Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf Recipe
If you’re after a show-stopping homemade treat that won’t keep you captive in the kitchen, you can’t beat the Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf. Imagine biting into warm, pillowy bread swirled with gooey cinnamon-sugar, glazed to perfection, and ready to enjoy in less than an hour of hands-on time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or brand new to yeast doughs, this recipe makes it delightfully simple to create bakery-style magic right in your own kitchen. The aroma alone is enough to draw the whole family to the table, and every slice disappears in a snap!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf calls for simple, familiar ingredients you likely have on hand, but each one plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and irresistible appeal. Here’s how they all come together to make a bread that’s soft, rich, and beautifully spiced.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and classic chew you want in a yeasted bread.
- Granulated sugar: Adds delicate sweetness to the dough and helps give it a tender crumb.
- Instant yeast: The secret to a quick rise and fluffy loaf—no need to activate separately!
- Salt: Just a touch to balance flavors and enhance the sweetness.
- Warm milk: Introduces moistness and richness, making the bread soft and golden.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Ensures your loaf is flavorful with an ultra-soft texture.
- Large egg: Adds richness, color, and helps bind the dough together.
- Vanilla extract: A splash for deeper, aromatic flavor in both dough and filling.
- Brown sugar: Key for a gooey, caramel-like swirl that makes each slice irresistible.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice—bold and warm, this gives the twist its signature flavor.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Easily spreads over the dough and helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick and melt just right.
How to Make Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf
Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract all at once, and stir until it comes together in a shaggy dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes; you’re looking for a dough that feels smooth, elastic, and just a little tacky. This step sets the stage for that magical, bakery-level soft crumb!
Step 2: First Rise
Place your kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise in a warm spot. After about 45 minutes, the dough should have doubled in size and feel airy and soft to the touch. The rapid rise is one of the many reasons this Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf fits busy schedules.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While your dough does its thing, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple combination is about to become a gorgeous, fragrant spiral inside your loaf!
Step 4: Shape and Fill the Dough
Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangle, about 12 by 15 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface—don’t rush this step, as even coverage ensures every bite tastes amazing. Sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mix over the buttered dough, making sure you reach all the edges. The aroma already smells like a bakery in here!
Step 5: Roll, Cut, and Twist
Tightly roll up the dough, starting from the long side, to get a lovely swirl. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll in half lengthwise, which reveals all those gorgeous layers. Gently twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up so you see that striking cinnamon ripple—it’s truly the “wow” moment!
Step 6: Second Rise and Bake
Place the twist in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, tucking in the ends as needed. Cover and let it rise again for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the loaf is golden brown and your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—if you can stand the wait!
How to Serve Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf
Garnishes
Add an extra flourish by drizzling your loaf with a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and milk once it cools. If you’re a true cinnamon fan, a light dusting of extra cinnamon or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts makes it feel gourmet.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with all sorts of accompaniments. Try serving slices alongside a cup of strong coffee or a latte in the morning. For brunch, a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh berries makes it feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Make breakfast joyful by arranging thick, warm slices on a platter, or serve the Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf as a stunning centerpiece for brunch. If you like, wrap up individual portions to pop into lunchboxes or share with friends and neighbors for a sweet homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf tasting fresh, store any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. It stays soft and flavorful—if it even lasts that long!
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save some for a rainy day, let the loaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to two months. When a craving strikes, it’s ready and waiting!
Reheating
For that straight-from-the-oven goodness, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or reheat the entire loaf in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes. The cinnamon aroma comes right back to life, and the texture stays perfectly tender.
FAQs
Can I prepare the Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf dough the night before?
Absolutely! After kneading, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and finish rising in the morning, then shape, fill, and bake as directed for a fresh-from-the-oven breakfast treat.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, just dissolve it in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar and let it sit until foamy before adding the rest of the ingredients. The rise time may be a bit longer, but the loaf will be just as delicious!
What if I don’t have a stand mixer—can I mix the dough by hand?
Definitely—this dough is soft and easy to handle, making it simple to knead by hand on a floured surface. It’s a great way to get hands-on and really connect with the process!
Can I make the Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf vegan?
With a few swaps, yes! Use a plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of a chicken egg. You’ll still get a lovely, fluffy result.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
The key is to roll the dough tightly and keep the twist snug in the pan. Even if some filling does escape, it usually caramelizes around the edges for a delicious little bonus!
Final Thoughts
The Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf is pure homemade happiness—soft, swirly, and irresistibly aromatic, all with less fuss than you’d expect. Give it a try and watch it disappear slice by slice; nothing gets friends and family gathered faster than a loaf of this beauty straight from your oven!
Print
Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes plus rising time
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of this Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf, a sweet bread with a beautiful cinnamon swirl that’s perfect for brunch or as a snack. This recipe is straightforward and yields a moist, flavorful loaf that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix into a dough, then knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
- Filling and Shaping: Roll out the dough, spread softened butter, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture, roll up, cut in half lengthwise, twist the halves, and place in a loaf pan. Let rise for 20 minutes.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), bake the loaf for 25–30 minutes until golden. Cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Enhance the loaf by drizzling with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze post-baking.
- For a quicker version, use rapid-rise yeast to skip the first rise, though the texture may vary slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
