Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists Recipe

Introduction: Why You’ll Fall in Love with Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists

Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists are the perfect combination of soft, buttery dough and a warm swirl of cinnamon sugar. They’re cozy, nostalgic, and downright irresistible. Imagine all that goodness—but twisted into golden, hand-held breadsticks that are both crisp and tender at the same time.

These sweet, buttery twists are ideal for any occasion. Serve them up for a relaxing weekend breakfast, add them to your holiday brunch spread, or enjoy one as an afternoon pick-me-up with your favorite coffee or tea. They’re even delightful enough to stand in as a casual dessert!

In this post, you’ll discover exactly what sets these breadtwists apart, the key ingredients that make them shine, step-by-step instructions for mastering the technique, and plenty of creative ways to flavor and serve them. Let’s dive in!

What Exactly Are Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists?

Think of Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists as the fun-loving cousin of your classic cinnamon roll. Instead of being rolled up in a spiral, the dough is cut into strips, filled with cinnamon-sugar goodness, and twisted before baking.

The result? A hand-held, golden twist that’s slightly crisp on the outside, tender and buttery on the inside, and packed with warm, sweet flavor in every bite. They’re a little less formal than a traditional roll but just as indulgent—and arguably even more fun to eat!

In short, they’re the best of both worlds: the sweet richness of a cinnamon roll, combined with the playful spirit of breadsticks.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

To create truly heavenly cinnamon roll breadtwists, it’s important to start with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-Purpose Flour – For a soft but sturdy dough.

• Active Dry Yeast – Essential for that fluffy rise.

• Granulated Sugar – To sweeten the dough and feed the yeast.

• Brown Sugar – For the rich, caramelized cinnamon filling.

• Ground Cinnamon – The star spice that gives these breadtwists their signature warmth.

• Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.

• Whole Milk – Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.

• Butter – Lots of it! Both in the dough and slathered on top.

• Egg – For structure and a slightly enriched dough.

Optional but highly recommended toppings:

• Simple Vanilla Glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla extract)

• Cream Cheese Frosting (for an ultra-decadent twist)

Important Tip: Always use freshly ground cinnamon if you can—its flavor is far more vibrant than pre-ground versions from the spice aisle!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists

1: Make the Dough

• Warm the milk slightly until it’s just lukewarm (about 110°F).

• Combine yeast and a teaspoon of sugar with the warm milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

• In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg.

• Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer.

• Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

2: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling

• In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon.

• Melt butter separately for brushing.

3: Roll, Spread, and Twist

• Roll the dough into a large rectangle (roughly 12×18 inches).

• Brush the surface generously with melted butter.

• Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

• Fold the dough in half (short end to short end), pressing down gently.

• Cut into 1-inch strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

• Twist each strip a few times and place on a lined baking sheet.

4: Second Rise

• Cover loosely with a clean towel and let the twists rise again for about 20–30 minutes until slightly puffy.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the tops are golden and the twists sound hollow when tapped.

Pro Tip: If the tops are golden but the bottoms are still pale, give them an extra 2–3 minutes—this ensures they’re fully baked and have that irresistible slight crunch!

Different Ways to Flavor Your Breadtwists

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it! Here are some fun ideas:

• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar layer before folding.

• Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips for a gooey, melty twist.

• Apple-Cinnamon Version: Scatter finely diced, sautéed apples over the filling for a cozy fall flavor.

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• Pumpkin Spice Dream: Replace some of the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for an autumn-inspired treat.

Mix, match, and make them your own!

Best Glaze and Frosting Options

A warm cinnamon breadtwist is pretty fabulous on its own—but a little drizzle or dunk makes it heavenly. Here are your best topping options:

• Simple Vanilla Glaze:
  Whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a dash of vanilla until smooth.

• Cream Cheese Frosting:
  Blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a touch of milk for a rich, decadent topping.

• Maple Glaze:
  Stir a bit of maple syrup into your vanilla glaze for extra cozy flavor.

Tip for Drizzling: Use a fork to flick glaze lightly over the twists for a beautiful, bakery-style finish!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple recipe like this has a few easy pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overproofing the Dough:
  Letting the dough rise too long can cause the breadtwists to collapse or taste yeasty.

• Using Cold Butter:
  Cold butter won’t spread evenly across the dough, leading to uneven filling distribution. Always melt it first!

• Underbaking:
  If your breadtwists are too pale or doughy inside, bake them a few extra minutes. Golden tops and lightly crisp edges are key!

Tips for the Best Fluffy, Buttery Texture

If you want your cinnamon roll breadtwists to turn out melt-in-your-mouth soft and packed with flavor, a few small tips make all the difference:

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients:
  Cold milk, butter, or eggs can shock your dough and prevent it from rising properly. Let everything sit out for 30 minutes before starting.

• Don’t Rush the Dough Rest:
  After kneading, let your dough relax and rise until it’s doubled in size. This resting period allows gluten to develop, which gives your breadtwists that soft, stretchy texture.

• Brush with Butter Twice:
  For the richest flavor, brush melted butter on the dough before adding cinnamon sugar and again right after baking while they’re still hot. This extra step creates that irresistible golden finish!

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists Ahead of Time

Planning ahead? No problem! Cinnamon roll breadtwists are very freezer- and fridge-friendly.

• Prepare the Dough a Day Ahead:
  You can make and refrigerate the dough after the first rise. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling out.

• Freeze Before Baking:
  Shape the breadtwists, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise for about 1–2 hours.

• Freeze After Baking:
  Baked breadtwists freeze beautifully too! Just let them cool completely, then wrap tightly before freezing.

Thaw and Bake:
Warm frozen twists at 300°F (about 10–15 minutes) until heated through and tender.

How to Store and Reheat Breadtwists

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature:
  Store cooled breadtwists in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator:
  If you need longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, but expect a slight firming of texture.

Reheating Without Drying Out:

• Wrap breadtwists in foil and rewarm in a 300°F oven for about 8–10 minutes.

• Avoid microwaving uncovered, as it can make them rubbery.

Quick Tip:
Always wrap in foil before reheating to lock in moisture and revive that fresh-baked flavor!

Fun Ways to Serve Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists

These sweet, twisted treats are as versatile as they are delicious! Here are a few fun ideas:

• Brunch Buffets:
  Line a big platter with breadtwists alongside fresh fruit, coffee, and mimosas.

• After-School Treat:
  Serve warm with a glass of milk or a dollop of whipped cream.

• Coffee Date Centerpiece:
  Stack them in a cozy bread basket for an impressive, bakery-style presentation.

They’re guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any gathering!

FAQs: Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists

What’s the difference between cinnamon rolls and cinnamon twists?
Cinnamon rolls are spiraled into tight rounds, while cinnamon twists are stretched and twisted, making them lighter and easier to eat by hand.

Can you make cinnamon breadtwists without yeast?
Yes! You can use a quick-rise baking powder dough, but the texture will be more biscuit-like and less chewy.

Why are my breadtwists dense instead of fluffy?
This usually happens if the dough didn’t rise long enough or if the flour measurement was too heavy. Always allow enough proofing time and measure flour carefully!

Can you freeze cinnamon roll breadtwists?
Absolutely. Freeze them either before or after baking, and reheat for a fresh, homemade taste.

How do you make breadtwists more buttery and rich?
Brush generously with melted butter before and after baking, and consider adding a touch of heavy cream to your dough for extra softness.

Final Thoughts: Why These Breadtwists Are Truly Heavenly

It’s hard to beat the simple joy of homemade cinnamon breadtwists. With their golden, buttery layers and sweet cinnamon filling, they feel comforting, luxurious, and a little bit magical—all at once.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with fillings, glazes, or festive flavors! Every batch is a new opportunity to make something truly special.

Have fun twisting, baking, and most importantly—sharing!

this …

Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Breadtwists

Soft, buttery, and packed with warm cinnamon sugar, these heavenly cinnamon roll breadtwists are the ultimate comfort treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a sweet afternoon snack, they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat!

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Rising Time: 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 8 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Comfort Food, Holiday Baking

Servings 12 breadtwists

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer (optional, for kneading)
• Rolling Pin
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry Brush

Ingredients

  

For the Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
• ¾ cup warm whole milk about 110°F
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened

For the Filling:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon

Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 –2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

Activate the Yeast:

• In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Make the Dough:

• In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer.

First Rise:

• Cover the dough with a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Prepare the Filling:

• In a bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Melt the butter separately.

Shape the Breadtwists:

• Roll dough into a 12x18-inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Fold the dough in half (short end to short end) and press gently.

Cut and Twist:

• Cut into 1-inch wide strips. Twist each strip a few times and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Second Rise:

• Cover and let twists rise for 20–30 minutes until slightly puffy.

Bake:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown.

Optional Glaze:

• Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm breadtwists.

Notes

• Dough Too Sticky?
  Add flour one tablespoon at a time during kneading, but be careful not to over-flour.
• Make Ahead Tip:
  You can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Bring to room temp before shaping.
• Flavor Variations:
  Add mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even diced apples to the filling for fun variations.
• Storage:
  Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
• Reheating:
  Warm in foil at 300°F for 8–10 minutes to keep them soft and fresh.

Keyword cinnamon roll breadtwists, cinnamon sugar breadsticks, fluffy cinnamon bread, twisted cinnamon rolls