The smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone feel at home. Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists bring together the warm nostalgia of classic cinnamon rolls with the playful twist of a pull-apart bread. Imagine golden-brown strands of dough, tender on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and coated in a luscious glaze that glistens in the light. This is the kind of treat that feels indulgent yet comforting, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Behind the Recipe
This recipe was inspired by the traditional cinnamon roll, but with a fun, bakery-style twist. Instead of rolling and slicing, the dough is shaped into braided breadsticks that bake into beautiful, shareable twists. They are easy to grab, tear, and enjoy, making them ideal for gatherings or cozy family mornings. The recipe was born from a desire to create something festive yet simple, a treat that looks as good as it tastes.
Recipe Origin or Trivia
Cinnamon rolls themselves have roots in European baking, especially in Sweden where “kanelbullar” is celebrated with a dedicated day. These breadtwists carry that heritage but adapt it into a more casual, hand-held style. Many bakeries across America now feature twisted versions of sweet breads, combining visual appeal with the same irresistible flavors of cinnamon, sugar, and buttery dough. It’s a playful nod to tradition with a modern spin.
Why You’ll Love Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a coffee break indulgence.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like flour, sugar, and cinnamon, so you won’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: The dough comes together smoothly, and braiding the breadtwists is easier than it looks.
Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel for variety.
Crowd-Pleasing: These twists are fun to tear apart and share, making them perfect for gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough the night before and bake in the morning.
Great for Leftovers: Simply reheat in the oven for a few minutes, and they taste freshly baked.
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Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, pull-apart cinnamon-sugar twists with a tender, buttery dough and a glossy vanilla glaze, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 1/2 cups
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup
- Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet)
- Warm Milk: 1 cup (about 110°F / 43°C)
- Unsalted Butter (softened): 5 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Cinnamon: 2 tablespoons
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup (packed)
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup (for glaze)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (for glaze)
- Milk (to thin glaze): 2 to 3 tablespoons
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix warm milk, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add softened butter, 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes by hand or 5 to 7 minutes in a mixer.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Ensure your baking sheet is lined with parchment and set aside a clean surface for rolling and shaping the dough.
- Assemble the Dish: Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread a layer of softened butter over the surface, sprinkle evenly with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon. Fold the dough in half lengthwise, cut into strips, then twist each strip into a spiral or braid and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover the assembled twists and let rise for about 20 minutes until slightly puffy. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Finishing Touches: While twists cool slightly, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 to 3 tablespoons milk to reach desired drizzling consistency. Brush twists with melted butter if desired, then drizzle glaze over the warm twists.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, pull apart, and enjoy with coffee, tea, or on their own. Store cooled twists in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother dough and better rise.
- Allow proper rising time for the fluffiest texture; do not rush proofing.
- Brush with melted butter right after baking to keep the interior soft and tender.
- For extra gooey filling, increase the brown sugar in the filling by 1/4 cup.
- If glazing, do so while the twists are still slightly warm so the glaze melts into crevices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist (approx.)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Start with room-temperature ingredients for smoother dough development.
Don’t rush the rising process, let the yeast work its magic for a fluffy texture.
Brush the twists with butter immediately after baking for extra softness.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Add the glaze while the bread is slightly warm so it melts into every crevice.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Mixing Bowls: For preparing dough and cinnamon filling.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate proportions.
Rolling Pin: Essential for flattening the dough.
Baking Sheet: To bake the breadtwists evenly.
Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup simple.
Pastry Brush: Perfect for applying melted butter.
Ingredients in Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists
A recipe as inviting as this one deserves high-quality, well-balanced ingredients. Each one plays a role in building the irresistible flavor and texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 ½ cups provides structure and chewiness to the dough.
- Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup sweetens the dough and aids in browning.
- Active Dry Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons makes the dough rise into light, fluffy bread.
- Warm Milk: 1 cup activates the yeast and enriches the dough.
- Unsalted Butter: 5 tablespoons (softened) adds richness and tenderness.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Cinnamon: 2 tablespoons delivers the warm, spicy essence that defines this bread.
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup creates a gooey, caramel-like filling.
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup forms the base of the glaze.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon adds depth to the glaze.
