Aromatic Cinnamon Spiral Loaf

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delectable Cinnamon Twist Bread! This recipe promises a soft, tender, and subtly sweet loaf, beautifully laced with ribbons of aromatic cinnamon and rich brown sugar. It’s a delightful centerpiece that is as stunning to behold as it is irresistible to taste, making it perfect for any occasion – from a casual family breakfast to an elegant brunch party. Best of all, achieving this bakery-quality bread is much simpler than it appears, even for novice bakers.

If you’re a devoted fan of cinnamon-infused treats, you’ll be thrilled to add this twist bread to your repertoire. It offers all the comforting flavors of your favorite cinnamon rolls, reimagined in a convenient loaf form, baked to a tender, gooey perfection and generously draped with a luscious homemade vanilla icing. This recipe makes two loaves, ensuring you have one to savor immediately and another to stash away for a future craving or to share with loved ones.

The Irresistible Allure of Homemade Cinnamon Twist Bread

There’s something uniquely comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home, and when that scent is mingled with warm cinnamon, it creates an atmosphere of pure bliss. Our Homemade Cinnamon Twist Bread delivers on this promise, offering a heartwarming experience with every slice. Imagine waking up to a warm slice, toasted with a dollop of butter, or serving it as a show-stopping dessert at your next gathering. Its impressive twisted design might suggest complexity, but we’ve broken down the process into easy-to-follow steps that will empower any baker.

This bread isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a testament to the simple joys of home baking. It’s robust enough to be enjoyed plain, yet elegant enough to be the star of a holiday brunch. The recipe yields two generous loaves, providing ample opportunity to enjoy one loaf immediately, perhaps still warm from the oven, and freeze the other for a convenient breakfast or dessert later. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping or ensuring you always have a comforting treat on hand.

For those who adore the classic cinnamon roll, this twist bread offers a wonderful variation – a convenient loaf that’s easier to slice and serve, yet still delivers that signature sweet, spiced swirl and decadent icing. It’s truly a family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Twist Bread

Crafting exceptional Cinnamon Twist Bread begins with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Warm Water: Crucial for activating the active dry yeast. Ensure the water temperature is between 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit (35-40°C). Water that’s too cold won’t activate the yeast, and water that’s too hot can kill it.
• Granulated Sugar: Acts as food for the yeast, helping it to activate and develop. It also contributes to the bread’s delightful sweetness and tender crumb. You can substitute honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Active Dry Yeast: The leavening agent that makes your bread rise, giving it a light and airy texture. “Proofing” it first (mixing with warm water and sugar) confirms it’s active and ready to work.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and moisture to the dough, contributing to its soft texture and making it easier to handle. Any other neutral-flavored cooking oil, like vegetable or canola oil, can be used as a substitute.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your bread dough. All-purpose flour is versatile and works wonderfully here. For a chewier texture, you can opt for bread flour, which has a higher protein content.
• Brown Sugar (Dark or Light): Essential for the luscious filling. Dark brown sugar provides a deeper, more molasses-rich flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon, but light brown sugar works equally well for a milder taste.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice of this recipe! Any good quality ground cinnamon will infuse your bread with its signature warm, aromatic flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Used in both the bread dough for richness and in the filling to bind the cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating that desirable gooey swirl. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content of the recipe. Ensure it’s melted for the filling and at room temperature for the icing.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): The base for your smooth, decadent vanilla icing. Sifting it before mixing is highly recommended to prevent clumps and ensure a silky consistency.

Crafting Your Cinnamon Twist Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions to create two beautiful loaves of cinnamon twist bread. Patience and attention to temperature are key for perfect results!

Step 1: Preparing and Mixing the Dough

1. In the large bowl of a stand mixer, combine your warm water (ensuring it’s between 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit), granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently with a spoon or whisk until combined. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes. You’ll know your yeast is active and healthy when the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is alive and ready to leaven your bread.
2. Next, add the olive oil, salt, and approximately 3 cups of your all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and mix on low speed for 1-2 minutes. Continue mixing until the flour is fully incorporated and no dry streaks remain.
3. Gradually add another 2½ to 3 cups of flour, mixing on low speed. Keep mixing until the dough starts to pull away cleanly from the sides of the bowl, forming a cohesive ball. If the dough still feels overly sticky, add a tablespoon or two more flour at a time until it reaches a manageable consistency. Continue mixing on low for another 2 minutes to develop the gluten.
4. Once your dough is thoroughly mixed, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel. Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free spot and let the dough rest for about 15 minutes. This brief rest period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
5. While the dough rests, prepare your loaf pans. Lightly spray two standard 9”x5” loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray, or grease them with butter and dust lightly with flour.

