Name: Homemade Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Prep time: 45 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, 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 9 reviews

If you have a soft spot for irresistibly tender, gooey pastries swirled with fragrant cinnamon and crowned with luscious cream cheese icing, you are in for a treat. This Homemade Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe brings together the magic of a fluffy dough enriched with a silky tangzhong starter, the warmth of brown sugar and cinnamon, and the creamy sweetness of a dreamy icing that simply melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of recipe that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and share a little joy with family or friends over coffee or afternoon tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A smooth, round ball of pale beige dough sits in the center of a clear glass measuring cup with visible measurement markings on the side; the dough has a slightly shiny and soft texture, with small air bubbles and subtle indentations visible on its surface. The measuring cup is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Though this recipe may look impressive, the ingredients are wonderfully simple yet carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. Each element plays its part—from the bread flour that gives structure to the dough, to the brown sugar and cinnamon mix that infuses warmth, and the cream cheese icing that adds that final indulgent touch.

Water (1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon): Essential for making the tangzhong starter which keeps the twists soft and fresh.
Bread flour (2 cups + 2 tablespoons): Provides the perfect gluten structure for a chewy yet tender crumb.
Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
Instant yeast (3/4 teaspoon): Helps the dough rise beautifully and become airy.
Fine sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Heavy cream (2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
Whole milk (2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons): Helps create a soft crumb and smooth dough.
Large egg (1): Brings structure and moisture to the dough.
Vanilla bean paste (1 teaspoon): Imparts delicate vanilla notes to both dough and filling.
Unsalted butter (3 1/2 tablespoons, room temperature): Incorporated into dough to yield an enriched texture.
Dark brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Gives a deep caramel flavor to the cinnamon filling.
Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tablespoons): The star spice that delivers warmth and aroma.
Salted butter (5 tablespoons, melted): Used to brush on the twists, enhancing flavor and helping the sugar mixture stick.
Softened cream cheese (2 ounces): Base of the luscious cream cheese icing.
Powdered sugar (2/3 cup): Sweetens and thickens the icing perfectly.
Whole milk (3 tablespoons): Adjusts the icing’s consistency to silky smooth.
Vanilla bean paste or extract (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle depth to the icing’s flavor.

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong

Start by making the tangzhong—a cooked flour paste that keeps your twists soft for days. Whisk together water and a small amount of all-purpose flour in a saucepan, then cook on medium heat while stirring until it thickens to a paste. This little trick might seem extra, but trust me, it’s the secret behind irresistibly moist and tender dough.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast, and sea salt in your mixer bowl. Add the cream, milk, egg, vanilla, and the tangzhong you just made. Knead on low speed with a dough hook until the mix forms a rough ball. This step brings all those flavors and textures together and wakes up the yeast to do its magic.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter and Knead Thoroughly

With the mixer still running, slowly add softened butter in small amounts. Continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic but slightly tacky to the touch. This slow butter addition is what makes these twists luxuriously rich and tender.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rest

Shape the dough into a smooth ball and place it seam-side down in the bowl. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes. Giving it this rest allows gluten to relax, making rolling out easier and the final texture perfectly chewy.

Step 5: Roll and Add Cinnamon Sugar

Roll the rested dough into a 12-inch square. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and melted butter to create the signature cinnamon sugar spread. Brush half of this mixture over the whole surface of the dough, ensuring every bite will be richly flavorful.

Step 6: Cut and Twist the Dough

Cut the dough into strips about one inch wide, then halve those strips to get 24 in total. Twist pairs together and pinch the ends so they don’t unravel during baking. Arrange these twists close but not touching on a parchment-lined tray for even puffing as they rise and bake.

Step 7: Add More Cinnamon Sugar and Final Rise

Brush the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the twists. If it’s cooled off, reheat quickly to keep it spreadable. Cover the tray and let the twists rise for 1 to 2 hours until they look airy and puffed—patience pays off here!

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the risen twists for about 9 to 12 minutes until they are golden and a thermometer inserted reads around 175°F. This bake time keeps the inside gooey and the outside slightly crisp—a textural dream.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the twists bake, whip the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Gradually add the milk and vanilla paste, stirring until the icing is perfectly silky. This icing is the crowning glory that makes every bite heavenly.

Step 10: Glaze and Serve Warm

Once the twists come out of the oven, immediately drizzle or spread the cream cheese icing over the warm pastries. This way, the icing melts slightly into the folds, adding sweet creaminess that complements the cinnamon perfectly. Serve these warm and watch them disappear fast!

How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

The image shows close-up pieces of cinnamon roll dough that are torn apart, revealing a soft, fluffy inside in light beige color. The outer part of these pieces is golden brown with a textured surface covered lightly with white glaze icing dripping down. The pieces are on a white marbled texture surface. The focus is on the middle piece showing the inside clearly, while the rest is blurred softly in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

You can add a few finishing touches like a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon powder on top for a little extra crunch and visual appeal. Freshly whipped cream or a few fresh berries can also add a lovely contrast in texture and color.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon twists pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt for a balanced and satisfying spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the twists on a rustic wooden board or a pretty cake stand for a show-stopping display. You can also place a few in individual cups with the icing drizzled on top, making them perfect for party favors or a grab-and-go breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain softness, consider wrapping them individually in plastic wrap before placing in the container.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked twisted dough on the tray after the first rise by covering it tightly with plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature and continue with the final rise. Alternatively, baked cinnamon twists freeze beautifully; just wrap them well and freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat your twists gently in a 325°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture gummy. For an extra special touch, reheat with a little extra icing on top to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven experience.

FAQs

What is tangzhong and why is it used in this recipe?

Tangzhong is a cooked roux made from water and flour which is added to the dough. It helps retain moisture, ensuring your cinnamon twists stay soft and fluffy for days instead of drying out quickly.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While bread flour is preferred for its higher protein content which gives a better structure, you can substitute all-purpose flour in a pinch. The texture may be slightly less chewy but will still be delicious.

How do I know when the cinnamon twists are properly risen?

The dough should feel light and puffy to the touch and look noticeably larger than when you shaped it. If gently poked, the indent should slowly spring back. This indicates the yeast is active and your twists are ready to bake.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives such as coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The texture and flavor may vary a bit but the result will still be tasty.

How thick should the cream cheese icing be?

The icing should be thick enough to hold its shape when drizzled but still fluid enough to spread easily. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk if too thick or a bit more powdered sugar if too runny.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Homemade Cinnamon Twists with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe enough if you want to fill your kitchen with the cozy scent of cinnamon and vanilla and indulge in warm, melt-in-your-mouth pastries. It’s a fantastic way to treat yourself or impress loved ones with a homemade delight that feels both special and comforting. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself making these twists time and time again!