Description
Cinnamon twist loaf brings warmth and comfort to breakfast tables with its spiraling layers of sweet spice. Delicate swirls of fragrant cinnamon dance through tender bread, promising pure morning delight you can savor slice by delicious slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups (440 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (355 milliliters) warm water
- 1 tablespoon (9 grams) dry active yeast
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (6 grams) salt
- ½ cup (100 grams) packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons (4 grams) cinnamon
Filling and Glaze Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) salted butter, melted
- 4 tablespoons (56 grams) room temperature butter
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons (45-60 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 ounces (56 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons (56 grams) salted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup (80 grams) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining it with warm water and sugar in a mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to foam and develop for approximately 5 minutes, indicating the yeast is alive and ready.
- Incorporate salt and flour into the yeast mixture, kneading on medium speed until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and let it rest, allowing the gluten to relax.
- Gently stretch the dough into a rectangular shape, ensuring an even thickness of approximately 10×12 inches. Generously brush the surface with melted butter, creating a rich foundation for the filling.
- Evenly distribute the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture across the buttered dough, ensuring complete coverage from edge to edge. This will create a swirled, aromatic interior.
- Carefully roll the dough lengthwise, creating a tight, uniform cylinder. Position the rolled dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy handling and cleanup.
- Using a sharp knife, delicately slice the dough roll down the center, keeping one end slightly attached. Carefully separate the two halves, revealing the cinnamon-sugar layers.
- Twist the separated dough strands, positioning the cut sides upward. Gently tuck the ends underneath to create an aesthetically pleasing braided appearance.
- Allow the twisted loaf to prove for an additional 20 minutes, giving it time to rise and develop volume. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to ensure optimal baking conditions.
- Bake the loaf at 375°F until it achieves a golden-brown color, approximately 23-25 minutes. The aroma will signal its readiness.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, butter, and heavy cream until smooth and glossy. Once the loaf has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
- Alternatively, prepare a cream cheese frosting by blending room temperature butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar until creamy. Apply while the loaf is warm for maximum absorption and flavor.
Notes
- Yeast Activation Matters: Ensure water is warm (not hot) to properly activate yeast without killing it, creating a fluffy and soft loaf texture.
- Dough Handling Tip: Sprinkle flour sparingly when rolling to prevent a tough, dense bread and maintain a tender crumb.
- Rising Environment: Keep dough in a warm, draft-free area to help it rise evenly and develop rich flavors.
- Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife when slicing the roll to create clean, precise twists without deflating the dough.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the loaf rest briefly before adding glaze to prevent melting and ensure a beautiful, smooth topping.
- Flavor Enhancement: Fresh cinnamon and high-quality butter will dramatically improve the overall taste and aroma of your twist loaf.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg