Cinnamon and brown sugar intertwined with soft, sweet dough. These are the makings of some very heavenly Twisted Cinnamon Sticks. Then drizzled with a delicious vanilla glaze.
This is what happens when I need to switch up the cinnamon roll action around here at my house.
I can’t help it. I’m a little obsessed with cinnamon rolls… even with the red velvet ones!
I bake them weekly. Too much, you think?
In the makings of this creation, the Twisted Cinnamon Sticks… took a couple days to get it to where I wanted the right size.
Let me tell you about the size. When I was first getting this vision situated to a real vision, they ended up looking like massive sandwich buns! SO not what I wanted. The taste was all there… just not the size, or shape. At least I knew the yeast was working!
Now, these twisted strips of sweet dough and cinnamon have succeeded the many batches of testing… and nicely approved by my many taste testers. Even if I do send a batch to all of the employees at my local market. In which, I do!
Making all of this, and especially the dough from scratch is a breeze.
First, proof your yeast. This is an easy step. Put the yeast and sugar in a small bowl, add the warm water. Give it a quick stir and set it off to the side to proof. Within 5 minutes, you’ll see a rising foam on the top.
While the yeast is proofing, warm the milk in a separate bowl. Put the butter right into the milk to melt it. Set aside.
Beat the egg in another small bowl. Make sure the egg is at room temperature. Remember, you have the warm yeast and the warm milk with melted butter. Adding the cold egg wouldn’t be very friendly to the others, right? Tip: you may let warm water run over the egg to get it to room temperature. I usually do this all the time, because I’m always forget to set the eggs out.
Now you have 3 bowls off to the side. Put one and a half cups of the bread flour, sugar, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
Add all of the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Mix by hand or with a dough hook. Slowly add the rest of the flour while it is mixing. Keep mixing until the dough has pulled away from the sides of the bowl.
Take the dough out of the bowl and set onto a floured surface. Knead it for a few more minutes. Allow the dough to rest for 15 minutes, covered. Tip: set the empty mixing bowl over the resting dough.
Mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
After the dough has rested, roll it out to a half inch thick and about 15 inches wide all around. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect! Roll it into a square or a circle. These are your creation from scratch!
Spread the softened butter onto the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture on top.
With a pizza cutter, slice up the middle and work your way out to the sides to get equal sized strips.
Fold each strip in half.
After folding the dough in half, pinch together the side of the open ends. Take each end and twist. Lay on a baking sheet about an inch and a half apart. The twisted action relaxes a little bit and they want to lean on a turn. No need to stress about the perfection!
Immediately put the full baking sheet into your preheated oven to bake. They will puff up and rise while baking.
See how they just kind of just do their own thang!
Let’s make the glaze! Whisk together confectioners powdered sugar with half and half. Add a little of vanilla extract.
Drizzle the glaze all over the warm Twisted Cinnamon Sticks!
- 2 1/4 teaspoon dry active yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 cup water, warm (100-110 degrees)
- 1/4 cup milk (I use whole milk.)
- 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, divided
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 cups bread flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 1/4 cup confectioners powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup half & half (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Put yeast and sugar in a small bowl, add the warm water and stir. Set aside for 10 minutes.
- Heat the milk with 2 tablespoons of butter, until melted. Set aside.
- Put one and a half cups of bread flour, sugar, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the proofed yeast, milk mixture, and beaten egg into the flour mixture. Mix by hand or with a dough hook on low speed. Slowly add the rest of the flour while it is mixing. Keep mixing until the dough has pulled away from the sides of the bowl. Add additional flour one tablespoon at a time, if needed.
- Take dough out of the bowl and set onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for a few more minutes. Allow the dough to rest for 15 minutes, covered.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- After the dough has rested, roll it out to a half inch thick and about 15 inches wide all around.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter onto the flat dough.
- Sprinkle all of the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture on top of the buttered dough.
- With a pizza cutter, slice up the middle and work your way out to the sides to get equal sizes of strips.
- Fold each strip in half.
- After folding the dough in half, pinch together the side of the open ends. Take each end and twist. Lay on a baking sheet about an inch and a half apart.
- Place into the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. (Every oven is different and the sizes of the sticks may vary.)
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, half & half, and vanilla.
- Drizzle over the tops of the the warm twisted cinnamon sticks and serve!
Enjoy, my friends!
These Twisted Cinnamon Sticks are shared and linked up to party with: Little Miss Celebration Roubinek Reality
That’s it, I’m moving in with you.
Really, Gloria? You know my obsession with cinnamon rolls! These are gorgeous and you do such a good job explaining the ‘why’ behind baking! Pinned to my Cinnamon Roll board.
Paula recently posted…Red Velvet Cookie Dough Truffles
Paula, I was totally thinking about you the whole time! xo
They’re beautiful, Gloria, and I can’t wait to make some! I want to come over your house for breakfast. 🙂
marcie recently posted…Chocolate Croissants {Pain au Chocolat}
Well, let’s devour the cinnamon sticks and your croissants! Thanks, Marcie!
