Making Cinnamon Roll Bread Twists is a tradition I’ve happily carried into my own home, introducing my family to this delicious treat. It started as a special weekend affair, but given our collective love for these cinnamon-swirled wonders, it quickly became much more frequent. Nothing says ‘home’ quite like gathering around the table, sharing stories while unraveling twists of fragrant, sweet bread—each bite is a journey back to family kitchens and carefree laughter.
What’s even better? This recipe is wonderfully simple—a breeze, really, often boasting a seamless night-before setup or sudden weekend whim. It’s a dance of ingredients so familiar yet so rewarding, like seeing old friends reunited. The freedom to tweak and adapt the recipe ensures it always feels fresh and exciting. Whether you’re a baking pro or someone just dipping their toes in yeasty waters, these twists cater to everyone’s culinary aspirations.
Now, naming exact portions might not be my strong suit, but the possibilities these Cinnamon Roll Bread Twists offer are vast! They’re ideal breakfast companions, fantastic midday pick-me-ups, or even an after-dinner indulgence. The response from family and friends is always one of glee, a testament to their perennial appeal. And, there’s something truly special about sharing a piece of your heritage with others; these twists make it so rewarding.
So perhaps today is the day you gather your loved ones or venture solo in the kitchen for a baking escapade that promises a house full of warmth—and plenty of sweet cinnamon smiles to go around. Ready to uncover the magic of Cinnamon Roll Bread Twists? Let’s dive into the recipe and make some memories!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bread Twists
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Ingredients:
- 1¼ cups warm water
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 package)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Directions:
- Mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy.
- To the mixture, add the softened butter, about 3 cups of flour, and salt. With a dough hook on low speed, blend until the dough starts to come together—roughly 3-4 minutes. If it’s sticky, gradually incorporate more flour until it detaches from the bowl easily.
- Transfer the dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let it rest in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it nearly doubles in size.
- While waiting, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the butter in a small bowl, and in another, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle approximately 9×15 inches and about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
- Slice the rolled-out dough into 12 strips using a pizza cutter. Cut each strip lengthwise without separating the ends, keeping them connected.
- Brush the strips with melted butter on both sides, then generously sprinkle with the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
- Twist the dough’s two sections together and secure the ends. Arrange them on the prepped baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for another 20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F in the meantime.
- Bake the twists for 15 to 20 minutes or until they’re a lovely golden brown hue.
- Allow the twists to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy each glorious bite!
Customizing Cinnamon Roll Bread Twists: Alternative Ingredients
There’s plenty of room to customize this recipe. Swap out the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a healthier spin. No brown sugar? Try coconut sugar for a different kind of sweetness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, substituting butter with plant-based margarine works wonders. Feel free to experiment with spices; a dash of nutmeg pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Best Ways to Store Leftover Cinnamon Roll Bread Twists
Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Bread Twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To preserve them for longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy again, a quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes in the oven will revive their fresh-out-of-the-oven charm.
Perfect Pairings for Cinnamon Roll Bread Twists
There’s no shortage of ways to serve these delightful twists. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of cold milk for breakfast. Fresh fruits like strawberries or a dollop of rich whipped cream make excellent complements. Or, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that pops.
Secrets to Perfecting Cinnamon Roll Bread Twists
For success with these twists, knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic—overworking can make it tough. Patience is key with the rise; ensure the dough doubles in size for that light, fluffy texture. Experiment with your cinnamon sugar ratio to strike your perfect balance, personalizing the flavors to your liking.
Adding a Seasonal Spin to Cinnamon Roll Bread Twists
Infuse these Cinnamon Roll Bread Twists with seasonal warmth by incorporating grated apple in the fall, or try adding raisins during the winter holidays. In the summer, drizzle with a lemon glaze for a refreshing twist. Incorporating seasonal fruits and spices can add unique tastes that shift with the changing weather.
FAQs:
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough as directed, let it rise, then refrigerate overnight. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe steps. This can actually enhance the flavors, as refrigerating allows the yeast to work slowly, developing a richer taste and texture.
What kind of yeast should I use?
Active dry yeast is recommended for this recipe as it is specifically written to activate it before mixing. However, if you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the initial proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients, as it doesn’t require activation in warm water.
How should the dough feel?
The dough should be smooth, soft, and slightly tacky, but not so sticky that it sticks to your fingers. It should have enough elasticity to slightly bounce back when pressed. Adding flour incrementally helps achieve this consistency without overdoing it, ensuring the bread twists come out perfectly.
Can I freeze the unbaked twists?
Yes, you can! After shaping the dough into twists, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply let them thaw and rise once more before popping them into the oven for fresh-baked goodness.
Is there a gluten-free alternative?
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Be sure to select one that already includes xanthan gum to provide the necessary elasticity and structure to the dough. Note that texture and flavor may vary slightly but will still be delicious!
Why didn’t my twists rise properly?
There could be a few reasons: ensure your yeast is fresh and active by checking its expiration date. Additionally, the water temperature needs to be warm (between 100°F to 110°F) to activate the yeast. If the dough isn’t rising, place it in a slightly warmer environment, such as near a preheating oven.
Cinnamon Roll Bread Twists
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- baking sheet
- Pizza Cutter
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1¼ cups warm water
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 package)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
For Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Incorporate softened butter, 3 cups of flour, and salt. Mix on low speed with a dough hook for about 3-4 minutes until the dough begins to form. If the dough remains sticky, gradually add more flour until it pulls away from the bowl.
- Transfer the dough into a greased bowl and cover it. Let it rest for 30-45 minutes or until it nearly doubles in size.
For Filling and Twisting:
- While the dough rises, prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Melt the butter in a small bowl, and in another bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough out on a floured work surface into a rectangle measuring approximately 9 by 15 inches and ¼ to ½ inch thick.
- Cut the rolled dough into 12 strips using a pizza cutter. Halve each strip lengthwise, ensuring that the two halves remain attached at one end.
- Brush melted butter over both sides of each strip, then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Twist the two halves of each strip together and seal the ends. Arrange the twists on the prepared baking sheet and cover them. Allow them to rise for another 20 minutes.
Baking:
- While the twists rise, preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Once the twists have puffed up, bake them for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown.
- Remove the twists from the oven and allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes before enjoying!