Step 2: Creating the Cinnamon Swirl Twist

1. After the dough has rested, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. It’s helpful to use a kitchen scale for precise division, ensuring two uniform loaves.
2. Take one piece of dough and, using a rolling pin, gently roll it into a rectangle, aiming for dimensions of roughly 14 inches long by 10 inches wide. The dough should be thin enough to roll easily but not so thin that it tears.
3. Brush the entire surface of the rolled-out dough rectangle with 2 tablespoons of the melted butter, ensuring an even coating. Then, generously sprinkle it with ¼ cup of dark brown sugar and ½ tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Use your fingers to gently spread the sugar and cinnamon evenly over the butter.
4. Starting from one of the longer ends, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a long log. Repeat this process with the second piece of dough, so you have two long, cinnamon-filled logs.
5. To create the distinctive twist, use a sharp knife to carefully cut each log lengthwise down the center, creating four long halves in total. A sharp knife is essential here to prevent tearing and ensure clean cuts.
6. Take two of these halves. Pinch the ends together securely on one side. Then, loosely twist the two dough strands around each other, ensuring the cut, cinnamon-filled sides are visible.
7. Gently lift the twisted dough and place it into one of your prepared loaf pans, tucking both ends underneath to secure the twist. Repeat this twisting and tucking process with the remaining two dough halves for the second loaf pan.

Step 3: Proofing and Baking Your Bread

1. Cover both loaf pans with a clean kitchen towel. Place them in a warm, draft-free environment (a slightly warmed oven with the heat off, or near a sunny window, works well) and let the dough rise for 30-40 minutes. The dough is ready when it has noticeably doubled in size and looks puffy.
2. While the bread is rising, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
3. Once the dough has doubled, transfer the loaf pans to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread is baked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should register around 190-200°F (88-93°C).
4. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the loaf pans for a few minutes. This allows the bread to set slightly before you remove it. Gently invert the pans to release the loaves onto a wire rack.
5. While the bread is still warm, generously drizzle it with the homemade cinnamon roll icing. Serve warm for the ultimate comforting experience, or allow it to cool completely before slicing and storing. Enjoy the incredible aroma and taste!

Homemade Cinnamon Roll Icing

No Cinnamon Twist Bread is complete without a rich, creamy icing. This simple recipe comes together quickly and adds the perfect finishing touch:

1. In the bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, add the room temperature butter. Beat on high speed until the butter is light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and one tablespoon of milk. Mix until all ingredients are just combined.
3. Assess the consistency. If the icing is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency.
4. Once combined, increase the mixer speed to high and beat for another minute. This will make the icing incredibly light and fluffy.
5. Use the icing immediately while the bread is still warm for the best absorption and melted look. Any leftover icing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Re-warm slightly or let come to room temperature before using.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Twist Bread

Expert Tips for Baking Perfect Cinnamon Twist Bread

Achieve bakery-perfect results every time with these helpful tips:

• Secure the Ends: When placing the twisted dough into the loaf pans, make sure to tuck both ends firmly underneath. This prevents the twist from unraveling during the rising and baking process, ensuring a beautifully formed loaf.
• Use a Sharp Knife: For clean and precise cuts when slicing the dough logs, a very sharp knife is indispensable. A dull knife will drag and tear the dough, compromising the intricate swirl pattern.
• Minimize Extra Flour: While a lightly floured surface is necessary to prevent sticking, avoid using excessive flour when rolling and shaping the dough. Too much extra flour can make the dough dry and stiff, making it harder to twist and seal properly.
• Warm Rising Environment: Yeast loves warmth! For a consistent and successful rise, find a warm, draft-free spot. This could be a slightly warmed (but turned off) oven, near a sunny window, or on top of a warm appliance.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your bread, especially towards the end of the baking time. Overbaking can lead to dry bread. The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
• Room Temperature Butter for Icing: For the smoothest, fluffiest icing, ensure your butter is at true room temperature. This allows it to cream properly with the powdered sugar, avoiding lumps and creating a perfect consistency.

