Cinnamon Roll Twist
This Cinnamon Roll Twist is a fun twist – literally – a classic breakfast recipe!
Keepsakes. Robbie brings the best stuff home from preschool, and we recently made him a keepsakes bin that we store at the top of his closet. (By keepsakes bin, I mean a big plastic container with a lid.) Laura and I both have a box of our childhood things tucked away in the basement. There are some pretty awesome things in those boxes! So it only makes sense that we’ve started keeping some of Robbie’s better keepsakes.
To be fair, Robbie brings a lot of stuff home from preschool. Pages that he “colored.” (i.e. Pages with one line drawn on them.) Pages for the letter of the week…every week. Not all of these things are making their way into his keepsake box. Some have been landing in the circular filing cabinet. Don’t worry…we’re keeping the good ones! Like the Mother’s Day info sheet that Robbie filled out about Laura. (Apparently her favorite food is quesadillas.)
Last week, I got a letter from my Dad, and it turns out that he found a Christmas list that I made for Santa when I was 15 years old. Apparently my 15-year-old self wanted a pocket tv, a new Lexus and a Pentium computer. Let’s break this down for a minute.
I’m pretty sure I finally got that pocket tv. It’s called a smartphone.
I never got a Lexus (yet), but I’m totally ok with that one.
A Pentium computer. I might’ve wanted this one back in the day, but I’m pretty sure a Pentium computer these days would be laughably slow…if it even turned on at all!
You see, I was quite the negotiator back when I was younger. Or at least I thought I was. I filled my list with ridiculous items in an effort to actually get the items I wanted. In this case, I guess I really was after a book called “Tricks of the Doom Gurus.” I must’ve had grand visions of learning how to program my own video games. (Doom was a classic video game back in the day, and it’s still widely recognized as a major advancement in video game technology.) As I recall, I actually did get that book for Christmas that year, but I didn’t get a pocket tv. Bummer.
Cinnamon Roll Twist
Cinnamon Roll TwistAside from lists for Santa, the holidays also remind me of cinnamon buns. Seriously. Cinnamon buns. My Mom used to make cinnamon buns on Christmas morning every year, so I have this deep association with Christmas and cinnamon buns. I’ve carried on that tradition here, and I often make cinnamon buns (or some variation) for us on Christmas morning. This Cinnamon Roll Twist is a variation on the classic cinnamon bun, and I have to admit that it’s pretty awesome!
If you’ve ever made homemade cinnamon rolls, then this Cinnamon Roll Twist will look very familiar. The dough is made the same way. The filling is brushed the same way. The process takes a slight turn when it comes to slicing up the rolls. Instead of slicing 8-10 rolls out of the log of dough, you simply cut the log of dough lengthwise and twist the two pieces back of forth. Pinch the two ends together to create a circle, and then let that dough rise in a cast iron skillet. Bake it up and *boom* Cinnamon Roll Twist. If you love cinnamon rolls as much as I do, then this twist needs a spot on your baking agenda. It’s a fun one!
As for me, I’m off to wonder why my 15-year-old self asked Santa for “a stapler with staples.” Happy baking!
Did you make this Cinnamon Roll Twist? Leave a comment! Or snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@Spicedblog).
Looking for other fun cinnamon roll variations? Check out these other favorite cinnamon roll recipes, too:
Maple Glazed Cinnamon Rolls
Peanut Butter Cinnamon Rolls
Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon Rolls without Yeast
Overnight Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon Roll Twist
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 Tbsp active dry yeast
- 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
For the Filling
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup pecans chopped
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
For the Glaze
- 1¼ cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp milk
Instructions
- Stir yeast into warm milk; let stand for 5 minutes.
- Using a countertop mixer, add the flour, sugar and salt; stir until well combined.
- Add eggs and milk/yeast mixture; stir until well combined.
- Add melted butter to the bowl and gradually increase speed to medium; mix for 2-3 minutes, or until dough becomes very smooth.
- Grease a large bowl with a small amount of butter or oil. Transfer dough into bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let sit in warm spot until doubled in size (~1 hour). (Note: I typically let dough rise in my oven with only the oven light on.)
- Transfer dough to a well-floured countertop and fold several times. Lightly cover dough with plastic wrap and let rest for 15 more minutes.
- Meanwhile, using a small bowl, make the filling by whisking together sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and pecans; set mixture aside. (Note: The butter will be used later.)
- Spray a 9” or 10” cast iron skillet with baking spray; set skillet aside.
- On a well-floured countertop, roll the dough into a 16”x12” rectangle.
