Name: Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Twist Bread Recipe
Prep time: PT-494659H57M24S
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 11 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 100 grams sourdough starter; 80 grams water; 100 grams plain Greek yogurt; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 350 grams all-purpose flour; 40 grams butter, melted (approximately 3 tablespoons); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 50 grams butter, softened at room temperature (approximately 1/4 cup); 4 tablespoons brown sugar; 3 teaspoons cinnamon powder; Confectioner’s sugar, for dusting; Cream cheese frosting (see notes for recipe)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 88 reviews

If you are a fan of sweet, aromatic breads that bring warmth and comfort to any morning or afternoon, then this Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Twist Bread Recipe is absolutely for you. It combines the tangy depth of a natural sourdough starter with the ooey-gooey cinnamon and buttery sweetness of classic cinnamon rolls, but with an elegant twisted braid that makes it stunning to serve. This bread isn’t just delicious; it’s a labor of love that rewarding to make and truly elevates your baking game, turning your kitchen into a cozy haven filled with delightful scents and smiles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many baking ingredients arranged carefully on a white marbled surface. On the top left, there are six brown eggs in a white egg holder. Next to them is a small clear bowl with white granulated sugar. To the right is a large clear bowl filled with white flour with a slightly uneven texture on top. Below the eggs, there is a small white bowl with golden liquid, probably honey or syrup. Beside it is a small white pitcher with white milk. To the right of the milk, there is a small white bowl with white granulated sugar again and below that a slightly larger white bowl filled with cubed yellow butter. Scattered around are small clear bowls containing dry ingredients such as light brown almond flour, cinnamon, and yeast. A small gold spoon filled with dark brown vanilla extract is at the bottom right. Everything is arranged neatly, showing the individual textures and colors of the ingredients. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun of baking, especially when each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance for your bread. From the lively sourdough starter to the fragrant cinnamon spice, every component in this recipe harmonizes beautifully.

Sourdough starter (100 grams): The heart of this recipe, adding that signature tang and natural leavening power.
Water (80 grams): Balances hydration to develop a soft, elastic dough.
Plain Greek yogurt (100 grams): Adds moisture and tenderness for a soft crumb.
Egg (1): Provides richness and helps bind the dough together.
Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Awakens the yeast and adds subtle sweetness.
All-purpose flour (350 grams): The main structure of the bread, delivering a tender yet sturdy crumb.
Melted butter (40 grams): Infuses a luscious richness and soft texture.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and controls yeast fermentation.
Softened butter (50 grams): For the cinnamon filling, creating that irresistible gooeyness.
Brown sugar (4 tablespoons): Deep molasses notes that marry perfectly with cinnamon.
Cinnamon powder (3 teaspoons): The star spice that gives this bread its warm, cozy appeal.
Confectioner’s sugar: Optional for a pretty dusting before serving.
Cream cheese frosting: Optional but highly encouraged for drizzling that tangy sweetness on top (see notes below).

How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Twist Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Sourdough Starter

Start by ensuring your sourdough starter is alive and bubbly. If it’s been resting in the fridge, feed it about 12 hours before you want to bake by giving it fresh flour and water and letting it double in size at room temperature. The float test is your best friend here—drop a spoonful in water, and if it floats, you’re good to go!

Step 2: Mix and Rest the Dough

Combine the starter, water, yogurt, egg, and sugar in a bowl and whisk until everything comes together. Add in the flour and mix thoroughly until no dry bits remain. Then, cover and let the dough rest for one hour—a process called autolyse that kickstarts gluten development and enhances texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter and Salt

After your dough’s had its rest, pour in the melted butter and sprinkle the salt over it. Fold everything together gently but thoroughly; butter and salt slow yeast activity so adding them now helps control fermentation, ensuring your bread develops great flavor without overproofing.

Step 4: Stretch and Fold the Dough

Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking and stretch the dough outwards before folding it over itself, working all four sides. Let it rest for 30 minutes, then repeat the stretch-and-fold two more times with 30-minute rests in between. This creates a soft, airy dough as gluten strengthens.

Step 5: Overnight Proof

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased container, cover it, and pop it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow, cold fermentation (about 8 to 12 hours) develops complex flavor and makes the dough easier to work with.

Step 6: Shape and Fill Your Cinnamon Roll Twist

Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a luscious paste. On a floured surface, roll your dough into a large rectangle approximately 20 by 12 inches. Spread most of the cinnamon paste evenly across, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leaks. Then, roll it up tightly into a log and cut it lengthwise down the middle, leaving one end connected.

Step 7: Braid and Coil the Dough

Carefully twist the two strands together, keeping the cinnamon layers visible on top. Pinch the ends together and coil the braid into a wreath shape, tucking in the ends neatly. This creates an eye-catching design and ensures even baking.

Step 8: Bake Your Bread

Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C). Transfer your shaped dough to a parchment-lined tray and brush the top with the remaining cinnamon paste for extra shine and flavor. Optionally, apply an egg wash to enhance that golden crust. Bake for 20 minutes until your bread is beautifully golden brown and fragrant.

How to Serve Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Twist Bread Recipe

A round twisted bread with two visible layers, one light golden brown dough and the other a darker chocolate or cinnamon swirl, braided in a circular pattern. The top is dusted lightly with white powdered sugar, giving a soft snowy look. The bread is placed on a wooden surface with a white cloth beside it, all on a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of confectioner’s sugar is a simple yet elegant finishing touch that adds a little sparkle to each slice. For a show-stopping treat, drizzle homemade cream cheese frosting over warm slices to add a luscious tangy-sweet contrast to the cinnamon-spiced dough.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for breakfast or brunch. For a heartier spread, serve alongside fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a smear of nut butter to create a delightful balance of flavors and textures that keep your taste buds dancing.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Twist Bread Recipe as individual wreath portions for guests, wrapped in parchment with a ribbon for a charming gift, or even gently warmed and sliced into small bites for a party platter. The braided shape makes it a beautiful centerpiece perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your freshly baked bread, keep any leftovers stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. Properly stored, it will stay soft and tasty for up to 2 days, perfect for snacking or breakfast the next morning.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Twist Bread Recipe later, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before reheating for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Reheating

For a freshly baked warmth after storage or freezing, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350 F (175 C) for about 5 to 10 minutes. You can also microwave briefly but be mindful to prevent drying out. A quick pop in the oven restores that delightful soft texture and melty cinnamon magic.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought sourdough starter for this recipe?

Absolutely! Any active and bubbly sourdough starter will do. Just make sure it passes the float test to ensure it’s ready to leaven your bread properly.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt? Can I substitute it?

You can use regular plain yogurt, sour cream, or even buttermilk as a substitute. These alternatives keep the dough tender and bring moisture while maintaining that soft crumb.

Why do I need to stretch and fold the dough several times?

Stretching and folding helps to develop strong gluten, which gives the bread its structure and nice airy texture. It also evens out the dough’s fermentation for a consistent rise.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough overnight?

Refrigerating overnight is highly recommended because it slows the fermentation, deepening the sourdough flavor and making the dough easier to shape. However, if you’re short on time, you could do a shorter proof at room temperature but the flavor might be less complex.

Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?

You can! The bread is delicious on its own, but cream cheese frosting adds a luscious tangy sweetness that really complements the cinnamon. It’s a delightful enhancement but totally optional.

Final Thoughts

The Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Twist Bread Recipe is one of those recipes that fills your home with cozy smells and your heart with joy. It offers the best of both worlds—the rustic sourdough tang and the irresistible charm of cinnamon rolls braided into a stunning twist. If you love baking that combines artistry and flavor, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s a showstopper that rewards your patience with every decadent bite.