Name: Homemade Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 59 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon water; 2 tablespoons bread flour; 2 cups bread flour; 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, prepared from the water and all-purpose flour (recipe step included); 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 48 reviews

If you have a soft spot for sweet, gooey treats that feel like a warm hug from the inside, you’re absolutely going to adore this Homemade Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe. These beautiful twists bring together the tender, fluffy dough swirled with a rich cinnamon sugar blend and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing that melts into every crevice. The magic starts with a special tangzhong technique that makes the dough irresistibly soft and pillowy, elevating these twists far beyond your average cinnamon treat. Whether you’re baking for a cozy brunch or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe wraps up all the comforting vibes you could wish for!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a smooth, round ball of dough with a light beige color resting at the bottom of a clear glass measuring cup. The dough has a soft and slightly shiny texture with small air bubbles visible on its surface. The glass container is transparent with measurement markings on the side, showing the dough's size compared to the cup. The entire scene is set against a white marbled texture, giving a clean and bright look to the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s truly wonderful about this recipe is how straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s building the dough’s soft texture, adding that perfect burst of cinnamon sweetness, or creating the creamy icing that makes every bite heavenly.

Water (1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon): The base for the tangzhong, ensuring a tender crumb.
Bread flour (2 cups + 2 tablespoons total): Gives structure to the dough and supports a chewy yet soft texture.
Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness to balance the spices.
Instant yeast (3/4 teaspoon): Essential for that wonderful rise and fluffiness.
Fine sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances flavor, making every ingredient pop.
Heavy cream (2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons, room temperature): Enriches the dough, giving it silkiness.
Whole milk (2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons, room temperature): Adds moisture and tenderness.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients and helps with the dough’s elasticity.
Vanilla bean paste (1 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon for filling and icing): Infuses a deep, fragrant sweetness.
Tangzhong: The flour-water roux that creates extra-soft, moist bread.
Unsalted butter (3 1/2 tablespoons, room temperature): Incorporated slowly for a glossy, tender dough.
Dark brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Provides rich molasses notes in the cinnamon filling.
Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tablespoons): The star spice for that warm, comforting flavor.
Salted butter (5 tablespoons, melted): Used generously to bind the cinnamon sugar filling.
Softened cream cheese (2 ounces): The heart of the creamy icing topping.
Powdered sugar (2/3 cup): Gives the icing a smooth, sweet finish.
Whole milk (3 tablespoons, for icing): Adjusts the icing’s perfect glide and texture.

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong

This step is your secret weapon for ultra-soft dough. Whisk water and flour in a small saucepan, cooking gently over medium heat until it transforms into a smooth paste. This slurry locks moisture into the dough, ensuring your cinnamon twists stay tender for days.

Step 2: Mix Your Dough Ingredients

Into your stand mixer bowl, add bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Then pour in the cream, milk, egg, vanilla bean paste, and your freshly made tangzhong. Use the dough hook on low for a few minutes until it just starts forming a rough ball. This initial mix brings everything together before adding butter.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter for That Dreamy Texture

Keep the mixer on low and gradually add the soft butter in small amounts. This slow incorporation is key — it mimics the lamination process, creating a supple, elastic dough that’s tacky, never sticky. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and glossy, then adjust texture as needed with a little flour.

Step 4: First Rise with a Cozy Rest

Shape your dough into a smooth ball and place it seam-side down in the bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the dough to begin its slow rise, preparing it for the magic that’s coming.

Step 5: Roll Out and Layer with Cinnamon Sugar

Roll your rested dough into a neat 12×12-inch square. Next, mix dark brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and melted salted butter until smooth and well-blended. Brush half this luscious cinnamon sugar evenly over the dough, creating the perfect sweet layer for twisting.

Step 6: Cut and Twist Your Cinnamon Strips

Slice the dough into twelve 1-inch strips, then cut each strip in half so you have 24 pieces. Take two strips at a time and twist them together, gently pinching the ends to seal. Place each twist on a parchment-lined tray—not too crowded, so they puff beautifully.

Step 7: The Final Cinnamon Glaze and Long Rise

Brush the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture generously over each twist. If the mixture cools and thickens, a short zap in the microwave will make it perfect for spreading. Cover with plastic wrap and let the twists rise for 1 to 2 hours until puffy and light to the touch.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Gooey

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the risen twists for 9–12 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of around 175°F to ensure they’re cooked through yet delectably gooey inside. If you prefer them slightly firmer, feel free to bake an extra couple of minutes.

Step 9: Whip Up the Silky Cream Cheese Icing

While the twists bake, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth, then whisk in milk and vanilla bit by bit until you reach a glaze that is velvety, pourable, and just sweet enough to complement each twist.

Step 10: Finish with the Cream Cheese Icing

As soon as the twists come out of the oven, drizzle the cream cheese icing all over while they are warm. This creates that perfect melt-in-your-mouth finish that makes these cinnamon twists unforgettable.

How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of a cinnamon roll piece with a soft, light brown inside and a crispy, dark brown outside. The top layer is covered in thick, creamy white icing that is melting slightly over the cinnamon roll’s surface. The texture of the roll looks fluffy inside with a slightly rough, baked crust. The cinnamon roll pieces are placed close together on a white marbled surface. The focus is on one piece at the center, with other pieces softly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Optional toppings like a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon cane sugar add delightful texture and visual appeal. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also give your twists a delicate, snowy finish that feels extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair your cinnamon twists with a rich cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy chai latte to complement the warm spice notes. For a brunch spread, fresh fruit like sliced oranges or berries adds a refreshing balance to the buttery sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your twists in a rustic wooden basket lined with a pretty linen napkin to highlight their homemade charm. For gatherings, create individual servings by placing a twist on small dessert plates with a little extra drizzle of cream cheese icing and a sprig of mint for color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them at their soft, fresh-baked best, avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out.

Freezing

These twists freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently warm in a low oven.

Reheating

Reheat cinnamon twists by placing them in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. Warm them just enough to bring back their softness and revive that glistening cream cheese icing without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I make the tangzhong ahead of time?

Absolutely! The tangzhong can be made up to a day ahead and kept covered in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature before using it in your dough.

What if I don’t have bread flour?

You can use all-purpose flour as a substitute, but your twists might be slightly less chewy and soft. To compensate, try adding a teaspoon of vital wheat gluten if you have it handy.

Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?

Yes, regular vanilla extract works just fine. The bean paste just adds a lovely speckled look and a slightly more intense vanilla flavor, but it’s totally optional.

How should the dough feel after kneading?

The dough should feel tacky but not sticky. If it clings to your fingers or the bowl excessively, sprinkle a teaspoon of flour at a time during kneading until the texture feels right—soft and elastic, but manageable.

Can I double this recipe for larger batches?

Definitely! This recipe scales up well. Just be sure to give your dough plenty of room to rise and adjust your baking trays so the twists aren’t crowded to maintain their lovely shape and texture.

Final Thoughts

With each bite of this Homemade Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe, you’re wrapped in layers of sweet cinnamon spice, tender dough, and silky icing that just melts away. It’s the kind of treat that turns any morning into a celebration and any gathering into a warm, joyful memory. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll find it quickly becoming a beloved staple that friends and family will ask for again and again!