Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists

There’s something downright soul-satisfying about the swirl of cinnamon, sugar, and butter melting into soft, pillowy bread. I’ve been a baker for years, and nothing—and I mean nothing—makes my kitchen smell as heavenly as Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists.

These delightful twists take everything you love about cinnamon rolls—warm spice, tender dough, sweet glaze—and transform them into finger-friendly, beautiful twists that are perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, baking for holiday gifts, or just craving a cozy treat with your coffee, these breadtwists belong in your baking repertoire.

Today, I’ll show you how to make them step-by-step, troubleshoot common issues, and even give you variations to try. Let’s get baking!

What Are Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists?

Before diving into flour and sugar, let’s clarify some key terms for anyone new to baking:

• Breadtwists: Strips of dough twisted into a spiral shape. They’re soft, chewy, and often topped with sweet or savory toppings.
• Cinnamon Sugar: A mixture of ground cinnamon and granulated sugar used for flavoring and finishing baked goods.
• Yeast Dough: A dough that rises due to fermentation by yeast, creating a light, airy texture.

When combined, these create cinnamon roll breadtwists—a soft yeast dough filled with buttery cinnamon sugar and twisted for both beauty and flavor.

Why I’m Obsessed With These Twists

There are so many reasons these cinnamon roll breadtwists have become my go-to recipe:

• Visually stunning: The beautiful twisted shape looks impressive yet is surprisingly simple.
• Portion-friendly: Unlike giant cinnamon rolls, these are perfect for individual servings.
• Fun to bake: Twisting the dough is oddly satisfying!
• Perfect texture: Soft, fluffy insides with just a hint of crispness outside.
• Freezer-friendly: Great to make ahead and reheat.

These breadtwists often steal the show at brunches or holiday breakfasts because they’re both delicious and gorgeous.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these dreamy twists:

Choosing the Right Flour

One question I’m asked constantly is whether bread flour or all-purpose flour is better. Here’s how they compare:

I personally love all-purpose flour for these breadtwists—it keeps them tender and soft.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists

Here’s my foolproof method.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
• 1 cup warm milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt

Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• ½ cup softened butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

• Activate Yeast
  • Mix warm milk and yeast in a bowl. Let it stand 5 minutes until foamy.
• Make Dough
  • Add sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt to yeast mixture.
  • Gradually add flour, mixing until dough pulls away from the bowl sides.
  • Knead for 5–6 minutes until smooth.
• First Rise
  • Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise 60 minutes or until doubled.
• Shape Twists
  • Roll dough into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
  • Spread with softened butter.
  • Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
• Form Twists
  • Fold dough in half lengthwise.
  • Cut into 1-inch strips.
  • Twist each strip several times and lay on parchment-lined baking sheets.
• Second Rise
  • Cover and let rise 30 minutes.
• Bake
  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Glaze
  • Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm twists.

Pro Tips for Perfect Twists

Here’s how I make sure my breadtwists come out heavenly every time:

• Use room temperature butter for easy spreading.
• Don’t rush the rise times. The yeast needs time to develop flavor.
• Flour your work surface well to avoid sticking while twisting.
• Brush baked twists with butter for extra shine and softness.
• Adjust glaze thickness by adding milk one teaspoon at a time.

Variations to Try

Want to shake things up? Here are some tasty variations:

• Orange zest in the filling for citrus flavor.
• Chopped nuts sprinkled with cinnamon sugar for crunch.
• Chocolate chips added inside for a dessert twist.
• Maple glaze instead of classic vanilla.

Nutrition Snapshot

Here’s a rough estimate per breadtwist:

Serving Suggestions

My favorite ways to serve cinnamon roll breadtwists:

• Warm from the oven as a brunch centerpiece
• As an afternoon snack with coffee
• In a breakfast spread with fruit and scrambled eggs
• Wrapped in cellophane for sweet gifts

No fancy drinks necessary—these taste perfect with coffee, tea, or even a simple glass of milk.

Storage and Freezing

The best part about these breadtwists is how well they keep!

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw and warm gently.
• Reheat: A few seconds in the microwave restores their softness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these breadtwists ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare them through shaping, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

Do I have to use brown sugar in the filling?
No, white granulated sugar works too, but brown sugar gives a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

Why is my dough tough?
Over-mixing or using too much flour can toughen the dough. Measure carefully and knead only until smooth.

Can I skip the glaze?
Of course! They’re delicious plain, or you could dust them with powdered sugar instead.

Why You Should Bake These Today

If you love cinnamon rolls, these breadtwists are like their stylish cousins. They’re beautiful, easy to share, and absolutely delicious. They’ve become my secret weapon for wow-worthy brunches and sweet holiday trays.

Go ahead—try these once, and I promise they’ll become a permanent favorite in your baking rotation!

Would you like me to adjust this for any dietary restrictions (gluten-free, vegan, etc.) or expand any sections further? Let me know how else I can perfect this for you!