I spend a lot of time making dough and cinnamon sticks are one of the kids favorite things for me to make! These look divine!
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet recently posted…No Bake M&M Peanut Butter Delights
Nancy, kids just love this kind of treat!
Twist automatically make things more fun! Yeasted cinnamon rolls are one of my weaknesses, but this twisted version looks even better. Loving that glaze! Gorgeous photos, too – glaze always throws off my exposure! 🙂
Mary Frances recently posted…Sprinkles and MnM Cookies
Mary Frances, glaze does that to me! Good thing a hidden camera (or anyone!) didn’t catch me literally licking the bowl!
I am such a sucker for cinnamon rolls but I think I love these twists even more! They look amazing Gloria and oh how I wish I could get a taste of your weekly batch! Pinning! Gorgeous step-by-step photos as always!
Kelly recently posted…Shrimp Stir-Fry Lo Mein Noodles (Happy Shrimp Longevity Noodles)
Kelly, I’m the same way. I simply cannot resist a cinnamon roll… no matter where I am.
Oh my word, these are gorgeous!!! I love all things cinnamon. PINNED!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets recently posted…Strawberry Mints
Aimee, I agree… I think cinnamon is my BFF!
Gloria, these look absolutely incredible and your photos are, as always, amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this fabulous recipe and of course, pinning and sharing! Hope you have a happy and wonderful week!
Cindy Eikenberg recently posted…Home Sweet Home Foam & Paper Heart Wreath
Aww, thank you so much, Cindy! You made my whole day!
I second Paula’s comment – have room for two?! Especially since you bake cinnamon rolls weekly and I still haven’t tried your red velvet ones! These look seriously incredible and what a fun idea!
Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron recently posted…(One Skillet) Chicken Enchilada Pasta
Chelsea, I wish you still lived over here in Utah! We’d be the taste testers for each other!
I think I’d take cinnamon rolls or buns in any shape or size, but these really are so pretty! Because they are so easy to grab, I imagine that my kiddos would have these gone in a matter of minutes. I can’t wait to make these:) Pinned!
Shannon {Cozy Country Living} recently posted…White Chocolate & Almond Amaretto Cheesecake
I am right there with you, Shannon. Love them in any way! (=
Gloria, I want to live with you too and eat these all day! They sound and looks amazing, just like the red velvet ones! Pinned! 🙂
Marti
Marti recently posted…Valentine Eggnog Pound Cake Loafs
You are so sweet, Marti!
simple, tasty and beautiful!
Sarah & Arkadi recently posted…Smoked Oyster and Brie Crostini with Roasted Garlic
Gorgeous cinnamon twists, Gloria! I’m drooling. 🙂 Isn’t working with yeast dough so much fun…especially sweet dough? The men at your house are SO lucky that you bake sweet dough rolls once a week! Thanks for sharing, girl!
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen recently posted…Cajun Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce
Stacy, I think I’m a little obsessed with yeast and flour…. and sugar!
One of my favorite bakeries makes cinnamon twist and we ALWAYS order them! They are on my list to make at home this year!! You’ve made it look so easy, and I love the drizzle you put on them! 🙂
Elizabeth @ Confessions of a Baking Queen recently posted…Strawberry Red Velvet Swirl Cookies
Elizabeth, you’ll love making these… especially eating them!
You make cinnamon rolls weekly? When can I move in?
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting recently posted…Circus Animal Fudge
Sure! Come on over! 🙂
I would say that weekly is perfectly acceptable for cinnamon rolls. 😀 These cinnamon sticks look amazing and I love their twisted shape! Planning on trying these this weekend!
Sarah@WholeAndHeavenlyOven recently posted…Banana Oatmeal Cherry Cookies
I would say that weekly is perfectly acceptable for cinnamon rolls. 😀 These cinnamon sticks look incredible and I love their twisted shape! Cinnamon rolls are hands down my favorite breakfast choice— Planning on trying these this weekend!
Sarah@WholeAndHeavenlyOven recently posted…Banana Oatmeal Cherry Cookies
You’ll love these, Sarah. Let me know what you think!
I want these for my dinner. Just these 😉
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes recently posted…Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
Ashley, I’ve found myself doing that more than once!
OMG, my kids would go crazy with that. Definitely bookmarking!!!!
MarlisB recently posted…Challah Bread
Thank you, Marlis! My youngest loves to help me make these. You know kids are with dough… they’d be content just playing with a piece on their own little area on the counter!
Um, super yum!!!! Your Twisted Cinnamon Sticks are so pretty, and they look delicious!!
Kate recently posted…Chocolate Cookies with Raspberry Cream Cheese Filling
You are so sweet, Kate… thank you!
