Perfect Cinnamon Twist Recipe: Soft, Fluffy & Delicious

The best cinnamon twist recipe features a soft, homemade yeast dough rolled with a perfect cinnamon-sugar-butter filling, twisted into elegant shapes, and finished with a simple powdered sugar glaze. This tried-and-true method yields bakery-quality results with fluffy texture and balanced cinnamon flavor every time.

If you've ever wondered how to make cinnamon twists that rival your favorite bakery, you've come to the right place. These delightful pastries combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with an elegant twisted presentation that's surprisingly simple to create at home. Unlike store-bought versions that often contain preservatives and artificial flavors, this homemade cinnamon twist recipe uses wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

What sets this cinnamon sugar twist recipe apart is its perfectly balanced dough-to-filling ratio and the careful attention to yeast activation. Many home bakers struggle with dough that's too dense or filling that sinks to the bottom, but our tested method solves these common problems. The secret lies in properly softened butter for the filling and allowing adequate rise time for that signature light, airy texture.

Why This Cinnamon Twist Recipe Works

This classic cinnamon twist instructions delivers consistent results because:

• The dough contains just the right amount of yeast for optimal rise without overwhelming flavor
• Precise butter temperature prevents filling leakage during baking
• Step-by-step shaping technique creates even distribution of cinnamon filling
• Simple glaze enhances without overpowering the delicate pastry

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
25 minutes	20 minutes	2 hours 45 minutes	12 twists

Ingredients for Perfect Cinnamon Twists

Dough

• 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F/43°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon Twists

Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy, confirming yeast is active.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, 2 cups of flour, and salt. Mix on low speed.
3. Once yeast mixture is foamy, add it to the mixer. Continue mixing, gradually adding remaining flour ¼ cup at a time until dough pulls away from sides of bowl.
4. Knead dough on medium speed for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead by hand on floured surface for 8-10 minutes.
5. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

6. While dough rises, prepare filling by combining softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined. The flour helps prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

Shape the Cinnamon Twists

7. Once dough has doubled, punch it down and roll out on a lightly floured surface into a 16x12 inch rectangle.
8. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a ½ inch border around the edges.
9. Carefully roll the dough into a log starting from the long side, pinching the seam to seal.
10. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using dental floss or a serrated knife for clean cuts.
11. Take each piece and gently stretch the cut ends. Twist the dough 2-3 times, then bring the ends together to form a crescent shape.
12. Place twists on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Bake and Glaze

13. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) during the final rise.
14. Bake twists for 18-22 minutes until golden brown on top and 190°F internal temperature.
15. While twists cool slightly, prepare glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Add more milk for thinner consistency.
16. Drizzle glaze over warm twists and serve immediately for best texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Twists

• Yeast check: If your yeast doesn't foam after 7 minutes, start over with fresh yeast and properly warmed milk.
• Dough temperature: Work with room temperature ingredients for consistent results—cold ingredients slow yeast activity.
• Filling consistency: Butter for filling should be soft but not melted; too-soft butter causes leakage during baking.
• Rise environment: Create a warm, draft-free space by placing dough in oven with light on (not heated).
• Cutting technique: Use unflavored dental floss to cut filled rolls for clean slices without squishing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Cinnamon Twist Recipe

Many home bakers encounter issues with their easy cinnamon twist recipe due to these common errors:

• Over-flouring the dough: Adding too much flour creates tough, dense twists. Measure flour properly by spooning into measuring cup and leveling.
• Rushing the rise: Inadequate rise time results in compact texture. Dough should double in size during first rise.
• Overfilling: Too much filling causes leakage and structural issues. Stick to the recommended ¾ cup brown sugar mixture.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify actual temperature—many ovens run hot or cold.
• Glazing too early: Applying glaze to piping hot twists makes it run off; wait 5-10 minutes for optimal absorption.

Variations to Try with Your Cinnamon Twists

Once you've mastered the best cinnamon roll twists, experiment with these delicious variations:

• Nutty twist: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch
• Cream cheese filling: Mix 4 oz softened cream cheese with the cinnamon-sugar for a richer flavor
• Orange zest: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest to the dough for a citrus twist
• Maple glaze: Replace milk in glaze with maple syrup for a deeper flavor profile
• Whole wheat option: Substitute up to 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour

Storing and Reheating Instructions

For best results with your soft cinnamon pastry twists, follow these storage guidelines:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days; reheat in microwave for 10-15 seconds
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked twists on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to baking time.
• Reheating: For optimal texture, warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes rather than microwaving

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cinnamon twists without yeast?

Yes, you can create a quick version using refrigerated biscuit dough. Cut each biscuit into quarters, roll each piece into a rope, dip in melted butter, then coat in cinnamon sugar. Twist and bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. While not as light as yeast versions, this easy cinnamon twist recipe works well for last-minute needs.

Why did my cinnamon twists come out dense?

Dense cinnamon twists typically result from too much flour in the dough, inactive yeast, or insufficient rise time. Measure flour properly by spooning into measuring cups (don't scoop), ensure yeast is fresh and properly activated, and allow adequate rise time until doubled in size. The dough should feel light and airy, not heavy and compact.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?

To prevent filling leakage in your cinnamon twist bread recipe, use room temperature (not melted) butter for the filling, include 2 tablespoons of flour in the filling mixture, and leave a ½ inch border when spreading the filling. Also, pinch the seam well when rolling the dough and avoid overfilling—stick to the recommended ¾ cup brown sugar mixture for best results.

Can I prepare cinnamon twists ahead of time?

Absolutely! For next-day baking, prepare the shaped twists and place them on the baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove from refrigerator 1 hour before baking to allow proper rise. Alternatively, freeze unbaked twists on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to baking time for perfect homemade cinnamon twists.