If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s both simple and irresistibly flavorful, this Cinnamon Twists Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine golden, flaky puff pastry ribbons brushed with butter, generously coated in warm cinnamon sugar, and baked to crispy perfection. These twists strike the perfect balance between sweet and buttery, making them an ideal snack, dessert, or even a cozy breakfast companion. They’re so easy to whip up yet taste like something you’d find in a fancy bakery. Let me take you through how to create these charming little pastries that quickly become an all-time favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of ingredients, this Cinnamon Twists Recipe relies on simple staples to deliver maximum flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the puff pastry gives you those flaky layers, butter adds richness, and the cinnamon sugar blend creates that signature warm sweetness.

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: Provides a buttery, flaky base that puffs up beautifully in the oven.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and helps the cinnamon sugar stick for that golden finish.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the twists while caramelizing slightly during baking.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Gives the twists their warm, cozy flavor that fills the kitchen.
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Enhances the sweetness with a subtle, fragrant depth.
1 egg (for egg wash): Brushed on to create a beautiful golden-brown glaze.
1 tablespoon water: Mixed with egg to make the perfect egg wash consistency.

How to Make Cinnamon Twists Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cinnamon twists bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze. Having everything ready upfront keeps the process smooth.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and if you’re using it, the vanilla extract. This mixture not only sweetens the twists but infuses a lovely aroma that will fill your kitchen. Mixing it beforehand is key to sprinkling an even coating later on.

Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Lightly flour your workspace to prevent sticking and roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 10×12-inch rectangle. This step is important for getting the ideal size and shape, ensuring your twists bake evenly and look uniform.

Step 4: Butter and Sprinkle

Brush the entire surface of the rolled puff pastry with the melted butter—this creates a luscious base that helps the cinnamon sugar adhere perfectly. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surface so every bite has that delicious sweet-spicy flavor.

Step 5: Fold and Cut

Fold the puff pastry sheet in half lengthwise to trap the sugar inside. Gently press down the fold to keep it together, then slice the folded dough into 10–12 strips, about 1 inch wide. This folding step is what creates those beautiful layered twists bursting with cinnamon sugar.

Step 6: Twist and Arrange

Take each strip and twist it several times to reveal the cinnamon layers. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, making sure there’s enough space between each twist to puff properly without sticking together.

Step 7: Apply Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk together the egg and water to create a quick wash, then brush it generously over each twist. This will give you that perfect golden-brown finish. Bake your twists for 15–18 minutes until they’re crisp, puffed, and stunningly golden.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, allow the twists to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. This short rest helps them crisp up even more and makes handling easier without losing their flaky texture.

How to Serve Cinnamon Twists Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and a hint of extra sweetness. For an indulgent twist, drizzle a light glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the top. If you want to surprise your guests, chopped nuts like pecans or almonds sprinkled on while the glaze is still wet give a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon twists pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy hot chocolate. If serving for breakfast or brunch, fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream on the side complements the spices beautifully without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

Arranging cinnamon twists in a spiral on a cake stand or stacking them in a rustic basket gives a charming, inviting look. For parties, try serving them alongside small ramekins of honey, cream cheese frosting, or fruit preserves for dipping to make the experience interactive and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any twists left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and maintains their crispiness without becoming soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cinnamon twists by preparing them up to the twist-and-place step, then popping them into a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When ready, bake them directly from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To revive stored twists, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This method crisps them back up beautifully without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry for this Cinnamon Twists Recipe?

Absolutely! Crescent roll dough will give you a softer, less flaky texture but still delicious. Just handle it carefully since it’s more delicate than puff pastry.

Is it necessary to use the vanilla extract?

Vanilla extract is optional but highly recommended. It adds a lovely depth to the cinnamon sugar mixture that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering it.

How long do cinnamon twists stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, cinnamon twists stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature. After that, they’re best enjoyed reheated to bring back their crispness.

Can I make the twists vegan?

To make a vegan version, use a plant-based butter alternative and substitute the egg wash with a mixture of almond milk and maple syrup for a similar golden finish.

What is the best way to cut the pastry strips evenly?

Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter works best for clean, even strips. Measuring the width beforehand helps keep each twist uniform in size and ensures even baking.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Twists Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to treats whenever I want something sweet yet fuss-free. The way the flaky pastry wraps around that warm cinnamon sugar blend is pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re sharing with family, offering guests a cozy snack, or sneaking one during a quiet afternoon, these twists never disappoint. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite indulgence!

Cinnamon Twists Recipe

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3.8 from 34 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 10–12 twists 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cinnamon Twists are a deliciously simple dessert featuring flaky puff pastry coated with a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture. These golden-brown twists are perfect for a sweet snack or a festive treat, offering a delightful combination of crispy layers and warm cinnamon flavor. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, they come together quickly and bake to perfection in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Egg Wash

1 egg
1 tablespoon water

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare pan. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Mix cinnamon sugar. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and the optional vanilla extract to create the flavorful cinnamon sugar mixture.
Roll out the pastry. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 10×12-inch rectangle to provide the foundation for your twists.
Apply butter and cinnamon sugar. Brush the entire surface of the pastry with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top, allowing each bite to have that perfect cinnamon sweetness.
Fold and cut the pastry. Fold the sheet in half lengthwise and gently press down to seal. Cut the folded pastry into 10–12 strips, about 1 inch wide each, which will form your twists.
Twist and arrange. Take each strip and twist it several times to create a spiral effect. Place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for even baking and puffing.
Prepare and apply egg wash. Whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl, then brush this wash over each twist to achieve a shiny, golden finish as they bake.
Bake the twists. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes until the twists are puffed up and golden brown.
Cool and serve. Remove from oven and let the cinnamon twists cool slightly before serving to enjoy their perfect texture and flavor.

Notes

For extra sweetness, drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk once cooled.
You can substitute puff pastry with crescent roll dough for a softer texture.
Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts before folding adds a delightful crunch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American