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    Home » Recipes » Breads Rolls and Doughnuts

    Twisted cinnamon and hazelnut bread

    Published: Nov 16, 2020 by Anna · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 24 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This twisted cinnamon and hazelnut bread is made with incredibly soft and fluffy dough, filled with fragrant cinnamon butter and toasted hazelnuts. The finished knot is dusted with some icing sugar, making it a perfect centrepiece at any festive table!

    top view of twisted cinnamon bread inside of the baking tin and dusted with icing sugar
    top view super close up of twisted bread with cinnamon and hazelnuts dusted with icing sugar

    Why this recipe works

    Since my Twisted Cinnamon Buns have been such a hit with you guys, I've decided to make an adaptation of that recipe, but on a larger scale.

    Imagine soft, fluffy and super moreish dough with fragrant cinnamon butter and toasted hazelnuts, shaped into very impressive, but easy to make knot. That's exactly what you will get with this recipe.

    This twisted cinnamon bread puffs up wonderfully and tall, and is super soft all the way through. It has tender and airy texture, that just melts in your mouth with each bite.

    side super close up of a slice of cinnamon and hazelnut bread on a small plate

    The dough is based on my trusted and tested recipe, which you guys seem to be loving too. The filling of sweet and fragrant cinnamon butter goes wonderfully well with toasted, crunchy hazelnuts.

    Last, but not least, this is actually a really easy recipe. It requires a little bit of effort, but the recipe and the technique is very easy and fun to make.

    How to roll and shape the dough for twisted cinnamon bread

    Once your dough have doubled in size, you are ready to roll. Transfer it into a lightly floured surface and gently press the air out of it. Use your hands to shape it into a small, rough rectangle.

    overhead shot of bowls with ingredients to make twisted cinnamon bread
    • top view of person knocking the air out of soft dough
    • top view of soft dough stretched into rectangle
    • top view of a person rolling the dough into rectangle with rolling pin

    Now, start rolling it into a large rectangle, using rolling pin. You don't have to be super precise here, you are aiming for roughly 35 x 50 cm rectangle. It's OK if it's a bit smaller or a bit larger than that, so don't stress over the size of it too much.

    • top view of a person spreading cinnamon butter on the surface of dough rectangle
    • top view of dough for twisted cinnamon bread covered with cinnamon butter
    • top view of dough rectangle covered in cinnamon butter and chopped hazelnuts

    Spread the cinnamon butter all over the top surface of the dough and sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts in the even layer. After that, it's time to roll the dough into a log/ spiral. Start with the longer edge facing you, and simply roll the dough into a tight log.

    • top view of a person rolling the dough for twisted cinnamon and hazelnut bread into a log
    • top view of dough for twisted cinnamon bread being rolled into log
    • top view of dough for twisted cinnamon and hazelnut bread being rolled into a large log

    Next step is optional, but I HIGHLY recommend adding it into the preparation of your twisted cinnamon bread. Once the log is rolled, transfer it into a large baking tray/ sheet lined with some baking paper and put it in the fridge for an hour.

    • overhead shot of a dough rolled into a log on a baking tray
    • top view of a person slicing a log of dough in half
    • top view of a log of dough for twisted cinnamon bread sliced into half

    This will help the dough and the butter to firm up, making it much easier to twist and shape later.

    • top view of a person shaping a sliced log of dough into a cross pattern
    • top view of a person twisting the dough for cinnamon and hazelnut bread
    • top view of a dough being twisted for cinnamon and hazelnut bread

    Remove the dough from the fridge, and place it onto a lightly dusted surface. Use a very sharp knife to slice your log in half, lengthways, but leave a small section at one end in tact.

    All that's left is to cross each half in a simple twisting pattern, all the way down. Cross both ends of the twist together, and tuck the ends underneath. Transfer into the round baking tin, cover and allow it to prove for another 45 minutes to 1 hour.

    overhead shot of a person shaping twisted cinnamon bread into a circle
    top view of twisted cinnamon and hazelnut bread in a baking tin with baking paper

    Why to toast the hazelnuts

    Before you start chopping your hazelnuts, make sure to toast them. Not only it brings out and intensifies that lovely, nutty flavour, but it also adds an extra crunch to them. Extra step that is 100% worth taking, I promise!

    You can use blanched hazelnuts, or the ones that still have the skin on. Once they're toasted, most of the skin will come off. I personally don't mind the skins, but some people find their taste too bitter, so do whatever suits you.

    Simply add the nuts into a hot, clean frying pan over the medium-high heat. Allow them to fry for couple of minutes, until fragrant and darker in appearance. Remove them from the pan onto a clean kitchen towel. Roll them into the towel to remove any excess skins and chop.

    Can this bread be made ahead?

    You can make this twisted cinnamon bread on the day, or a day ahead. If making it on the same day, simply allow it to prove as per the instructions in the recipe card.

