Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cinnamon twist loaf is quicker than traditional cinnamon rolls but still brings all the cozy, cinnamon-sugar goodness you crave. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and makes an impressive presentation with minimal effort. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite glazes or toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the 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

For the Filling:

2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

For the Buttery Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
4 tablespoons room temperature butter
3-4 tablespoons heavy cream

Optional Cream Cheese Frosting:

2 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons salted butter, room temp
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Warm Vanilla Frosting:

2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons salted butter, room temp
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Directions

Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a mixer. Let it proof for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Add salt and flour. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Turn out onto a floured counter and let rise covered for 10 minutes.
Roll dough into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling evenly.
Roll the dough lengthwise, as if making cinnamon rolls.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cut the roll down the center lengthwise, leaving one end attached. Twist the dough ropes and tuck ends under.
Let rise for 20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F.
Bake for 23-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cool for 10-15 minutes before drizzling with glaze or frosting.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Up to 12 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Apple Cinnamon: Add thin apple slices to the filling for a fruity twist.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts with the cinnamon sugar.
Chocolate Swirl: Add chocolate chips for a rich variation.

Storage/Reheating

Store the loaf in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 48 hours. For longer storage, slice and freeze in portions. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cinnamon twist loaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake, cool, slice, and freeze the loaf. Thaw to room temperature and glaze before serving.

2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, just mix it directly into the flour and proceed with the recipe.

4. What kind of flour should I use?

All-purpose flour works best for a soft, fluffy texture.

5. How do I make the loaf look more decorative?

Roll the dough tightly and twist neatly to create beautiful, defined layers.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the dough and bake two loaves at once or side-by-side on a large sheet.

7. Is a stand mixer necessary?

It helps, but you can knead by hand if needed.

8. How do I prevent filling from leaking out?

Roll tightly and line your baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.

9. Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the loaf is still sweet and delicious without a glaze or frosting.

10. Can I use this dough for regular cinnamon rolls?

Yes, the dough works great for rolls—just adjust the shaping and baking accordingly.

Conclusion

This Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf brings the irresistible flavor of cinnamon rolls in a simpler, faster form. Perfect for sharing and equally suited to breakfast or dessert, this impressive loaf will quickly become a household favorite!

Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf

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Author: Chef Sara
Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: Up to 12 slices
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf is a delightful, sweet bread that combines the irresistible flavor of cinnamon rolls with a quicker preparation. Soft, buttery layers twisted with cinnamon sugar, topped with a luscious glaze or cream cheese frosting, make this loaf a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Instructions

Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a mixer. Let it proof for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Add salt and flour. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Turn out onto a floured counter and let rise covered for 10 minutes.
Roll dough into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling evenly.
Roll the dough lengthwise, as if making cinnamon rolls.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cut the roll down the center lengthwise, leaving one end attached. Twist the dough ropes and tuck ends under.
Let rise for 20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F.
Bake for 23-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cool for 10-15 minutes before drizzling with glaze or frosting.

Notes

For a fruity twist, add thin apple slices to the filling.

Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.

For a chocolate variation, sprinkle in chocolate chips.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American