These timeless cinnamon twists are a classically sweet breakfast treat that is super easy for beginner bakers. My recipe strays slightly from the 1960s original to adjust for buttermilk instead of sour cream.
In a mixing bowl, combine the warm buttermilk, warm water, sugar, and yeast.
Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Then, add in the melted butter, egg, salt, and half the flour. Mix.
Gradually add in enough of the remaining flour until the dough becomes smooth and is no longer sticky.
Kneading & Resting the Dough
Once your dough is no longer sticky, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it just a few times.
Cover the dough with a tea towel and let it set for 5 minutes while you move on to preparing your sugar and cinnamon filling.
Mix Cinnamon Filling
While your dough is resting, place the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, and stir.
Assemble the Cinnamon Twists
Turn your rested dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Roll the dough into a 6 X 24-inch rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
Spread the rectangle with 2 tablespoons of butter.
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch of space around the top and bottom edges.
Fold the top half of the rectangle down to meet the bottom half edge.
Crimp the edge along the length so there is a seal.
Cut 1-inch strips along the length of the folded dough, resulting in 24 cut strips.
Pick the 1-inch strips, one at a time, and twist the top and bottom edges in opposite directions to form the twisted shape.
Place the spiral onto a silicone or parchment paper lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 1/2 inches between twists.
Cover and let rise for about 1 hour.
Baking the Twists
Once your cinnamon twists are almost done rising, preheat oven to 375°F.
Bake them for about 12 or 13 minutes, or until they are a light golden brown.
Glazing the Twists
While the twists are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing together lump-free confectioner's sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.
Continue mixing until there is a smooth consistency.
Once you remove the twists from the oven, let them cool slightly for a few minutes.
You may remove them to a wire rack or leave them on the baking sheet to drizzle the glaze over them.
Notes
Cinnamon Twists Serving Suggestions
Your delicious cinnamon twists are now ready to enjoy! These taste slightly sweet and are the perfect breakfast treat paired with a warm cup of coffee or tea.You may store any leftover cinnamon twists in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. To enjoy them later, simply microwave them for a few seconds and enjoy.
Sweet Variations on the Cinnamon Twists Recipe
If you're feeling adventurous and want to stray from the classic cinnamon sugar, there are many variations you can try with this classic and easy recipe.
add chopped nuts and/or raisins to the cinnamon filling
add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate twists
Nutella filling instead of butter/sugar/cinnamon
1/2 cup of jam mixed with 1 1/2 teaspoon flour for filling and cream cheese glaze (4 ounces of cream cheese, 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, & 3 tablespoons milk)