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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F and bake the loaf until golden-brown, approximately 23-25 minutes. The enticing aroma will indicate readiness.
- 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