…MMM I love anything cinnamon, those look really good and I could eat a few of them right now! I always have a hard time with making the dough but I might have to give your recipe a try 🙂
michael recently posted…Raccoons, Bring One Bring All
Michael, you are seriously going to have to give a try… it’s easier than it seems. Then you’ll find yourself making yeast dough all the time. 😉
So beautiful and perfect! I could definitely see myself making these weekly. I love how they are a twist on the typical cinnamon roll and the drizzle look amazing!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor recently posted…Chocolate Raspberry Truffles
I can’t believe I’ve never made homemade cinnamon rolls, but these look easy enough to do. I know I would earn more points in the “Mom is Awesome” column if I made these for my kids! 🙂
Jamie @ Roubinek Reality recently posted…Something Fabulous Wednesday
You are don’t need to convince me, I LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEE these
They are a bit of a “problem” though, as I can’t stop eating them once I start 🙂
These are so pretty, Gloria! My son has to bring 2 snacks to first grade with him every day, and I’m thinking these would be so perfect for the first one! Pinned 😉
Allie | Baking a Moment recently posted…Rice Pudding with Blood Oranges in Vanilla Cardamom Syrup
Too much cinnamon rolls?! Sorry, cannot compute. 😉
I love that you switched it up and turned them into sticks. That drizzled icing looks so pretty…love that too!
I’m really digging your step by step photos. If I can’t convince my husband to make these (because he’s better at working with yeast than I am) I have the confidence to try myself with your awesome directions and photo guide. 🙂
Tina @ Tina’s Chic Corner recently posted…Black And White Cookies
Tina, I know you can do this one! I’m challenging you to do at least this yeast recipe…. trust me, you’ll be jumping up and down in the kitchen when you see from the oven when they get puffy! Yeah, I get a little excited when things get puffy from the oven window!
These remind me of the Pizza Hut cinnamon breadsticks I loved as a kid. Cinnamon rolls are awesome, but they somehow taste better in breadstick form!
Laura Dembowski recently posted…Snickerdoodle Cookie Cups
Hi Gloria! Stopping by from Show Stopper Saturday and had to come check out these gorgeous cinnamon twists. These are some of the first items I grab at a bakery, so your recipe will definitely tried by me. Yummm!
Erin {Delightful E Made} recently posted…Loaded Chicken Enchilada Pasta
You’ll love making these, Erin… and eating them, too!
I think I may have an obsession. I promised myself I was going to stop pinning cinnamon roll recipes. I LOVE them all . My favorites though are simple and basic. I want to taste the cinnamon and feel the soft, sweet dough. These cinnamon sticks are perfection. And I can pin them all I want because they are sticks not rolls!! 🙂 Can’t wait to try these, Gloria. Thanks!
Wendy recently posted…Birthday Cake Surprise Cookies
Wendy, you have just made me laugh out loud! I’ve noticed I’ve been pinning tons of cinnamon rolls lately onto my Bread Board… and now I’m going to have to change the name of my Board! But, you’ll love these!
Ummm, I am in the middle of making this and realized that you missed giving us the amounts of brown sugar and cinnamon to be used. I am just going to wing it.
MarlisB recently posted…Spinach Mushroom Puffs
Thanks, Marlis! I am so used to just spreading it out on the dough that I spaced it out on putting the measurements down. Silly me! Thank you for bringing it to my spacey brain. I just updated the recipe. 🙂
Fabulous! Thanks.
MarlisB recently posted…Soup Series #1: German Potato Soup with Sausage
Can I use all purpose flour?
Seconded! Is it alright or is bread flour a must?
how many does one batch make?
Makes about a dozen, Colleen. Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!
No thank you these look great!!
Gloria,
what is the yield for this recipe? They look delicious and would love for my classes to make them.
Makes about 1 dozen. Also, depending upon how many you can cut out from how much you have rolled out the dough. But I always end up with 12-14 pieces. Hope you love them as much as my boys do!
I love this recipe I am hoping to become a real cook someday
I can bet you’re a real cook! Thank you for stopping by, Staesia! 🙂
Thanks I am 14 and everyone that has tried my food says I should and being a cook sounds fun
Don’t ever give up and keep on cooking! Wonderful things will definitely come in your favor! 😉
I love this recipe I can’t wait to try some more of your recipes
I just made these amazing cinnamon sticks this afternoon and had one with a cup of coffee. I’m an old lady and don’t usually make comments but this recipe warrants it! The retired teacher in me wants to compliment you for the exact measurements that work and your clear instructions. This dough is lovely to work with and needed no adjustments either. I’ve made cinnamon rolls for my family for eons and they will love these…easier to eat in the car on their way to work! My mom taught me to mix the butter with the sugar & cinnamon to spread on the dough. Then, nothing falls out while you are rolling or twisting the dough. (I’m probably not telling you anything new about that.) My mom would have loved these twists and my dad too. Thank you so much for posting this delicious recipe!
This is a lovely recipe and I just made it again for the umpteenth time. I make them once a week because they are a favorite afterschool treat of my grandchildren. I make traditional cinnamon rolls on the weekend but the little ones prefer these twists. The only change I’ve made with your recipe is to mix the cinnamon sugar with softened butter to spread on the dough. That keeps the sugar on the dough instead of spilling all over my counter and floor! Thank you for posting this recipe.