    If you want to make it ahead, prepare the bread up to step 9. Cover it and keep it in the fridge overnight. When you are ready to bake it the next morning, take it out of the fridge and allow it to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Brush it with egg wash and bake in the oven as per the instructions in step 9.

    overhead shot of baked cinnamon bread inside of the baking tin

    Extra tips for success

    • Make sure the yeast you are using is the right type- It's important, because depending on the type, the yeast may need to be activated before you use it. Also, make sure it's still in date!
    • Use the round baking tin/ skillet/ ovenproof dish- When baking this twisted bread, it's important it sits in a deeper dish, like a baking tin or a skillet. This will prevent the butter filling from leaking out, and will help the bread stay in shape.
    • For extra shine and more sweetness, use some sugar syrup- This is totally optional step, but I like brushing my bakes with sugar syrup for that extra shine. Simply boil 50 ml of water with 2 tablespoon of caster sugar, then brush this syrup all over the bread while it's still warm, shortly after taking it out of the oven.
    top view of cinnamon and hazelnut bread twisted into a knot and dusted with icing sugar

    How to store twisted cinnamon bread

    This bread tastes best when it's still fresh and warm. With any leftovers, cover it with some plastic wrap or clingfilm and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days.

    It will become dry after that time, but it will still taste delicious, especially with a warm cup of tea or coffee. It can also be used to make THE BEST French toast ever, just saying...

    top view of a person slicing into cinnamon bread dusted with icing sugar
    overhead shot of a twisted cinnamon and hazelnut bread with a slice cut out on side

    As always, thanks for tuning in to today's post. If you try this, or any other of my recipes, I would LOVE to hear your feedback!

    Also, feel free to follow me on my social channels: my Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

    overhead shot of a twisted cinnamon and hazelnut bread in a baking tin with some hazelnuts around it
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    4.92 from 23 votes

    Twisted cinnamon and hazelnut bread

    This sweet and sticky bread is filled with cinnamon butter and toasted hazelnuts and twisted into beautiful knot. Perfect centrepiece for any festive table!
    Prep Time25 mins
    Cook Time45 mins
    Total Time1 hr 10 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: British
    Keyword: cinnamon bread, cinnamon knot, cinnamon wreath, twisted cinnamon bread
    Servings: 8 people
    Calories: 416kcal
    Author: Anna Wierzbinska

    Equipment

    • freestanding electric mixer
    • mixing bowl
    • small saucepan
    • baking paper
    • 10' (25 cm) round baking tin (skillet or ovenproof dish will also work)
    • large baking tray
    • sharp knife

    Ingredients

    For the dough:

    • 250 ml milk any
    • 60 g unsalted butter cubed
    • 500 g strong white bread flour
    • 8 g fast-action dried yeast
    • 100 g white caster sugar
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 large egg

    For the filling:

    • 125 g unsalted butter softened and cubed
    • 100 g soft light brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    • 100 g hazelnuts toasted and chopped
    • 2 tablespoon icing sugar for dusting
    • 1 large egg beaten
    Metric - US Customary
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Place the milk in a small saucepan and heat up until it is lukewarm. Add cubed butter and take of the heat. Swirl the saucepan few times, to encourage the butter to melt. Set aside and allow all the butter to melt.
    • In a large bowl of a freestanding electric mixer, mix together the flour, sugar, yeast and salt. Make a well in the middle, and add lukewarm milk and melted butter and large egg. With mixer running on low speed, combine these ingredients together for 2 minutes. Increase the speed to medium- high and mix for further 6-8 minutes until you have smooth and elastic dough, that no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl. Remove the dough from the bowl, and using your hands shape it into a ball.
    • Lightly grease a large bowl with some olive oil, then place the dough in the bowl and cover with clean kitchen towel, cling film or shower cup. Set aside (ideally, somewhere warm), and let it rise for 2 hours or until double in size.
    • To make the filling, place the softened, cubed butter, brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl of a standing mixer fitted with paddle attachment and beat until well combined and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Set aside. Line the 10' round baking tin or dish with baking paper and set aside. Line the large baking tray with baking paper and set aside too.
    • Remove the dough from the bowl into a lightly floured surface. Using your fingertips, gently knock the air out of the dough and stretch it into a small, rectangular shape. Using the rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 35 x 50 cm. With the longer edge of the rectangle facing you, spread the cinnamon butter over the whole surface of the dough. Top with chopped, toasted hazelnuts.
    • Starting from the edge closest to you, roll the dough into a tight log. Transfer the log into a large baking tray lined up with baking paper and place it in the fridge for 1 hour.
    • Remove the dough from the fridge and place it onto a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough log in half, lengthwise, leaving a small section in tact/ still attached at one end. Turn the halves carefully, filling side up. Cross the dough halves over each other, repeating until you have a long, twisted piece of dough.
    • Cross one end of the twist over the other, tucking the ends underneath and forming a knot. Transfer the knot into the lined up round baking tin/ dish, cover with clean kitchen towel and allow it to rise for 45 minutes- 1 hour.
    • Pre heat the oven to 180 C (170C fan). Brush the dough with egg wash and bake for 45- 55 minutes, until golden brown. If the top starts to brown up too much, cover it with some kitchen foil for the last 10 minutes of the bake. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve while still warm, enjoy!

    Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested in metric grams. I recommend that you use digital scales for a more accurate results. I have provided a conversion to US customary in the recipe but please note that I haven’t tested using this method.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 200g | Calories: 416kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 330mg | Potassium: 232mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 696IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 2mg
    Did you make this?Tell me how you like it? Leave a comment or take a picture and tag @anna_wierzbinska on Instagram. I love seeing your take on my recipes!

    If you would like to receive any future recipes straight to your inbox, make sure to sign up to my mailing list!

    More Breads, buns and doughnuts recipes

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tiffani

      December 19, 2022 at 1:22 am

      I made this last night as written and it turned out wonderful. I even did the syrup on top and I'm glad I did--it needed that extra bit of sweetness. You mentioned making leftovers into French toast--do you have a recipe for that? 🙂

      Reply
    2. glad

      September 22, 2021 at 3:42 am

      hi,
      can i use roasted chopped hazelnuts?
      thanks

      Reply
      • Anna

        September 22, 2021 at 3:49 pm

        Hello, yes, you can.

        Reply
    3. Chandice

      December 01, 2020 at 2:49 am

      5 stars
      The cinnamon hazelnut bread is amazing! And beautiful on top and at first glance I actually thought it was bananas… So beautiful and so delicious to serve, thank you!

      Reply
    4. Chandice

      November 30, 2020 at 3:40 am

      5 stars
      This is by far the most gorgeous banana bread anyone could ever make! Love the addition of hazelnuts… It really brings out the flavor of the banana!

      Reply
      • Anna

        November 30, 2020 at 3:59 pm

        Thanks Chandice, although, it's not a banana bread...

        Reply
    5. Sandra Shaffer

      November 30, 2020 at 3:14 am

      5 stars
      What a gorgeous hazelnut bread! The twisted cinnamon is so pretty when baked and definitely shouldn't be hidden in the dough. Perfect brunch idea for the holiday season. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Anna

        November 30, 2020 at 4:00 pm

        Thanks Sandra! We've been having it on repeat lately in our house, it tastes so yum even the next day (if it ever lasts that long!, toasted with some butter!

        Reply
    6. Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli

      November 29, 2020 at 11:31 pm

      5 stars
      I love making this kind of brioche bread! Your twisted cinnamon and hazelnut bread is luxurious, soft, and buttery and has a lovely crunch from the hazelnuts. The crumb is fantastic!

      Reply
      • Anna

        November 30, 2020 at 4:02 pm

        Hey Nicoletta, thank you so much for your lovely comment and for stopping by! I love all sorts of enriched dough, it's just so versatile and can be used in sooo many delicious ways!

        Reply
    7. Jacqueline Debono

      November 29, 2020 at 6:07 pm

      5 stars
      This twisted cinnamon and hazelnut bread looks stunning. Normally I'd be hesitant about making something like this but your step by step pics make it look very doable! Excited to try!

      Reply
      • Anna

        November 30, 2020 at 4:03 pm

        Hey Jacqueline, thank you very much! I'm so pleased to hear that you like the recipe and find my step-by-step photos helpful! This bake really is much easier than it may looks! hugs x

        Reply
    8. Kushigalu

      November 29, 2020 at 10:48 am

      5 stars
      Love the flavor combo in this bread recipe. Perfect for Holidays. Thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Anna

        November 30, 2020 at 4:02 pm

        pleasure all mine, thanks for stopping by.

        Reply
    9. Farrukh Aziz

      November 29, 2020 at 6:17 am

      5 stars
      OMG! this is my kinda twisted bread, just the way how I love it. This twisted bread looks so stunning. The addition of nits makes it more rich and festive, perfect for breakfast table. Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply
      • Anna

        November 30, 2020 at 3:54 pm

        Thank you Farrukh, glad you like this recipe!

        Reply
    10. Sharon

      November 26, 2020 at 12:03 am

      5 stars
      This twisted bread is so pretty and the perfect addition to the holiday breakfast or brunch table.

      Reply
      • Anna

        November 30, 2020 at 3:49 pm

        thanks Sharon! It really would make a great centrepiece at a festive table

        Reply
    11. Valerie Skinner

      November 25, 2020 at 12:26 pm

      5 stars
      I love the idea of using hazelnuts in this festive bread. Perfect for a holiday breakfast or brunch!

      Reply
      • Anna

        November 30, 2020 at 3:49 pm

        Thanks Valerie, it's such a good combo, plus the hazelnuts add a lovely crunch too!

        Reply
    12. FOODHEAL

      November 24, 2020 at 3:44 pm

      5 stars
      When I saw this bread I was like, "waah how did she make these lines?" Thank you for so well illustrated and informative photos. I love spiced bread and this one is really making me want to bake right now.

      Reply
      • Anna

        November 30, 2020 at 3:48 pm

        Pleasure all mine, thanks so much for stopping by and leaving the comment! I'm so glad to hear you found the photos and instructions helpful!

        Reply
    13. Adam

      November 17, 2020 at 5:27 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this!
      An almost festive treat 🙂

      Reply
      • Anna

        November 19, 2020 at 3:22 pm

        Hey Adam, thanks so much for kind words! I'm so happy you enjoyed this bake, even better if it made you feel a bit festive! Hope to deliver some more goodies your way very soon! 😉

        Reply

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