ByDavid
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This Braided Cinnamon Roll is a fun twist on a classic…literally!
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Boo! Here we are at the start of another week. As we wrap up all of the Halloween fun today, it’ll soon be time to turn our attention to turkey, pecan pie and football on the couch. We’re smack in the middle of my favorite time of the year right now. From the beginning of October through the end of December, there’s a steady run of holidays. Holidays mean visiting friends and family. Holidays mean tasty food. Holidays mean fun!
And in addition to Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, we now get to include Robbie’s birthday in this lineup. (He turns 1 on Nov. 19. 1-year-old…already. It feels like we were just bringing the little guy home from the hospital…and now he’s ready to smash his face into a birthday cake. More on that one coming up soon!)
Cinnamon rolls are one of my favorite recipes to make whenever we have company in town. Perhaps it’s because I don’t usually make them when it’s me and Laura. Or perhaps it’s just because they’re delicious! One of my favorites is this Overnight Cinnamon Roll recipe…it’s definitely a keeper. Another favorite are these Maple Cinnamon Rolls that Laura and I discovered on a trip to Vermont a couple of summers ago. So many cinnamon roll options…so little time!
Laura’s parents were in town recently, and I was in the mood for cinnamon rolls. (Heck, I’m always in the mood for cinnamon rolls…but having company in town gave me a good excuse to make a batch!) But I wanted to mix it up a bit. I made abraided Chocolate Peanut Butter Bread a few months back, and I remember thinking I wanted to try this in a cinnamon roll form. I mean who can turn down a tasty Braided Cinnamon Roll?
So I took that Maple Cinnamon Roll recipe, but I changed it up a bit. Instead of cutting the dough into individual cinnamon rolls, I cut the dough lengthwise. Then I just twisted it back and forth keeping the filling on top as I went. (No point in letting all that delicious cinnamon roll filling sit on the bottom of the Braided Cinnamon Roll, right?)
Then I twisted that braid into a circle and baked it up in the oven. Woah! Talk about a fun recipe! This Braided Cinnamon Roll really sprung up once it hit the heat of the oven, and we ended up with a nice, large ring of buttery, cinnamon-y deliciousness. Needless to say, this one was a hit!
I didn’t make this as an overnight recipe, but you could easily adapt this so that the bulk of the work is done the evening before. Once the braid is made, just cover and refrigerate the dough until the next morning. Then just let the dough rise in a warm place the next morning for 30-45 minutes. No matter what time of the day you serve this Braided Cinnamon Roll, I can assure you that it will be a hit! Enjoy!
Braided Cinnamon Roll
ThisBraided Cinnamon Rollis a fun twist on a classic…literally!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour hour 40 minutes minutes
Total Time: 2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 356kcal
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
For the Filling
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1½ Tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Dough
Using a countertop mixer with the paddle attachment, add the flour, sugar, yeast and salt. Stir until well combined.
Add eggs and milk; stir until well combined.
Add butter to the bowl and gradually increase speed to medium. Let mix for 6-7 min, or until dough is very smooth.
Place dough in an oiled bowl and cover with towel or plastic wrap. Place bowl in warm spot until dough has doubled in size (~1 hour).
Fold dough several times and then let sit for 10 more minutes (covered).
Meanwhile, using a small bowl, make the filling by whisking together sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set aside. (Note: The butter will be used later.)
On a well-floured countertop, roll the dough into a 8”x22” rectangle.
Brush the dough with the melted butter. Sprinkle the surface with Filling mixture, leaving a ½” border on all sides.
Starting with one of the long edges, roll dough into a cylinder and pinch edges together to seal.
Slice dough lengthwise to create two halves. Twist two halves together, keeping the cut-side of both pieces up as you twist.
Shape twisted dough into circle, pinching two ends together to seal.
Place dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover lightly and let rest for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a small bowl, whisk egg together egg with 1 Tbsp of water. Brush top of dough with egg wash. (Note: You will only use ~½ of the egg wash.) Generously sprinkle top of dough with chopped pecans and sparkling sugar.
Bake crescent at 375°F for 24-26 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
While crescent is baking, combine Glaze ingredients in a small bowl; whisk together until well combined.
Once crescent is fully baked, let cool for 5 minutes and then drizzle with Glaze before serving.