- Milk: 2–3 tablespoons thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
Ingredient Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: Substitute with bread flour for a chewier twist.
Granulated Sugar: Swap with honey for a subtle floral sweetness.
Brown Sugar: Use coconut sugar for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Margarine or vegan butter works well if needed.
Milk: Dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk blend in beautifully.
Ingredient Spotlight
Cinnamon: The star of this recipe, cinnamon’s warmth and slight spice turn simple dough into a comforting classic.
Brown Sugar: Its molasses notes add a rich depth of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
Instructions for Making Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists
Now comes the fun part, shaping these heavenly twists and letting the aromas fill your home.
- Preheat Your Equipment: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when the dough is shaped.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy, then add butter, flour, and salt to form dough. Knead until smooth.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Assemble the Dish: Roll dough into a rectangle, spread with softened butter, sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar. Fold dough in half, cut into strips, and twist each strip into spirals.
- Cook to Perfection: Place twists on the baking sheet, cover, let rise for 20 minutes, then bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Finishing Touches: Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk into a glaze. Drizzle over warm breadtwists.
- Serve and Enjoy: Share immediately while warm, soft, and dripping with sweetness.
Texture & Flavor Secrets
These breadtwists balance tender, pillowy insides with golden, lightly crisped edges. The cinnamon-sugar filling caramelizes slightly, creating a sticky-sweet layer that contrasts beautifully with the airy dough. The glaze adds smooth sweetness that ties everything together.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Always allow the dough to rest between steps for the fluffiest results.
- For extra decadence, double the cinnamon-sugar filling.
- Reheat leftovers in foil for that just-baked freshness.
What to Avoid
- Skipping the second rise, as it ensures fluffy twists.
- Using cold milk, which can prevent yeast from activating.
- Overbaking, which makes the bread dry and tough.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 220
Note: These are approximate values.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight, then shape and bake the next day. Store baked breadtwists in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze and reheat in the oven for best texture.
How to Serve Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists
Serve them warm with a steaming cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or chai tea. For brunch, pair them with fresh fruit and a savory egg dish. They also shine as a dessert centerpiece when plated on a large serving tray, drizzled generously with glaze.
Creative Leftover Transformations
Slice leftovers into chunks and layer them into a sweet bread pudding. Toast lightly and spread with cream cheese for a quick snack. You can even chop them into bite-sized pieces to make a fun parfait with yogurt and fruit.
Additional Tips
Brush the dough lightly with milk before baking for extra golden color.
For a festive twist, add orange zest to the glaze.
Always let the twists cool slightly before glazing to avoid melting it completely.
Make It a Showstopper
Arrange the breadtwists in a circular wreath shape before baking for a stunning holiday centerpiece. Dust lightly with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finish.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Cinnamon Breadtwists with cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
- Nutty Breadtwists with chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling.
- Maple-Glazed Breadtwists using maple syrup in the glaze.
- Apple Cinnamon Breadtwists with finely chopped apples in the filling.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast works just as well and does not require proofing.
2. Can I prepare these without a stand mixer?
Absolutely, hand-kneading works fine, just allow extra time.
3. How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
It should double in size and feel airy when gently pressed.
4. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, shape the twists, freeze on a tray, then bake directly from frozen with a few extra minutes.
5. Can I make these vegan?
Yes, swap dairy milk with plant-based milk and butter with vegan alternatives.
6. What’s the best way to keep them soft after baking?
Store in an airtight container or wrap in foil to trap moisture.
7. Can I reduce the sugar in the filling?
Yes, but it may affect caramelization and sweetness.
8. Do I need to sift powdered sugar for the glaze?
It’s recommended to avoid lumps and ensure smoothness.
9. Can I add cream cheese frosting instead of glaze?
Definitely, cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with cinnamon bread.
10. How long do they stay fresh?
They’re best the same day but stay good for up to 3 days when stored properly.
Conclusion
Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists are a delightful twist on a beloved classic. With their pillowy dough, caramelized cinnamon-sugar layers, and glossy glaze, they bring joy to any table. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a special gathering, these breadtwists are sure to win hearts. Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself baking it again and again.