Irresistible Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe

Cinnamon twists are the ultimate treat: warm, golden, buttery, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar glaze that melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, these twists are deceptively simple to make at home. The recipe below guides you through each step, with tips to ensure they come out flaky, soft, and irresistible every time.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• A pinch of sea salt for contrast

---

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small bowl for glaze

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. This ensures your dough will rise properly.
2. Add the melted butter and egg, mixing gently.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for 5–6 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. Tip: Covering the dough prevents a dry crust from forming.

---

2. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is rising, mix the filling ingredients:

• In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
• Add the softened butter and mix until it forms a spreadable paste. This filling will melt into the layers of your twists for maximum flavor.

---

3. Roll and Shape the Dough

1. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air.
2. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12 x 8 inches.
3. Spread the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
4. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 12 strips lengthwise.
5. Take each strip and twist it several times to form the classic cinnamon twist shape.
6. Place the twists on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a small space between each to allow for rising.
7. Cover the twists with a towel and let them rise for an additional 20–30 minutes.

---

4. Bake the Cinnamon Twists

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the twists for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can dry them out.
3. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before glazing. The warmth helps the glaze adhere perfectly.

---

5. Make the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm twists. The heat from the twists will slightly melt the glaze, creating a glossy, irresistible coating.
3. Optional: Sprinkle with chopped nuts or a tiny pinch of sea salt to add extra texture and flavor contrast.

---

6. Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
• Perfect for brunch spreads or holiday breakfasts.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh the texture.

---

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Twists

1. Soft Butter: Ensure the butter for the filling is soft, not melted, so it spreads evenly without making the dough soggy.
2. Even Twists: Try to twist each strip evenly to ensure uniform baking and a consistent look.
3. Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the dough rise twice ensures soft, fluffy layers and prevents dense twists.
4. Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
5. Glaze Variations: Swap milk for cream cheese to make a tangy frosting, or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

---

Variations

• Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread: Instead of twists, layer the dough with filling, cut into cubes, and bake in a loaf pan.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Twists: Add chocolate chips or melted chocolate drizzle over the twists.
• Apple Cinnamon Twists: Fold finely chopped apples into the cinnamon filling for a fruity variation.
• Vegan Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil and milk with almond milk; use a flax egg in place of a regular egg.

---

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Twists Are Too Dense: Make sure your yeast is fresh and your dough has doubled in size during the first rise.
2. Burning Edges: If edges brown too fast, cover them with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
3. Sticky Dough: Add a little flour gradually during kneading, but avoid over-flouring, which can make the twists tough.
4. Filling Leaking Out: Spread filling evenly and leave a small border around edges to prevent overflow.