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David – what a fantastically brilliant idea to take that Maple Cinnamon Roll recipe and braid it! As a yeast-challenged individual, I’m blown away by this gorgeous braid in wreath form! You know what – next time we come to visit, I vote you make these rolls – deal? 🙂
Wow – time sure has flown – hard to believe y’alls adorable munchkin will be turning 1 soon! Cannot wait to hear and see what Smash Cake you make for him!
BTW – if y’all trick or treating with him today, hope y’all stay safe and warm – that is unless y’all are having a heat wave like we are!Reply
I will absolutely make this cinnamon roll braid for you next time you visit, Shashi! Actually, check that. I will make YOU make it. I’m going to get you over that fear of yeast…mainly because yeasted breads (and desserts!) are awesome once you get the hang of it! 🙂
Definitely no heat wave here…it was in the upper 20’s this morning. But we are heading to 60 today which is pretty much unheard of in November…so I’ll take it! We took Robbie out to just a couple of neighbors houses, but then got him in bed by his early bedtime still. We ended up just leaving candy on the frontporch so that they doorbell wouldn’t keep ringing…but some kid stole it all. Ugh!
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Whoa! I love cinnamon rolls too and you’ve certainly taken it up a notch with this braided roll! I agree, though, I don’t often make them when it’s just me and my husband, either. They MUST be eaten fresh and I don’t need all that temptation around me anyway, lol 😀
That’s so exciting that your little one is turning 1!! Time does fly by fast…too fast. Enjoy every moment, right? Happy Halloween! Hope you guys have a blast 🙂Reply
I’m right there with ya, Dawn…I love cinnamon rolls, but they have to be eaten fresh. You can always zap ’em in the microwave for a couple of seconds, but that just doesn’t quite do it. That’s why I’m always anticipating company coming to town because that gives me an excuse to make cinnamon rolls! 🙂 Thanks, my friend!
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Hi David! There’s nothing like the smell of fresh, hot cinnamon rolls! This “wreath” is perfect for Christmas morning! Maybe tint a little frosting and pipe a few holly leaves and berries…how festive would that be!
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I could not agree with you more, Dorothy! The smell of fresh, hot cinnamon rolls will have me running…no matter where I am! 🙂 Ohhh…I like where you are going with this! That would be so fun to make this cinnamon roll wreath and then add some holly and berries with icing. Santa’s gonna love this one this year! Haha!
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I can’t believe that Robbie is already 1! Where did the time go? This is such a fun idea and new twist on the cinnamon roll! I really wish I had one right now.
Tell me about it! How is he almost 1 already? Time flies…and so do pigs apparently. 🙂 Anyways, I’ll tell you what. You bring the beer and I’ll bring the cinnamon rolls, mmkay? Deal?
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The Holiday season is quickly approaching, looks like you are giving us a head start with this braided Cinnamon Roll. I’ve always been a fan of braided bread. I’ve never braided anything other than hair, and since I’m pretty good at that I should be able to knock this recipe out with no problem 🙂
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Oh yeah! I’m always one to get a head start on holiday baking, Mary! 🙂 Oh my gosh, you should totally make a braided bread sometime. They are so fun to make! I guess you have to be a nerd like me to think that…but they really are pretty darn cool! Hope you had an awesome Halloween my friend! Oh, and I hope you have some Thanksgiving crafts up your sleeve over there…
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Crazy how time flies and that Robbie is coming up on 1 year already! Cinnamon rolls are always welcomed and then you go and braid and twist that homemade goodness together… I could go for a slice or three. 🙂
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Tell me about it, Kevin! 1 year old already! (Well, almost…) Anyways, this cinnamon roll braid was a ton of fun to make…and of course to eat, too. Hope you guys had an awesome Halloween out there on the West Coast!
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What are you saying, David? One gigantic cinnamon roll with pecans? Hell yes! I like this season too; however, it’s so hard to resist all that delicious food. It’s also so hard to get rid of the “results” of all that consumed food. But you didn’t mention another symbol of this time – gifts! Btw, I’ve already sent to you your Christmas gift. Hint: perhaps, you should do this as well. I’ll help you. I’ll give you a list of the recipes from your blog I’d love to try, and you can pick some of your choice (We don’t want to ruin my surprise:) How does this sound?
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You know what, Ben? Stop resisting! Just go for all that delicious food, I say! You can always diet in January and February. 🙂 Wait…you already sent my gift to me? I did get a shipment notification in my email the other day…was that from you? You shouldn’t have! I’ll return the favor today!