- Brush the dough with the melted butter. Sprinkle the surface with sugar mixture, leaving a ½” border on all sides.
- Starting with a long side, roll dough into a log and pinch seam to seal.
- Cut dough lengthwise, but leave top 2” of the log uncut. Carefully twist two pieces together, keeping the cut side up as you twist. Wrap the two ends of the log together to create a circle. Place dough into prepared skillet.
- Cover dough with plastic wrap and let sit in warm spot until doubled in size (~45 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Tent pan with foil and continue baking for 15-20 more minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Let twist cool completely in pan.
- Using a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk for the glaze. Drizzle glaze over twist before serving.
This looks fabulous! Who can resist cinnamon rolls in any form? I love making a big breakfast on Christmas and I think I need to add this recipe to the menu. YUM!
I’m with ya, Kelsie! I spend quite a bit of my life wondering how I can make cinnamon rolls in another form. 🙂 And I’m quite ok with that thought process!
I love that your dad saved that list! How fun to look at it again. This cinnamon roll twist looks amazing. I love the shot of it unbaked. It looks super cool and something I want to make! It would be perfect for Christmas morning!
Oh man, that was a trip down memory lane looking at that list, Kathy. What was my 15 year old self thinking!?
So I have to say that this cinnamon roll twist was a lot of fun to make/bake! It was a bit different to serve slices of this rather than a typical roll, but man was it tasty! I highly recommend this one! 🙂
Oh, this makes me miss getting all of that stuff from school. So cute. Good luck on the Lexus! My friend has one and it practically drives itself. She still hasn’t figured out all of the bells and whistles. This is a wonderful bread to serve on a holiday, or any special day. And it’s so pretty.
What’s funny is that we get that stuff home from school on a daily basis right now. Usually I have to sneak it off to the circular recycling bin when Robbie isn’t looking! (His latest thing is to leave a pile of cut up paper in his cubbie at school. That’s it. Cut up paper.)
Thanks so much, Mimi! This cinnamon roll twist really is a fun recipe for a special day. Speaking of special days, happy holidays to you and your family!!
This is such a delicious recipe, David! And I do love your Christmas list – that’s so cool your dad saved it!
I couldn’t believe that my Dad still had that list, Alexandra! Now it’s filed away in my box of childhood keepsakes. Quite hilarious I think! 🙂
David – I love that Christmas list! I like the way you covered all of the price points, depending upon who was doing the purchasing, I would guess! We have those big (actually gigantic) totes full of memories for our kids, too. At some point, we do have to go and whittle them down a bit, because what we thought was memorable 15 years ago, well, maybe not so memorable if it has to take up valuable tote real estate! Anyway, I digress – this cinnamon twist looks and sounds scrumptious – I’m hoping to make cinnamon rolls Christmas morning myself! Love this idea!
Perhaps that’s what my 15-year-old self was thinking! The different price points. You know, in case some long-lost rich relative wanted to send me a Lexus or something. Hah! I totally understand about whittling down the keepsakes boxes. Those things can get out of control!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Laura. I do love cinnamon rolls, and these are quite fun. I hope you enjoy making those cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning – they’re just perfect for the day, don’t you think?? 🙂
So sweet! Love keeping stuff like that. It means so much down the road when you pull it out. How fun!! I have a little box of keepsakes and every once in a while I have a little look. One thing, though, that I regret is that when I was a teenager, I threw away a poem book (of my own poems). Ugh. Wish I still had. Anywho, this cinnamon roll twist would be absolutely PERFECT for Christmas morning with plenty of coffee..or, better yet, an eggnog latte. Love it!
You’re totally right, Dawn! We’ve been saving a lot of Robbie’s keepsakes…although we have to be, uh, judicious about what we keep. (Lately he’s been leaving me piles of cut up paper in his folder at school….) Speaking of keepsakes, I didn’t realize you are a poet! You’ll have to share some of your newer work with us. 🙂
Also, now I’m craving an eggnog latte and a slice of this cinnamon roll twist like you wouldn’t believe! Happy Holidays to you and your family!
David, I must say I read your list Christmas list from when you were 15 with great interest. I can totally understand the stapler with staples as I’m sure you wanted to be able to staple your Doom notes together. The screwdriver, on the other hand, has me wondering.
Great Christmas morning brunch idea your Cinnamon twist is. You know me, I love making cinnamon buns and your recipe truly deserves a fine icing.
The very best for you, Laura and Robbie this Holiday Season. These are the ones you’ll remember when you become an old guy like me.
Ah, you make an excellent (and thoughtful) point, Ron. I clearly asked for the stapler because I wanted to stay organized. Clearly. 🙂 The screwdriver? Maybe I wanted to do some construction? Hah.
