Introduction

Many people love to bake at home because it makes them feel warm and happy, and this recipe is one of those comforting treats that truly fills the whole home with a sweet and cozy smell. This sourdough discard sugar cinnamon twist recipe is a soft and sweet bread treat that uses leftover sourdough discard in a very delicious way. Instead of throwing away extra discard, you turn it into something beautiful and tasty. The gentle use of sugar and cinnamon makes it feel like a warm hug, and every bite melts softly in your mouth.

This recipe is also loved because it is simple enough for beginners to try but still impressive enough to make guests smile. Even people who feel nervous about baking bread often discover that this twist dough is friendly and forgiving. The filling is sweet, the dough is soft, and the final twist pattern looks delightful on any table. People enjoy this recipe not only for its taste but also for the peaceful experience of shaping and twisting the dough. Baking becomes a calm moment that helps you slow down and enjoy life.

Another reason this recipe is so special is that it suits so many occasions. You can prepare it for a slow weekend breakfast, a family lunch, a comforting evening treat, or even a festive gathering. It brings a sense of warmth to celebrations and a gentle sweetness to quiet mornings. Many people say that the smell of cinnamon reminds them of happy memories, and this twist bread captures that feeling. Making this recipe can bring joy to your kitchen no matter what mood you are in. If you like soft bread with a sweet center and a tender texture, this recipe is perfect for you.

Ingredients You Will Need

Here is the full list of ingredients for this sourdough discard sugar cinnamon twist recipe:

For the dough

One and one fourth cups of all purpose flour
One half cup of sourdough discard
One fourth cup of warm milk
Two tablespoons of granulated sugar
Two tablespoons of soft butter
One fourth teaspoon of salt
One teaspoon of instant yeast

For the filling

Three tablespoons of soft butter
Three tablespoons of granulated sugar
One tablespoon of cinnamon powder

For the glaze (optional)

One half cup of powdered sugar
One tablespoon of milk
One fourth teaspoon of vanilla extract

Step by Step Method

Step One: Prepare the dough

Start by placing the warm milk in a large mixing bowl. The milk should feel warm like gentle bath water. Add the sugar and instant yeast to the milk. Let it sit for about five minutes until the surface looks a little foamy. This shows that the yeast is alive and active. After that, add the sourdough discard, soft butter, and salt. Slowly mix in the flour until everything comes together and forms a rough dough. It may look a little messy at first, but this is normal.

Step Two: Knead the dough

Place the dough on a clean and lightly floured surface. Gently knead it for about eight to ten minutes. You can press it forward with the base of your palm, fold it over, and turn it a bit. Keep repeating this motion until the dough feels soft, smooth, and stretchy. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle only a tiny amount of flour. You want the dough to stay soft. Once it feels elastic, shape it into a round ball.

Step Three: First rise

Put the dough ball back in the bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rest in a warm place for about one hour or until it becomes about twice its size. The dough will rise slowly, and this gentle rise gives the bread a very soft texture. If your kitchen is cold, you can keep the bowl inside a slightly warm oven or near a sunny window.

Step Four: Prepare the filling

While the dough rises, mix the soft butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon powder in a small bowl. Stir everything until well combined. The mixture should look creamy and smell sweet and warm. Set it aside because you will use it soon.

Step Five: Roll out the dough

When the dough has doubled in size, place it again on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it into a long rectangle. The rectangle should have even thickness so the filling spreads nicely. The dough should be soft and easy to work with because the sourdough discard gives it flexibility.

Step Six: Spread the filling

Take your cinnamon sugar butter mixture and spread it evenly over the whole surface of the rolled dough. Make sure every part has some filling so you get delicious sweetness in each bite. Use the back of a spoon or a small spatula to create a smooth and even layer.

