Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe

These fluffy, buttery cinnamon sugar twists are an incredibly delicious alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls. Soft and tender, they are remarkably easy to make and can be enjoyed plain or drizzled with a sweet vanilla icing. Whether you are hosting a holiday breakfast or looking for a comforting snack, this Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly straightforward and easy to make, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. It starts with a tried-and-true roll dough as the base, ensuring a soft and pillowy texture every time. Most of the accompanying ingredients, such as brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, are pantry-friendly staples that you likely already have on hand. These twists are also very easy to serve; there is no need for a plate or fork—just grab one and go! Additionally, the recipe is easily halved or doubled and makes a wonderful make-ahead option for holiday mornings.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups milk (preferably not skim milk)
• ¼ cup room temperature water
• 6 tablespoons butter, cut into tablespoon-size pieces
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon instant or active dry yeast
• 1 large egg
• 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon
• 12 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. For the dough, heat the milk until tiny bubbles form around the edges and the milk is steaming. Pour it into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook.
2. Add the water, butter, and sugar. Let the mixture cool until it is warm (an instant-read thermometer should read 110 to 115 degrees F).
3. Add 2 cups of the flour and sprinkle the yeast on top. Mix until combined; the dough will be thin. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 5-10 minutes until slightly puffy and bubbly.
4. Add the egg and salt. Add the remaining flour (start with 1 3/4 to 2 cups) and mix, adding additional flour gradually, until the dough clears the sides of the bowl and forms a soft, sticky ball. Do not over-flour the dough.
5. Knead the dough for 5-6 minutes until it is soft and smooth.
6. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45 to 60 minutes. Lightly grease a half sheet pan with cooking spray and set aside.
7. Gently punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly greased countertop. Pat or roll the dough into a 15×10-inch thick rectangle.
8. Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough in half lengthwise. Then cut into approximately 1 1/2-inch strips to end up with 20 strips total.
9. In a medium bowl or shallow dish, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
10. Dip each strip fully into the melted butter and then coat it in the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Twist the strip once or twice and place them side-by-side on the prepared sheet pan in two rows.
11. Cover and let the twists rise until they are noticeably puffy, about 30 to 45 minutes.
12. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until baked through and very lightly golden.
13. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the icing. Adjust the consistency with more milk or sugar as needed.
14. Serve the twists warm or at room temperature, either drizzled with icing or with icing on the side for dipping.

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Expert Tips / Pro Tips

For the best results, try not to stretch the dough pieces as you dip them into the butter and sugar mixture. Keeping them in thick strips ensures the ultimate fluffiness once they are baked. Additionally, do not skip the second rise on the pan; letting the twists become noticeably puffy before they hit the oven is the secret to their soft texture. If you want to ensure your yeast is active, look for the bubbling and puffing during the initial rest period in step three.

Variations & Substitutions

While this Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe is classic, you can easily customize it. You can swap the vanilla extract in the icing for almond or maple extract for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a creamier topping, a light cream cheese glaze works beautifully. For those who enjoy a bit of texture, try adding finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar coating. This recipe can also be easily halved if you are baking for a smaller group.

Serving Suggestions

These twists are delectable when served warm straight out of the oven, but they are also excellent at room temperature. They make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and savory eggs. For a fun party snack, serve them on a large platter with a bowl of the sweet icing in the center for dipping. They are also perfect as an on-the-go treat since they don’t require utensils.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

To make these ahead of time, you can follow the recipe through the dipping and twisting stage. Instead of letting them rise, cover the pan and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours. Take them out about an hour before baking to let them puff up. You can also freeze the unbaked twists on the pan; simply let them thaw and rise for 6 to 8 hours before baking. Store leftover baked twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven until warm.

Nutrition Information

FAQ

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, this recipe specifically calls for all-purpose flour to keep the twists soft and tender.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can mix the dough by hand in a large bowl and knead it on a floured surface, though it will take a bit more physical effort to reach the smooth, elastic stage.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, both work well in this recipe. Just ensure your milk and water mixture is at the correct temperature (110-115°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.

How do I know when the twists are done baking?

The twists should be lightly golden on the edges and feel firm but soft to the touch. Avoid over-baking to keep them from becoming dry.

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Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe

These buttery cinnamon sugar twists are soft, fluffy, and incredibly easy to make. Easier than cinnamon rolls, they are perfect for a holiday breakfast or a sweet snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 20 twists

Course: Bread, Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 316

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough

• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon instant or active dry yeast
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Cinnamon/Sugar Coating

• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 12 tablespoons butter

Icing

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

 

Instructions

1. Heat the milk until steaming, then pour into a stand mixer bowl. Add water, butter, and sugar, letting it cool to 110-115 degrees F.
2. Mix in 2 cups of flour and the yeast. Let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes until puffy.
3. Add the egg, salt, and remaining flour gradually until a soft, sticky ball forms. Knead for 5-6 minutes until smooth.
4. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 45-60 minutes.
5. Roll the dough into a 15×10-inch rectangle. Cut in half lengthwise, then into 1.5-inch strips to make 20 total.
6. Dip each strip into melted butter, then coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Twist once or twice and place on a greased sheet pan.
7. Let the twists rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-22 minutes.
8. Whisk together icing ingredients and drizzle over warm twists or serve on the side for dipping.

Notes

To make ahead, refrigerate the twists after shaping for up to 12 hours. Let them sit at room temperature for an hour before baking.