Either way, this cinnamon roll twist is a fun recipe for the holidays. You know me…I love cinnamon rolls in all forms. And thank you so much for the holiday wishes. However, I do disagree with you on one point – you aren’t old!
Your Christmas list is hilarious and adorable, David! I love the swing in $$ between a Lexus and a bottle of coke, lol!
Your Cinnamon Roll Twist is so festive. Perfect for any holiday breakfast or brunch!
Hah! I know. I was cracking myself up when I read that list. I can’t believe my Dad saved that! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas, Marissa…and I hope it’s full of yummy cinnamon rolls, too! 🙂
I can hardly stand how much I love this. Triple yum! If I had a dime for all of our plastic bins with lids/keepsake boxes, I’d be a millionaire! 😉 ~Valentina
Oh man, tell me about it! We keep collecting stuff for Robbie’s keepsake boxes, but I think we might need to do some weeding out…and he’s only 4 years old! Either way, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas, Valentina. And I hope it’s full of yummy treats, too! 🙂
Davis, I do love this note back from…just a couple of years ago, I guess 🙂 This makes me smile! Such an eclectic list, but I think you were being just reasonable assuming that Santa might not bring you a Lexus, but a beach ball would be an easy win for him. But some items like a lawn chair or a stapler with staples? Hilarious! But you know what’s not hilarious? These cinnamon rolls. Serious business! The combination of pecan, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg and so good, comforting, and Christmassy!
Yeah, that’s the thing. This note was only about 2 (maybe 3) years old. HAH! I’m guessing I was being strategic with the list. Ok, so I know Santa won’t bring me a Lexus, but maybe that would guilt him into bringing me a pocket tv…whatever that was! 🙂
Either way, I hope you and Andrey have a great Christmas. And I hope it’s full of cinnamon rolls! Cheers, my friend!
What a sweet list, David! From a private jet to a bottle of coke, you’ve got the whole spectrum! Pretty smart to include the “safety” options in case you didn’t get your first choice! We used to circle the things we wanted in the Sears catalog. We were so happy to get that catalog every year!
I love your cinnamon roll twist, especially with the pecans. Such a pretty way of serving it!
I think my 15-year old self was playing the odds there, Kelly. So I might not get the private jet, but maybe I would get the stapler…which clearly was what I really wanted anyways! 🙂
Thanks so much for your support this year, my friend! I hope you and the family have a very Merry Christmas, and I can’t wait to see what yummy recipes you have in store for the new year!
So much to love about this post, David. We (by that I mean, I) keep a lot of bits and pieces for/from my twins too. They bring home the most ridiculous amount of things from preschool (old cans made into things, a wreath made out of twigs, those sorts of things). We take photos of everything and I keep the cream of the crop. I have kept a lot of their “firsts” in a box too and they both love looking through it. Keepsakes are pretty special. Love your old list too – how amazing your Dad still had it. Wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas! PS: The cinnamon roll twist looks absolutely amazing!
Oh man, tell me about it, Katerina! There is so much stuff that comes home from preschool. A lot of it ends up in the recycling bin, but there is still a whole box of cute stuff that we’re keeping. He’s only 4. I can’t imagine how much stuff we’ll collect in the coming years!
I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas! Thank you so much for your support this year, and I can’t wait to see what yummy recipes you have up your sleeve in the new year! 🙂
Have you re-posted that Christmas list for Laura to get you all the things you never got off it before David? Ha ha! Love these cinnamon rolls. I can’t get enough of cinnamon at breakfast time. I practically empty my cinnamon jar over my porridge. These rolls would make a fantastic change from porridge all the time.
Hah! I should pass that list along to Laura. Although I suspect I may only end up with the stapler. 🙂
I love cinnamon everything, and cinnamon rolls are one of my favorite breakfast treats. We’ve got this one on the menu for Christmas Day this year. Thanks so much for your support this year, Neil. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas, and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for next year!
Pentium computers, I remember we could afford one of those growing up and having a 486 instead! Now, this cinnamon roll twist looks delicious. I just love cinnamon buns, probably my favourite breakfast pastry (or at least close tie with croissants). I’d love this to be on my breakfast table for Christmas!
Oh man. The 486. I totally had one of those! That’s taking me back there, Matt…and I’m cracking up laughing right now. 🙂
I love cinnamon buns, too, and we’ve definitely got some on the list for Christmas tomorrow. I hope you do, too! Merry Christmas to you and your family. I hope it’s a great day, and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us in the new year. Cheers, my friend!