Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, soft & gooey cinnamon twist, the delightful aroma of cinnamon swirling around you like a cozy hug on a chilly morning. Each bite reveals layers of sweet, buttery goodness that dance on your palate, with the rich cream cheese icing drizzling down like a decadent waterfall, promising an explosion of flavor that?s hard to resist.
Jump to:
- Why Will You Keep Making Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing?
- What Goes Into Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing
- Directions: Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing
- Expert Tips
- How to Store and Freeze Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing
- Make Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing Your Own
- Make Ahead Options
- Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe FAQs
These cinnamon twists are not just a treat; they?re an experience, perfect for lazy Sunday brunches or as a surprise dessert at family gatherings. Picture yourself reminiscing about cherished times spent in the kitchen, laughter echoing as you twist and turn the dough, crafting these heavenly delights that bring everyone together. Get ready to indulge in a flavor journey that will make your taste buds sing and leave you eagerly reaching for seconds!
Why Will You Keep Making Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing?
Deliciously soft and gooey, these cinnamon twists are a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. Quick prep time of just 20 minutes makes them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings. Rich cream cheese icing adds a luscious finish that elevates each bite. Versatile enough to serve as breakfast or dessert, they?re bound to impress family and friends alike!
What Goes Into Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour ? This forms the base of your cinnamon twists, ensuring they have the right texture.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar ? Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors in the dough.
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast ? Essential for making your twists rise and become light and fluffy.
- 1/2 cup milk (warm) ? Warm milk activates the yeast, helping your dough to rise beautifully.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted) ? Gives richness to the dough and helps create that soft, gooey texture.
- 1 large egg ? Adds moisture and binds the ingredients together for a cohesive dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ? Enhances the overall flavor of your Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Twists.
For the Cinnamon Filling
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed) ? Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon ? The star ingredient that gives these twists their beloved flavor and aromatic scent.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened) ? Helps spread the cinnamon filling easily across the dough.
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened) ? Adds a rich, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the cinnamon twists.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar ? Sweetens the icing while creating a lovely smooth texture.
- 1 tablespoon milk ? Adjusts consistency for drizzling over your warm twists perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract ? Infuses a delightful aroma and enhances all the flavors in your icing.
Directions: Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing
1. Combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a mixing bowl. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes until frothy, creating a lively yeast base for your dough.
2. Add melted unsalted butter, a large egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms that?s ready for kneading.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Make the Filling:
4. Mix together packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened unsalted butter in a small bowl until well combined. This rich filling will provide that delightful cinnamon flavor in every twist.
Shape the Twists:
5. Preheat your oven to 375?F (190?C). Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangle, preparing it for its delicious transformation.
6. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough. Cut the dough into strips and twist each strip gently to create those beautiful twists you?ll love.
7. Place the twisted strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for another 15 minutes so they can puff up beautifully before baking.
Bake and Ice:
8. Bake the twists in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that promises deliciousness.
9. Prepare your cream cheese icing by mixing softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth while your twists are baking?this icing is the cherry on top!
10. Drizzle the cream cheese icing over warm twists once they?re out of the oven. This step adds that creamy richness that makes each bite unforgettable!
Optional: Sprinkle with extra cinnamon or chopped nuts before serving for added texture!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips
- Perfect Dough Temperature: Ensure your milk is warm but not hot; too hot can kill the yeast, leading to dense Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing.
- Kneading Technique: Knead just until smooth; over-kneading can make the dough tough instead of soft and gooey.
- Rising Time Matters: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for the best texture. A longer rise leads to fluffier twists.
- Even Filling Spread: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly for consistent flavor in every bite. Uneven distribution might result in some twists tasting bland.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your twists while baking; they can go from golden to burnt quickly. Check at 12 minutes!
- Icing Temperature: Drizzle the cream cheese icing while the twists are still warm to create a melty, luscious topping that enhances their gooey goodness.
How to Store and Freeze Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing
- Room Temperature: Keep your Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Twists in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their delightful softness.
- Fridge: If you want them to last longer, store the twists in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to wrap them well to prevent drying out.
- Freezer: For even longer storage, freeze the cinnamon twists (without icing) in a tightly sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
- Reheating: Warm your twists in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them into a preheated oven at 350?F (175?C) for 5-7 minutes for that fresh-baked taste!
Make Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing Your Own
Feel free to let your creativity flow and customize this recipe to suit your taste buds!
- Whole Wheat Flour: Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. The texture will be heartier, making these twists even more satisfying.
- Maple Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with maple sugar for a delightful twist of flavor. This will infuse your dough with a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Almond Milk: Use almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option. This swap adds a hint of nutty flavor while keeping the dough moist and tender.
- Coconut Oil: Substitute melted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative and a light tropical aroma. The coconut flavor adds an enticing warmth that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Nutmeg Kick: Enhance the cinnamon filling by adding a pinch of nutmeg. This warm spice elevates the flavor profile, making each bite even more comforting.
- Cream Cheese Variations: Mix in some lemon zest or orange zest into the cream cheese icing for a refreshing citrus twist. This brightens up the rich icing, creating a delightful contrast.
- Spicy Heat: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon filling for an unexpected spicy kick. This creates an exciting fusion between sweet and heat, making your twists memorable.
Make Ahead Options
Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy that warm, comforting flavor any day of the week. You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing warm milk, sugar, and yeast, letting it froth before adding melted butter, egg, and salt, followed by gradually mixing in 2 cups of flour. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth, then let it rise for an hour. The cinnamon filling can also be made ahead by combining 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of softened butter. Shape your twists and let them rise on a baking sheet for another 15 minutes before baking. If you want to take it a step further, you can refrigerate the formed twists for up to 3 days; just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before baking. When you’re ready to serve, bake at 375?F (190?C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and drizzle with freshly made cream cheese icing for a delightful finish!
Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe FAQs
What type of flour should I use for the dough?
Using all-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe, as it provides the right balance of structure and softness. If you want to experiment, you could try using bread flour for a chewier twist or a gluten-free blend if you’re avoiding gluten.
How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?
After letting the dough rise for about 1 hour, it should have doubled in size and feel soft and slightly puffy. You can also gently poke it; if the indentation remains, it’s ready for the next step!
Can I make the cinnamon filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cinnamon filling a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before spreading it on your rolled-out dough.
What?s the best way to store leftover cinnamon twists?
To keep your soft & gooey cinnamon twists fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat them gently in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This delightful recipe makes about 4 generous servings. Each twist is around 250 calories, making them perfect for sharing with family or indulging on your own!
What do I do if my cream cheese icing is too thick?
If your icing turns out too thick, simply add a splash more milk?start with just 1 teaspoon at a time?until you reach that smooth, drizzle-able consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to flow over those warm cinnamon twists beautifully!
Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in flour until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl and cover. Let rise for 1 hour.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until well combined.
- Preheat the oven to 375?F (190?C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Cut the dough into strips and twist each strip.
- Place the twists on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let rise for another 15 minutes.
- Bake the twists in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, prepare the cream cheese icing by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Once the twists are baked, drizzle the cream cheese icing over them while they are still warm.
