If you’re like me, the smell of Cinnamon Twists baking in the oven is pure comfort on any day. These sweet, golden spirals are perfect for cozy breakfasts, lazy weekend brunches, or even an afternoon coffee break. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull these off! Simple pantry staples come together to create a treat that feels bakery-worthy without the stress.

In this recipe, the rich warmth of cinnamon meets the satisfying crunch of sugar, all wrapped in soft, buttery dough. The result is a twist (literally!) on the classic cinnamon roll — lighter, crispier edges, and just the right amount of sticky sweetness.

You’ll also love how adaptable this recipe is. Want to use puff pastry? Go for it. Prefer a touch of vanilla glaze? I’ve got you covered later in the variations section. Whether you’re baking for family brunch, a holiday breakfast, or simply craving something sweet, these Cinnamon Twists deliver flavor and joy in every bite.

So, tie up your apron and preheat your oven — your kitchen is about to smell incredible.

What Makes These Cinnamon Twists Special?

Simple ingredients, big flavor: You only need flour, sugar, cinnamon, butter, and milk — things you likely already have!
Easy to shape and bake: No complicated braiding or fancy tools. Just twist and bake.
Perfect texture: Golden, crisp edges with soft, cinnamon-swirled centers.
Great for any occasion: Breakfast, snack time, or dessert — they fit anywhere!
Customizable: Add glazes, nuts, or even swap in puff pastry for an extra flaky bite.

Why try this recipe? Because it’s one of those rare treats that looks impressive but doesn’t require hours of work. You’ll learn a simple folding and twisting technique that makes the twists look like they came straight from your favorite bakery.

Ingredient Notes

Let’s break down what you’ll need to make these cozy Cinnamon Twists:

All-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for the dough. You can substitute with bread flour for a slightly chewier texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the dough and the cinnamon filling. You can use brown sugar for a richer, caramel-like taste.
Ground cinnamon: The star of the show! Make sure it’s fresh for the best flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and flavor to the dough and the cinnamon-sugar filling. If using salted butter, skip the added salt.
Milk: Gives the dough tenderness. You can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and become light and fluffy. Instant yeast can be used too, just reduce the proofing time slightly.
Egg: Adds richness to the dough and helps bind everything together.
Powdered sugar (optional): For a simple glaze if you want a sweet finish.
Equipment: Rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper — that’s all you really need!

How To Make Cinnamon Twists

Prepare the dough:
In a large bowl, combine 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast with ¾ cup warm milk (around 100°F). Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy. Stir in 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 egg, and ¼ cup melted butter. Add 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead and rise:
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Roll out and fill:
Roll the dough into a large rectangle, roughly 12×18 inches. Spread ¼ cup softened butter across the surface. Sprinkle a mixture of ½ cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon evenly over the butter.
Shape the twists:
Fold the dough in half lengthwise. Cut into strips about 1 inch wide. Take each strip, twist it several times, and lay it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Second rise:
Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a towel. Let the twists rise for another 20-30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F.
Bake:
Bake the Cinnamon Twists for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown. Look for crisp edges and a slightly caramelized cinnamon layer.
Optional glaze:
Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons milk and a dash of vanilla extract. Drizzle over the warm twists for extra sweetness.

Storage Options

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Warm in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing: Wrap baked twists individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight on the counter.
Reheating: Place in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh that fresh-baked texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Puff Pastry Twists: Use thawed store-bought puff pastry for a flakier, buttery twist.
Nutty Cinnamon Twists: Add crushed pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mix.
Vegan Version: Swap dairy milk for almond milk and use vegan butter.
Holiday Spice: Add nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for a festive flavor.
Glazed Delight: Drizzle a maple glaze or vanilla icing for a bakery-style finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cinnamon Twists ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare them up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next morning.

Can I substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast?
Absolutely. Just skip the proofing step and mix the yeast straight into the flour.

Why is my dough too sticky?
Add flour one tablespoon at a time while kneading until it’s soft but no longer sticks to your fingers.

How do I know when the twists are fully baked?
They should be golden brown, and the cinnamon layer should look slightly caramelized.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, shape the twists, place them on a tray to freeze individually, then store in a bag until ready to bake.

Can I add other fillings?
Of course! Chocolate chips, raisins, or apple bits work beautifully with the cinnamon sugar base.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total beginner, these Cinnamon Twists are easy, comforting, and bound to become a family favorite. Their golden, sweet aroma will fill your kitchen, and they’ll disappear just as quickly once served! Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your twist on this recipe in the comments or tag me on social — I’d love to see your creations!

Homemade Cinnamon Twists: A Sweet and Cozy Treat You’ll Love

Author: Sofia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 twists 1x

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
¾ cup warm milk
2 tbsp sugar
1 egg
¼ cup melted butter
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
¼ cup softened butter (filling)
½ cup sugar (filling)
2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Combine yeast and warm milk, let it bloom for 5-7 minutes.
Stir in sugar, egg, and butter. Add flour and salt, knead until smooth.
Let rise for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled.
Roll out, spread butter, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar, fold, and cut into strips.
Twist strips and arrange on a baking sheet. Let rise for 30 minutes.
Bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes. Cool slightly and glaze if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 220
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: 4g