Name: Cinnamon Sugar Twists
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups milk (preferably not skim milk); 1/4 cup room temperature water; 6 tablespoons butter, cut into tablespoon-size pieces; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon instant or active dry yeast; 1 large egg; 1 1/4 teaspoons salt; 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar; 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon; 12 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

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These delightful Cinnamon Sugar Twists are a fantastic way to fill your kitchen with warmth and the sweet aroma of cinnamon. Imagine them baking away, filling the air with a comforting scent that makes everyone in the house smile. These twists are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just as a treat to enjoy with coffee or tea. Plus, they’re a fun activity to make with friends or family. You may also find Cinnamon Sugar Pull Apart Bread useful.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Cinnamon Sugar Twists is not just about the end result; it’s also about the joy of baking. Kneading dough, watching it rise, and then creating those irresistible twists is incredibly satisfying. If you love the flavors of cinnamon and sugar, you’ll want to add this recipe to your rotation. They can be enjoyed warm out of the oven, or served later in the day, perhaps alongside some ice cream or a cup of your favorite tea.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twists

Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need:

1 1/4 cups milk (preferably not skim milk)
1/4 cup room temperature water
6 tablespoons butter, cut into tablespoon-size pieces
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon instant or active dry yeast
1 large egg
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
12 tablespoons butter, melted
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Twists

Directions

For the dough, heat the milk until tiny bubbles form around the edges and it’s steaming. Pour this into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add the water, butter, and sugar, and let this cool until warm (an instant-read thermometer should read 110 to 115 degrees F).

Next, add 2 cups of the flour and sprinkle the yeast on top. Combine everything; expect a thin mixture. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 5-10 minutes until it’s slightly puffy and bubbly. Stir in the egg and salt, then add the remaining flour gradually until the dough clears the sides of the bowl and forms a soft, sticky ball. Be careful not to over-flour it! Knead for 5-6 minutes until smooth.

Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which should take about 45 to 60 minutes. Lightly grease a half-sheet pan with cooking spray. When the dough is ready, gently punch it down and turn it onto a lightly greased countertop. Roll it out to a 15X10-inch rectangle.

Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough in half lengthwise and then into about 1 1/2-inch strips, yielding about 20 strips. For the cinnamon-sugar coating, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Dip each strip into the melted butter, then coat it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Twist each strip one or two times, being careful not to stretch the dough, and place them on the prepared sheet pan in two rows.

Cover and let the twists rise until noticeably puffy, about 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and bake for 20 to 22 minutes until they are lightly golden and baked through.

For the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Adjust the consistency with more milk to thin or more powdered sugar to thicken. You can either serve the icing on the side for dipping or drizzle it over the twists. These cinnamon twists are delightful even without icing!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twists

These twists are incredibly versatile. You can serve them warm with icing drizzled over the top for a sweet treat or plate them with a side of icing for dipping. They’re perfect for breakfast alongside fresh fruit or even as an afternoon snack with a good cup of tea or coffee. If you’re hosting, consider serving them with other delicious options like cinnamon brown sugar sourdough bread for variety.

How to Store Cinnamon Sugar Twists

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a few minutes.

Tips to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twists

Be gentle when twisting the dough to maintain its soft texture.
If you’re a cinnamon lover, you might consider doubling the cinnamon in the mixture for a stronger flavor.
These twists are delightful when served alongside baked sourdough doughnuts with cinnamon sugar for a fun brunch spread.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Try adding chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the sugar mixture. You could even experiment with a drizzle of caramel sauce over the icing for a decadent twist!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made a day ahead. Just let it rise once, then punch it down and refrigerate it until you’re ready to shape and bake the twists.

What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough isn’t rising, it might be too cold. Find a warm spot in your kitchen and try again. You can also check the yeast to make sure it’s fresh.

What can I use instead of milk?

If you prefer, you can substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative, such as almond milk or soy milk, and still get delicious results!

Cinnamon Sugar Twists

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Conclusion

Baking these cinnamon sugar twists will fill your home with lovely smells and give you a delightful treat to enjoy. For another fun twist on cinnamon, check out this cinnamon twist recipe by Chef Lindsey Farr to take your love for cinnamon to the next level.