Step Seven: Shape the twist

Now gently roll the dough from one long side to the other so it forms a log shape. Keep the roll tight but not too tight. Once the log is ready, use a sharp knife to cut it lengthwise straight through the center. You now have two long strips with the filling showing. Carefully twist the two strips together by crossing one over the other. Continue twisting until you reach the end. This twist shape helps create beautiful layers of cinnamon inside the bread.

Step Eight: Second rise

Place the shaped twist on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover it lightly with a cloth and let it rise again for about thirty minutes. The twist will become a little puffier during this time. This second rise helps the texture become extra soft when baked.

Step Nine: Bake the twist

Heat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit. Once preheated, place the baking tray inside the oven and bake the twist for about twenty to twenty five minutes. The top should turn golden and the smell should fill your home with a wonderful cinnamon aroma. When the twist is done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes.

Step Ten: Glaze the twist

If you enjoy a sweet glaze, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir until it becomes smooth. Then drizzle the glaze slowly over the warm twist. The glaze will melt softly into the bread and add a shiny finish. Let it fully cool before slicing.

Why This Recipe Is Special

This recipe is special because it gives you a way to use your sourdough discard in a very delicious form. Instead of wasting the discard, you transform it into a sweet and beautiful bread. Many people enjoy recipes that help reduce waste while still tasting amazing. Sourdough discard adds a gentle tart flavor that goes perfectly with sugar and cinnamon. The combination creates a balanced taste that is sweet but not too heavy.

The recipe is also special because it is beginner friendly. Even if you have never shaped a twist before, the steps are simple and clear. The dough is soft and easy to understand by touch. You do not need advanced baking skills to make something that looks like a bakery treat. This makes the recipe perfect for families, young bakers, or anyone wanting to try their first sourdough treat.

Another wonderful thing about this recipe is its texture. The twist shape creates layers that become soft on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside. Each bite has a swirl of cinnamon sweetness. This bread can be enjoyed warm from the oven or even the next day. It goes well with tea, coffee, milk, or even eaten alone. The smell alone will make you smile before you even taste it.

Extra Tips for Better Taste

For extra flavor, you can mix a tiny amount of orange zest into the filling. The bright taste of orange goes beautifully with cinnamon and adds a gentle fresh note that makes the twist even more delightful.

If you love a stronger cinnamon taste, you can sprinkle a bit more cinnamon powder over the filling before rolling the dough. This gives the bread an even deeper warm flavor.

You can also add a few raisins or small chopped nuts into the filling. These add texture and create a more exciting bite. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds work very well with cinnamon sugar.

If you want the twist to feel extra soft, brush the top with a little melted butter right after baking. The butter melts into the warm bread and keeps the crust tender.

You can chill the dough for a few hours or even overnight before shaping. This makes the dough easier to handle and deepens the flavor.

Final Thoughts

This sourdough discard sugar cinnamon twist recipe is a joyful baking project that turns simple ingredients into a sweet and comforting treat. It brings warmth to your kitchen, happiness to your table, and a lovely smell to your home. Whether you bake it for yourself, your family, or a special gathering, the result will always feel like a small celebration. The steps are simple, the taste is wonderful, and the process is calming. Everyone can enjoy making this twist bread at any level of experience. I hope this recipe brings you as much delight as it brings many other home bakers around the world.

Nutrition Details

Approximate Nutrition per entire recipe

Calories around one thousand nine hundred
Total fat around sixty grams
Protein around twenty three grams
Carbohydrates around three hundred twenty grams
Sugar around one hundred thirty grams
Fiber around eight grams

Approximate Nutrition per serving (based on eight servings)

Calories around two hundred thirty eight
Total fat around seven and one half grams
Protein around three grams
Carbohydrates around forty grams
Sugar around sixteen grams
Fiber around one gram

These numbers are approximate and can change based on ingredient brands and glaze choice.

Disclaimer

This recipe is for general enjoyment and is not medical advice. Every person has a different body and different reactions to foods. If you have special health needs or allergies, please speak with a health professional. Results and experiences can vary from person to person.