Description
This Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf recipe is a delightful, soft bread with a sweet cinnamon sugar filling, twisted for a beautiful presentation and topped with a luscious glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this loaf is quick to prepare and bakes to golden perfection with a sweet, buttery, and cinnamon-spiced flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Glaze Options
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons room temperature butter
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Proof Yeast: Combine warm water, dry active yeast, and granulated sugar in a mixer bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add salt and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture and mix until a smooth dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured counter and cover it to let rise for 10 minutes.
- Roll and Fill: Roll the dough out into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Brush the surface evenly with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling (brown sugar mixed with cinnamon) across the dough.
- Shape the Loaf: Roll the dough lengthwise tightly as if rolling cinnamon rolls. Place the roll onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a knife, cut the roll lengthwise down the center, leaving one end attached to keep the two halves connected.
- Twist the Dough: Twist the two dough ropes around each other carefully and tuck the ends underneath to secure the shape.
- Second Rise: Let the twisted loaf rise for 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the loaf for 23-25 minutes or until it is lightly golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the bread to cool for 10-15 minutes before drizzling or spreading with your choice of glaze or frosting, such as a powdered sugar glaze, cream cheese frosting, or vanilla butter glaze.
Notes
- Make sure water is warm but not hot to activate yeast properly without killing it.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- Cinnamon sugar ratio can be adjusted to taste for sweetness and spice level.
- Choose your favorite glaze or frosting based on personal preference or occasion.
- This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23-25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American