep, molasses-y sweetness for the cinnamon filling.
- Cinnamon: Brings that classic warm spice that defines the loaf.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for the luscious glaze or frosting on top.
- Room temperature butter: Ensures smooth mixing for the frosting and glaze.
- Heavy cream: Adds silkiness and contributes to a soft, luscious finish.
- Cream cheese, softened: Optional, but brings a tangy, creamy dimension to the frosting.
- Vanilla extract: Complements the cinnamon and sweet notes beautifully.
- Milk or extra heavy cream: Adjusts glaze consistency perfectly for drizzling or spreading.
How to Make Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf Recipe
Step 1: Proof the Yeast
Start by mixing warm water, dry active yeast, and granulated sugar in a mixer bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy—this signals that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in making the dough rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
To your proofed yeast mixture, add the salt and all-purpose flour. Mix thoroughly until a smooth, elastic dough forms. When it’s ready, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and cover it to let it rest and rise for about 10 minutes. This brief rest kickstarts the airy texture we want inside the loaf.
Step 3: Shape the Dough Rectangle and Add Filling
Roll your dough into a 10 by 12-inch rectangle—this shape makes it easier to spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly. Brush the dough with melted butter to keep it moist and add flavor, then sprinkle the mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon generously over the surface.
Step 4: Roll It Up Lengthwise
Carefully roll the dough from one long side to the other, just like how you’d make cinnamon rolls. This roll envelope traps that cinnamon sugar inside, ready to create the loaf’s signature swirls when sliced.
Step 5: Twist and Prepare for Baking
Place your roll on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Carefully slice it down the middle lengthwise, making sure to leave one end connected like a hinge. Gently twist the two dough strands around each other and tuck the ends underneath to seal the loaf into a beautiful twist shape.
Step 6: Final Rise and Preheat
Cover the twisted loaf and let it rise for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F. This final rest allows the dough to puff up light and airy before it’s baked to a golden perfection.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your loaf for 23 to 25 minutes or until the crust turns a lovely light golden brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen from the cinnamon and freshly baked dough will be utterly irresistible by this point.
Step 8: Cool and Add the Glaze
Allow the loaf to cool for 10 to 15 minutes so the structure sets just right. Then, drizzle your choice of glaze or frosting on top. This final sweet touch adds a gorgeous shine and an extra layer of flavor—whether you prefer a simple powdered sugar glaze or a creamy cinnamon frosting with cream cheese.
How to Serve Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf Recipe
Garnishes
For serving, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of crushed pecans on top can add a delightful crunch and extra visual appeal. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries on the side pairs well with the warm cinnamon flavors.
Side Dishes
This cinnamon twist loaf pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or creamy hot chocolate. For more substantial meals, it’s wonderful served alongside scrambled eggs or a simple yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness with protein and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your loaf on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant ceramic platter for a homey vibe. You can also slice it into individual servings and place each piece in a small dessert bowl topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent brunch treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon twist loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The loaf remains soft and flavorful, making it easy to enjoy at your leisure without losing its fresh-baked goodness.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It freezes well for up to three months, preserving the texture and flavor to enjoy whenever a cinnamon craving strikes.
Reheating
To warm frozen or stored loaf slices, pop them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at a low temperature until they’re heated through. This refreshes the softness and brings back that just-baked aroma. A quick microwave zap wrapped in a damp paper towel also works in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I make this dough by hand instead of using a mixer?
Absolutely! While a mixer makes it quicker and easier, kneading by hand works perfectly well. Just knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Is it possible to use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. You would mix it directly with the flour and reduce or skip the proofing time, as instant yeast acts faster than active yeast.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins into the cinnamon sugar filling gives extra texture and flavor that complement the soft, sweet loaf beautifully.
What if I don’t have parchment paper for baking?
You can grease your baking sheet lightly with butter or nonstick spray and sprinkle a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking, but parchment paper is recommended for easy loaf removal and cleanup.
How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or a splash of milk or cream to thin it out, until you get a glaze that drips slowly or spreads easily, depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf Recipe. It’s one of those special homemade breads that’s deceptively simple but incredibly satisfying. Once you master the twist and taste that cinnamon-sugar goodness wrapped in soft dough, I guarantee this loaf will be a beloved staple in your kitchen. Happy baking, and enjoy every sweet, cozy bite!
Print
Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf is a soft, fragrant bread swirled with cinnamon sugar and finished with a luscious glaze. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, this recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare, thanks to the brief rise times and simple techniques. The twisted design adds a beautiful homemade touch that impresses both family and guests.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon dry active yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Filling
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted (for brushing)
Glaze and Frosting Options
- Glaze 1: 1 cup powdered sugar, 4 tablespoons room temperature butter, 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream, 2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- Frosting 2: 4 tablespoons salted butter (room temp), 2/3 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Glaze 3: 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons salted butter (room temp), 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Proof the Yeast: Combine warm water, dry active yeast, and granulated sugar in a mixer bowl. Let it rest for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: Add salt and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix using a stand mixer with a dough hook or by hand until a smooth dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, cover it, and allow it to rise for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Filling: Roll the dough out into a 10 by 12-inch rectangle. Brush the surface evenly with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture over the buttered dough evenly.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly, similar to making cinnamon rolls, forming a log.
- Twist the Dough: Place the rolled log onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cut the log lengthwise down the center, leaving one end attached so the two halves remain connected. Twist the two dough ropes together and tuck the ends underneath to secure the shape.
- Second Rise: Allow the twisted loaf to rise for 20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 23-25 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and cooked through.
- Cool and Glaze: Let the loaf cool for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack before drizzling with your choice of glaze or frosting for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm (not hot) to activate yeast properly without killing it.
- The second rise is short to keep the bread tender and light.
- If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase cinnamon to 3 teaspoons for the filling.
- The glaze with cream cheese adds a tangy richness, while the vanilla frosting offers a smoother sweetness; choose your favorite.
- Store any leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate.
