Easy Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf

This Easy and Fast Cinnamon Twist Loaf is the ultimate shortcut to bakery-style sweetness right at home. Whether for breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or an impromptu dessert craving, it comes together quickly yet feels like a treat from your favorite café. No laborious dough kneading or lengthy rise times—just big, swirled cinnamon flavors, soft tender crumb, and those addictive drizzled glazes every time.

Baking this loaf has become a Sunday ritual in my kitchen. The aroma alone draws the family into the kitchen long before it hits the oven. My kids have started calling it "the cinnamon cloud loaf" and request it for every special morning.

Ingredients

• Warm water: provides the perfect environment to wake up your yeast. Use filtered water if possible for best bloom
• Dry active yeast: creates the signature rise in your loaf. SAF yeast is especially reliable and fast acting
• Granulated sugar: helps activate the yeast and sweetens the dough just the right amount
• All purpose flour: delivers a soft tender crumb. Choose unbleached for richer flavor
• Salt: sharpens the flavors in both the dough and fillings
• Salted butter, melted, for the filling: adds luscious richness and a touch of saltiness
• Packed brown sugar: is key for that deep caramel note in the cinnamon swirl. Look for a moist, clump free bag
• Cinnamon: brings the essential warmth and spice. Freshly opened spices have the brightest aroma
• Powdered sugar: forms the base of both the buttery glaze and the optional frostings. Sift if lumpy for a silky finish
• Heavy cream: makes the glaze thick and rich instead of runny
• Cream cheese in the optional frosting: adds tang and structure for those who prefer a heartier topping
• Vanilla extract: offers depth and lovely warmth in the glaze and frosting. Pure vanilla always beats imitation

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Combine the warm water yeast and sugar in a mixer bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes until the mixture looks foamy and the yeast is activated. This step gives your bread a beautiful lift

Mix and Knead:

Add the salt and all purpose flour to the proofed yeast. Mix on medium speed until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you tug it gently it should stretch without tearing

First Rise:

Transfer the dough to a floured counter. Cover with a tea towel and let it rise for ten minutes. This brief rest allows the dough to relax and makes it easier to shape

Shape the Rectangle:

If the dough seems sticky sprinkle a little flour on top. Use a rolling pin to form the dough into a roughly ten by twelve inch rectangle. Even thickness ensures even baking

Add the Cinnamon Filling:

Brush the entire rectangle with melted salted butter. Stir together the packed brown sugar and cinnamon then scatter and gently press this mixture evenly over the surface

Roll and Slice:

Carefully roll up the dough the long way so you get a tight log shape. Place the roll seam side down onto a parchment lined baking sheet

Create and Twist:

Using a sharp knife slice down the center of the log lengthwise but leave about half an inch attached at one end. Turn the cut sides upward. Twist the two dough ropes around each other letting the cinnamon layers show. Tuck the ends underneath

Second Rise and Preheat:

Drape the loaf with a tea towel and let it rise for another twenty minutes until slightly puffy. Meanwhile preheat your oven to 375 degrees so it is ready when the loaf is

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Bake your twist on the center rack for about twenty three to twenty five minutes. The top should be lightly golden and the aroma irresistible. Let it cool slightly before glazing

Mix and Drizzle Buttery Glaze:

For the buttery glaze combine powdered sugar butter and enough cream to get a pourable consistency. Drizzle over the warm twist and let it melt into the cracks and crevices

Make and Add Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

For a thicker topping blend softened cream cheese and butter with vanilla and powdered sugar until creamy. Spread a generous amount on the loaf once it has cooled to just warm for a tangy sweet finish

Save

My favorite part is how the butter and brown sugar caramelize where the twist is exposed. Every slice feels a little different and every bite reminds me of baking afternoons with my grandmother who was famous for her cinnamon loaves. There is nothing like breaking off a warm twist together at the table

Storage Tips

Let your twist loaf cool completely before wrapping in foil or plastic to preserve softness. Store at room temperature for up to two days for best texture. For longer keeping freeze individual slices wrapped tightly. They thaw quickly and taste freshly baked with a short warm up in the toaster oven. If the loaf is already glazed try to separate layers with parchment before freezing to keep that beautiful finish from sticking

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in bread flour for an even chewier texture. If you are out of brown sugar use coconut sugar for a similar note or half white sugar with a touch of molasses. Substitute oil for melted butter in the filling if you need a dairy free option or use plant based butter. Oat milk or any nondairy milk works well in place of cream for the glaze if you have a dietary restriction

Serving Suggestions

Serve thick slices slightly warmed with a side of fresh berries for brunch. Cut into fingers to make French toast sticks. Dip in extra glaze for a decadent breakfast treat. Pair with hot coffee or chai for an afternoon snack or dessert

Save

Every time I bring this out it vanishes fast. People love how it looks impressive but you do not need advanced techniques or equipment at all

Recipe FAQ

→ How do you achieve a soft, fluffy loaf?

Ensure proper proofing of the dough and avoid overbaking. Let the dough rest and rise as instructed for a tender texture.

→ Can different glazes be used?

Yes, choose a buttery glaze, classic vanilla, or a rich cream cheese frosting to customize the flavor and sweetness.

→ What’s the best way to twist the dough?

After rolling with cinnamon filling, slice lengthwise and twist the strands gently, then tuck the ends underneath for a pretty shape.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

→ Is this suitable for making ahead of time?

The loaf can be prepared ahead, baked, and glazed before serving. Warm slightly before enjoying for best results.

→ Can nuts or raisins be added?

Chopped nuts or raisins can be sprinkled over the cinnamon filling before rolling to add extra texture and flavor.