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I am always in the mood for cinnamon rolls too! God this looks so delicious! I want, I want!!
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Haha…thanks, Manali! I am also always (always!) in the mood for cinnamon rolls. Bring ’em on! 🙂
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Oh My!! This looks so amazingly delicious! I cannot make any kind of cinnamon rolls unless I have company because I will totally eat way too many of them.
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Yeah, I’m right there with ya, Lakita! I actually plan ahead when company is coming because it gives me a chance to make delicious things that I wouldn’t otherwise make…like cinnamon rolls! 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
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Hi David, it’s my favorite time of the year too. Love this extra special cinnamon roll. Can’t wait to see what you make for Robbie’s bday.
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Thank you so much, Cheri! We are absolutely heading into the best time of the year. It gets a little hectic, but man it’s all worth it when you finally get to sit down and spend time with family and friends. 🙂 Stay tuned for more about Robbie’s birthday…it’s coming up in a few weeks!
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This is so, SO pretty! I can definitely see curling up with a slice of this and a cup of hot cocoa for the coziest morning ever. Your baking skills never cease to impress me!
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Oh man, your baking skills never cease to impress me, too, Mara! Funny how that works, right? 🙂 I say get in the kitchen and make one of these cinnamon rolls this weekend. But make sure to invite some friends (or tailgaters!) over…otherwise you’ll find yourself eating the whole darned thing by yourself. Haha! Hope you had an amazing Halloween, my friend!
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I love making cinnamon rolls too. I like the change you made to the cinnamon rolls. Beautiful presentation!
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Thanks so much, Dawn! I actually had a blast making this huge cinnamon roll twist…but I had to time it for when company was in town to help me eat it all! 🙂
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This looks amazing! And what a great start to the official holiday season! I love Halloween, but there’s nothing worse for an elementary school than having Halloween fall on a Monday….except for the Tuesday that follows! Oh the kiddos will be all out of sorts today. Maybe I should stay home and bake some braided cinnamon roll! 🙂
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Oh gosh…you are totally right! I didn’t think about the troubles that come with Halloween falling on a Monday. All the kiddos get uber-amped for Monday, and then they fall off the cliff…but there is still a whole week left! I definitely vote for staying home and baking cinnamon rolls. 🙂
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Whoaaaa where did time go? Little Robbie is turning one soon and it’s gonna be a big celebration. You definitely start the holiday season early with this cinnamon roll. But who can wait if this roll looks so damn good!
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Yeah, tell me about it, Linda! I’ve been wondering the same thing…how can Robbie be almost 1 already? It seems like yesterday that I had my hospital bag packed and sitting by the back door! I love me a good cinnamon roll…and this braided twist is perfect for holiday visitors! Thanks!
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Oh my, this looks amazing! I love cinnamon anything… and now I must make this! As soon as I have an excuse to make it I will – because I don’t think I can be trusted if I just make this for myself! haha
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Yes! I love cinnamon, too, Nicole…so cinnamon rolls in any form are one of my favorites of all time. This braid/twist is perfect for holiday visitors. Well, you could make it without visitors, but there is way too big of a chance that you might eat it all by yourself…trust me. I speak from experience when it comes to fresh cinnamon rolls! 🙂
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Wait…How is the little guy ONE already?! I swear it was just yesterday you were telling me that Laura was pregnant!
Ahhh this is really the time of the year for all the good food- Thinking about it makes those 5.45am workouts even more manageable. Just kidding, I’ll make this and consider the braiding aspect as a workout.
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Oh man, it FEELS like just yesterday that I was telling you Laura was pregnant. Time flies. Or is that pigs that fly? Either way, I can’t believe the little dude is almost ready for his first birthday cake! Also, it’s 4:45 workouts. Get it right, mate. 😉 But yes, the braiding here totally counts as a workout. So does the curling the cinnamon roll from the table to your mouth! Hah!
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How is your little one 1 already? That has gone so quickly, but even quicker for you I imagine.
We always have some kind of cinnamon bake for breakfast on Christmas, and I usually just buy it. This year I am going to make it and it might have to be this one.Reply
Oh yeah, that first year just flies by…and you guys are totally about to find that out! So our kids will actually have birthdays pretty close to one another. Fun! 🙂 Also, you definitely should make this one for Christmas visitors…it’s really not that hard to make at all, and it’s SO darned tasty. Thanks, Dannii!!
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