Cinnamon Twist Bread Recipe

Author: The Carefree Kitchen

This Cinnamon Twist Bread is soft, tender and lightly sweetened with a swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar running throughout. It’s just as delicious as it is beautiful, and easy to make no matter what your bread-making skill level is at.

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Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Rising Time: 40 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins

Yields: 16 servings

Ingredients

Bread Dough

• 2½ cups water, warm (95-105 degrees F)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¾ tablespoon salt
• 5½ cups all-purpose flour

Filling

• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted

Cinnamon Roll Icing

• ¼ cup butter, room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. In the bowl of a standing mixer, add warm water (between 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit), sugar, and yeast. Stir, and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until frothy.
2. Add the oil, salt and about 3 cups of flour. Using the dough hook, mix on low for 1-2 minutes, or until the flour has all mixed in. Continue to add another 2½-3 cups of flour, mixing on low until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Mix for another 2 minutes on low, and add a little more flour if the dough feels sticky.
3. Once mixed, cover the bowl with a towel, and let the dough rest in a warm place for about 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, lightly spray two loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray.
5. Once your dough has rested, transfer to a lightly floured surface and separate into 2 equal pieces.
6. Using a rolling pin, gently roll each piece of dough into a rectangle that is roughly 14″ x 10″. Brush each rectangle with 2 tablespoons of the melted butter, then sprinkle each with ¼ cup brown sugar and a half tablespoon of cinnamon, making sure they are evenly spread.
7. Roll each log up starting at the longer end so you have 2 long rolls. Use a sharp knife and cut down the center of each roll so you have four long halves total. Take 2 halves and pinch the ends on one side together, then twist the dough together loosely. Gently lay the cinnamon twist into your prepared loaf pan, tucking both ends under. Repeat with the other two halves.
8. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
9. Cover both loaf pans with a kitchen towel, and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes, or until the dough has doubled.
10. Once they have doubled in size, bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and baked through. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before removing from the loaf pans. While still warm, drizzle cinnamon roll icing over the bread. Serve warm, or let the bread cool before slicing. Enjoy!

Cinnamon Roll Icing Instructions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the room temperature butter. Beat on high using the paddle attachment until light and fluffy, then turn the mixer down to low and add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and one tablespoon of milk. Mix until all the ingredients are combined, adding up to 1 more tablespoon of milk if necessary. Once all ingredients are combined, beat on high for another minute until the icing is light and fluffy.
2. Use immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

Storing instructions: Store in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Transfer completely cooled bread to freezer bags and store frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 316kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 383mg | Potassium: 58mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 176IU | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 2mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

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More Delicious and Easy Bread Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed baking this Cinnamon Twist Bread, explore these other fantastic bread recipes from our kitchen. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet or savory, there’s a bread for every occasion:

• Nutella Twist Bread: A delightful chocolate-hazelnut variation for sweet cravings.
• Garlic Herb Twist Bread: Perfect as a savory side dish for any meal.
• Classic Homemade White Bread: A staple recipe for soft, versatile sandwich bread.
• Hearty Whole Wheat Bread: A wholesome and nutritious option.
• Homemade French Bread: Achieve a crisp crust and airy interior with this classic.
• Irresistible Cheesy Breadsticks: Great for dipping in marinara or alongside pasta.
• Classic Parker House Rolls: Soft, buttery, and perfect for any dinner table.
• Quick and Easy Dinner Rolls: A faster alternative for warm rolls.
• Explore even more Bread Recipes to expand your baking skills!

In conclusion, this Cinnamon Twist Bread is truly a standout recipe that brings together the comforting essence of a cinnamon roll with the elegance and ease of a loaf. Its soft texture, gooey cinnamon-brown sugar swirl, and homemade vanilla icing create an unforgettable treat that is both delicious and visually appealing. Don’t be intimidated by its intricate look – with our clear instructions and helpful tips, you’ll be baking this family favorite with confidence and joy. Enjoy the process, and savor every delightful bite!