Sweet & Swirly Cinnamon Twist Loaf Recipe

Warm, golden, and irresistibly aromatic, this cinnamon twist loaf recipe brings bakery-style magic right to your kitchen.

Swirls of rich, fragrant cinnamon dance through soft, pillowy dough, creating a pastry that promises pure comfort.

Each slice promises a delightful blend of sweet spice and tender crumb.

The layered technique ensures every bite bursts with cinnamon warm embrace.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this delectable treat with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Weekend brunch or afternoon tea calls for this showstopping bread that fills your home with an inviting, spicy scent.

Get ready to impress and indulge in a slice of homemade heaven.

Ideas for Icing, Fillings, and Texture Tweaks

• Ensure water is warm (not hot) when activating yeast to prevent killing the delicate organisms that help dough rise perfectly.
• Adjust flour gradually if dough seems too sticky or dry, adding small amounts until you reach the ideal elastic consistency.
• Experiment with adding ground nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a complex, aromatic twist on the classic recipe.
• Brush the loaf with egg wash before baking to create a golden, shiny crust that looks professionally baked and adds a beautiful shine.
• Swap traditional cinnamon sugar for a Mexican-inspired version using piloncillo sugar and a touch of ground cloves for a deeper, more robust flavor profile.

How to Serve Cinnamon Twist Loaf Fresh or Toasted

• Breakfast Companion Magic: Pair this cinnamon twist with fresh-squeezed orange juice or strong coffee for a delightful morning experience.
• Sweet Morning Celebration: Serve slices alongside scrambled eggs and bacon to create a balanced breakfast plate that delights family and guests.
• Weekend Brunch Centerpiece: Place the twisted loaf on a beautiful wooden board surrounded by fresh berries and mint leaves for an Instagram-worthy presentation that impresses everyone.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Cut into small bite-sized pieces and serve with hot tea or cappuccino during mid-afternoon relaxation moments, perfect for sharing with friends.

Keeping Cinnamon Twist Loaf Soft and Flavorful

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep your cinnamon twist loaf in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool environment helps maintain its soft texture and prevents rapid staleness.
• Counter Comfort: For short-term enjoyment, wrap the loaf loosely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature. This method works best for 2-3 days, keeping the bread tender and delicious.
• Freezer Magic: Slice the loaf before freezing for easy single-serving defrosting. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag. Frozen loaves stay fresh for 2-3 months when properly wrapped.
• Reheating Happiness: Warm individual slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 10-15 seconds. A quick zap revives the bread's soft texture and brings back that fresh-baked warmth, making each bite feel like it just came out of the oven.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 min

Cook Time: 25 min

Total Time: 50 min

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 13

Cinnamon Twist Loaf Ingredient Highlights

• Warm Water: Activates yeast and provides moisture for soft, tender bread texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: Crucial for bread rising, bringing lightness and airy structure to the loaf.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness to enhance bread flavor.
• Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens gluten development.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and provides foundation for bread's tender crumb.

• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers warm, aromatic spice that defines the classic twist profile.
• Brown Sugar: Introduces deep caramel notes and creates gooey, rich filling layer.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, helps create flaky texture, and supports flavor absorption.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, silky glaze with perfect sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: Provides creamy consistency and luxurious mouthfeel.
• Butter: Enhances glaze richness and adds glossy sheen.
• Cream Cheese: Optional topping that brings tangy, velvety dimension.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors with subtle, elegant sweetness.

Bakeware & Tools for Cinnamon Twist Loaf Perfection

• Stand Mixer: Perfect for kneading dough smoothly and efficiently.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining yeast, water, and flour.
• Pastry Knife or Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting and twisting the dough.
• Baking Sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for shaping and baking the loaf.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll the dough into an even rectangle.
• Tea Towel: Covers dough during rising to keep moisture locked in.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Pastry Brush: Used for spreading melted butter evenly on the dough.

Baking Instructions for Twisting and Toasting

• Yeast Activation

Warm water meets yeast in a mixer, creating a magical brewing process that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Let the mixture sit and watch it become foamy and alive.

• Dough Formation

Blend flour and salt into the yeasty mixture, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough emerges. Allow the dough to rest and breathe, giving it time to develop character and softness.

• Flavor Layering

Roll the dough into a generous rectangle, painting it with melted butter. Sprinkle a generous blanket of cinnamon and brown sugar, creating swirls of sweet promise across the surface.

• Shaping Adventure

Transform the dough into a beautiful twisted masterpiece. Slice down the center, leaving a small connection, then gently braid the ropes, revealing beautiful layered curves.

• Rising and Preparation

Let the twisted loaf relax and rise, developing volume and lightness. Meanwhile, warm the oven, preparing for the magical transformation ahead.

• Baking Perfection

Slide the loaf into a heated oven, watching it turn golden and fragrant. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma of warmth and sweetness.

• Finishing Touch

Once cooled slightly, drizzle with a silky glaze or cream cheese frosting. The final layer adds a decadent crown to this homemade treasure, making every slice a celebration of comfort and joy.

Heavenly Cinnamon Twist Loaf

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 50 min
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade cinnamon twist loaf celebrates classic bakery comfort with swirling layers of warm spice and sweet dough. Rich breakfast pastry delivers delightful cinnamon notes that welcome morning gatherings with charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) warm water
• 1 tbsp (9 g) dry active yeast
• 2 tbsps (25 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp (6 g) salt
• ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
• 2 tsps (4 g) cinnamon
• 2 tbsps (28 g) salted butter, melted
• 4 tbsps (56 g) room temperature butter
• 2 oz (56 g) cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsps (56 g) salted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• ⅔ cup (80 g) powdered sugar
• 3–4 tbsps (45–60 ml) heavy cream
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Combine yeast with warm water and sugar in a mixing bowl, allowing the mixture to foam and develop for 5 minutes to confirm yeast vitality.
2. Dough Preparation: Knead salt and flour into the yeast mixture on medium speed until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and let rest to relax the gluten.
3. Dough Shaping and Filling: Stretch the dough into a 10×12 inch rectangle, brushing generously with melted butter. Evenly sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar across the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Rolling and Cutting: Tightly roll the dough lengthwise into a cylinder. Position on a parchment-lined baking sheet and slice down the center, keeping one end slightly attached. Separate the halves to reveal cinnamon-sugar layers.
5. Twisting and Shaping: Twist the separated dough strands with cut sides upward, tucking ends underneath to create an elegant braided appearance. Allow the loaf to prove for 20 minutes to develop volume.
6. Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F and bake the loaf until golden-brown, approximately 23-25 minutes. The enticing aroma will indicate readiness.
7. Finishing Touch: Choose between two glazing options – a smooth powdered sugar, butter, and cream glaze drizzled over the cooled loaf, or a rich cream cheese frosting blended with butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar applied while the loaf is warm.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Crucial: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to activate yeast perfectly without killing it.
• Dough Consistency Key: Knead until smooth and elastic, which develops gluten structure for perfect texture and rise.
• Filling Distribution Technique: Spread butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly to guarantee consistent flavor in every bite.
• Braiding Pro Tip: Twist strands gently and keep cut sides facing upward to create beautiful layered presentation and maximum cinnamon swirl exposure.

• Prep Time: 25 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg