Description
Indulge in the warm, gooey delight of Homemade Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing. These soft and buttery twists capture the essence of classic cinnamon rolls with a beautiful braided design that’s perfect for any gathering. Each bite offers a delightful crunch from the cinnamon sugar filling, followed by a rich, creamy drizzle that enhances their sweetness. Whether you’re treating yourself during a cozy weekend or impressing guests at brunch, these twists are sure to be a hit. Easy to make and a joy to share, they bring comfort and cheer on any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons bread flour
- 2 cups bread flour (See notes below for measuring)
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons heavy cream (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- Tangzhong, from recipe above
- 3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- 5 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
- 2 ounces softened cream cheese
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
Instructions
- Prepare tangzhong by whisking water and bread flour in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened. Set aside to cool.
- In a stand mixer, combine remaining flour, sugar, yeast, salt, heavy cream, milk, egg, vanilla paste, and cooled tangzhong. Knead until forming a rough ball.
- Gradually add softened butter while kneading until smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rest for 30 minutes covered in plastic wrap.
- Roll out dough into a square and spread half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it.
- Cut strips of dough, twist them together, and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Brush twisted pieces with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture and allow to rise for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake twists for 9-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare cream cheese icing by mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle icing over warm twists and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist (50g)
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 152mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg