Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf Recipe
Introduction
This Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf is a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. With soft, fluffy dough twisted around a cinnamon-sugar filling, it offers a lovely balance of sweet and buttery flavors. The simple glaze or frosting on top makes it even more irresistible.

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon dry active yeast (SAF yeast preferred)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted (for filling)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for buttery glaze)
- 4 tablespoons room temperature butter (for buttery glaze)
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream (for buttery glaze)
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (for cream cheese frosting)
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature (for cream cheese frosting)
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar (for cream cheese frosting)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for warm vanilla frosting)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature (for warm vanilla frosting)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for warm vanilla frosting)
- 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for warm vanilla frosting)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixer bowl, combine warm water with yeast and granulated sugar. Mix gently and let it proof for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Step 2: Add salt and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on medium speed until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Step 3: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and cover it with a tea towel. Let it rise for about 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Lightly flour the dough if sticky, then roll it into a 10 by 12-inch rectangle.
- Step 5: Brush the dough with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture over the top.
- Step 6: Roll the dough lengthwise like a cinnamon roll and place the roll on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 7: Using a sharp knife, cut a slice down the center of the roll leaving about 1/2 inch intact at one end. With the cut side up, twist the two dough ropes and tuck the ends underneath.
- Step 8: Cover the twisted loaf with a tea towel and allow it to rise for 20 minutes while preheating the oven.
- Step 9: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 23-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
- Step 10: Let the loaf cool for 10-15 minutes before adding the buttery glaze or warm vanilla frosting.
- Step 11: To make the buttery glaze, mix powdered sugar, room temperature butter, and heavy cream until smooth. Drizzle over the warm loaf.
- Optional Step: For cream cheese frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter together, then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy.
Tips & Variations
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a non-dairy milk in place of heavy cream for the glaze or frosting.
- For extra texture, add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling.
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- You can replace the cinnamon filling with a mixture of nutella or fruit jam for a different twist.
Storage
Store the cinnamon twist loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dough by hand without a mixer?
Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. It may take about 8–10 minutes of kneading until it becomes smooth and elastic.
What is the best way to prevent the glaze from becoming too runny?
Start with the lower amount of heavy cream and add more gradually until you reach a thick but pourable consistency. If it becomes too runny, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it up.
Print
Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
Description
This Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf is a deliciously soft and sweet bread featuring a cinnamon-sugar filling twisted into a beautiful shape. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, it’s topped with a buttery glaze or warm vanilla frosting for an extra indulgent touch. The dough is simple to prepare and rises quickly, making it an ideal recipe for both novice and experienced bakers looking for a quick cinnamon bread fix.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 1/2 Cups Warm water
- 1 Tablespoon Dry active yeast (preferably SAF yeast)
- 2 Tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 Cups All purpose flour
- 1 Teaspoon salt
Filling
- 2 Tablespoons Salted butter, melted
- 1/2 Cup Packed brown sugar
- 2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
Buttery Glaze
- 1 Cup Powdered sugar
- 4 Tablespoons Room temperature butter
- 3–4 Tablespoons Heavy cream
Cream Cheese Frosting (optional)
- 2 Ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 4 Tablespoons Salted butter, room temperature
- 2/3 Cup Powdered sugar
- 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla extract
Warm Vanilla Frosting (optional)
- 2 Cups Powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Salted butter, room temperature
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 2–4 Tablespoons Milk or Heavy cream
Instructions
- Proof the yeast: Combine the warm water with dry active yeast and granulated sugar in a mixer bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Make the dough: Add the salt and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on medium speed until the dough comes together and becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle additional flour as needed.
- First rise: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and cover it with a tea towel. Let it rise for about 10 minutes to relax.
- Roll and fill dough: Roll the dough out into a 10 by 12-inch rectangle. Brush the melted butter evenly over the surface. Sprinkle and evenly spread the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the buttered dough.
- Shape the twist: Roll the dough lengthwise tightly like a cinnamon roll. Place the roll seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a slice lengthwise down the center of the roll, stopping about 1/2 inch from one end to keep it attached. With the cut side facing up, twist the two dough ropes around each other, then tuck the ends underneath.
- Second rise: Cover the twisted roll with a tea towel and let it rise for 20 minutes, allowing it to puff up and take a beautiful shape. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Bake: Bake the cinnamon twist loaf in the preheated oven for 23 to 25 minutes, or until the surface is lightly golden brown.
- Cool and glaze: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for 10 to 15 minutes. Prepare the buttery glaze by mixing powdered sugar, room temperature butter, and heavy cream until smooth. Pour the glaze over the warm loaf, allowing it to melt and infuse sweetness into the bread. Alternatively, you can frost with cream cheese frosting or warm vanilla frosting.
Notes
- Make sure water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Proofing the yeast properly ensures good rise in the dough.
- You can substitute salted butter with unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt if needed.
- For an extra rich flavor, try the cream cheese frosting or warm vanilla frosting as an alternative topping.
- Use parchment paper on your baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat gently before serving.
- Adjust the cinnamon and sugar amount in the filling to taste if you prefer it more or less sweet.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cinnamon twist loaf, cinnamon bread, quick bread recipe, sweet bread, breakfast bread, cinnamon sugar twist

